Stars twinkled above him and he sat up. It was nearly time for him to take over the watch. He headed to where he knew Colter was on duty.
As he neared the spot, the moonlight reflect blood red off something on the ground. He stepped closer and found Danni asleep in the dirt with her head atop her arm, her hand ungloved, the ruby ring shining in the dim light.
Powerful feelings welled up within him and he suddenly recognized that she meant more to him than a simple fulfillment of duty. He yearned to help her realize the strength he saw within her and become all she was destined to be. She truly was Goodness. She possessed every quality in the legend—kindness, a deep love and care for all people, untarnished purity, and a willingness to grow through her hardships. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever known—and the beauty he found inside far surpassed her obvious outward beauty. How could he give her back to James when the time came? In that moment it seemed an impossible task.
He stepped nearer.
“She is asleep.” Nathan hadn’t noticed Colter who sat on a log where he had likely kept watch.
“I see that. Why is she on the ground?”
“She was distressed so she left her tent. We talked, then she fell asleep right there.”
“Why did you not send her back to her tent?”
“I told her to go but she refused. I didn’t wish to argue with the heir of the Great Kingdom.”
Nathan shook his head. “Thank you for speaking with her, I am sure she needed it. You should get some sleep now. It is time for me to take the watch.”
When Colter left them, Nathan knelt beside Danni. She seemed so peaceful that he didn’t wish to wake her, though he knew the ground wasn’t nearly as comfortable without the bedding in her tent.
“Danni.” She stirred when he spoke her name.
She blinked up at him and smiled. “It is good to see you, Nathan.”
“It is a pleasure to see you as well, but why do I find you in a pile of dirt in the middle of the night?”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“I see. You couldn’t sleep in your cozy tent, so you came out to find comfort on the cold, hard ground?”
Her nose crinkled and she laughed. “It does sound foolish when you speak that way.”
“Yes.” Though he would have enjoyed her company during his watch, he knew she needed to rest—and talking with her through the night might not be wise considering his newly discovered feelings. “You should get some decent sleep tonight.” He held his hands out to help her stand.
She sat up and placed her hands in his. Their warmth reaffirmed the feelings he had for her—ones he probably shouldn’t have, but which he couldn’t deny. He closed his hands around hers to pull her up, and his palm, under his left thumb, closed over her uncovered ring.
Fire, more intense than he could have imagined, exploded across his hand and continued to burn though he had released his hold on her. He clenched his jaw to keep from crying out and shook his hand to ease the pain.
“Oh, Nathan! Forgive me. I forgot I wasn’t wearing gloves!” She took his hand into her palm. With her finger, she traced the angry oval mark branded there.
“I see why your ancestors didn’t wear that ring.” He spoke through gritted teeth, shocked that the pain lingered so long.
Her hand trembled as she held his. She looked into his eyes and her lips parted. She brought his palm up and pressed her lips against his burn. Through the pain he felt the warmth of her skin. Her ring seemed to glow and a cool tingle spread across his palm. It soothed the burn and filled his entire being with peace. He couldn’t help but sigh.
She pulled away and glanced at his palm. He did, too, expecting to see charred flesh. To his amazement, his hand was whole, as it had been before the ring touched it. He turned it, balled it into a fist, then released it.
Danni stood so close to him that he could hear her rapid breathing, and he found himself once again lost in wonder at how remarkable she was. “Thank you,” he whispered.
She bit her lip and ducked her eyes.
He reached out and touched her flushed cheek, then let his hand continue to the nape of her neck. He leaned in, unable to resist his deep emotions, then brushed his lips against hers. Their softness encouraged him and he deepened the kiss. She returned it with a timid passion.
When he pulled away, she kept her eyes closed and her lips slightly open. Then she sighed.
He wanted to kiss her again, but knew he shouldn’t. He still had a duty to fulfill, and giving in to his emotions would make it harder for him to fulfill that duty. If he lost his focus and fell desperately in love with her as he wanted to, it might cloud his ability to safely lead them. Aside from that, his best friend had loved her first.
“Danni.”
She opened her eyes when he said her name. “Yes?”
Oh, how he yearned to kiss her again. “You should return to your tent.”
“Yes…” Her gaze dropped to her feet and disappoint-ment laced her voice. “I suppose I should. Good night then, Nathan.”
“Good night, Danni.”
Chapter 16
Dawn came far too early for Danni. She couldn’t even lift her eyelids and desired to remain in her tent for another full day. However, she did not wish to slow the others down because she hadn’t been able to sleep, so she mustered her strength and crawled from her blankets.
She emerged from her tent and saw the men beginning to rise. She yawned, then went to help Edward and Garin—who seemed well recovered—begin breakfast preparations.
“You needn’t help us with the meal, Princess.” Garin took the pot she had picked up.
“Yes.” Edward inclined his head. “We can manage.”
She glared at them. “Just because it turns out that I am supposed to fulfill some great legend, does not mean I am any different than I was yesterday. Please, let me help you.”
“If you insist, Your Highness.”
She would not have them treat her any different. “Call me Danni.”
Garin swallowed. “All right Danni. I suppose you may help us if you desire.”
She rolled her eyes and took the pot back from him. Edward frowned, but stepped aside when she moved to help prepare the meal.
Peter shuffled over to them, his limp more pronounced with the stiffness of morning. He yawned, then glanced at Danni. He stopped, his eyes open wide. “Why are you preparing breakfast?” He reached out. “I can help.”
Colter came over next. He pushed his startled brother out of the way and continued past Danni with a smile. “I said my piece last night. I will still treat you the same as I did yesterday.”
“Are we treating Danni differently today?” Will hollered from where he rolled up his bedding.
Danni felt her face redden. “No. We are not. I am still me.”
“Of course you are still you, but with more power!” Will winked at her and took the bowl she hadn’t realize she had pointed at him like a weapon.
Nathan came around the bushes with Lane, his face freshly shaved. He glanced at her, then turned away and went to sit beside Will.
Unconsciously Danni’s hand went to her lips as she remembered his kiss the night before. It had sent tingles all the way to her toes. His lips had been soft and tender, yet she had felt the desire he held in check.
She had desired him too, even though she knew she shouldn’t. James was supposed to be her love. She had once imagined herself marrying him and being his queen. Everything was so different now. James knew nothing of her part in the legend. He believed her to be a helpless princess who would stand faithfully behind him while he ruled his kingdom. The legend said she would be far more than that. She would rule both kingdoms united and be even greater than James himself.
Perhaps James would despise her supremacy and no longer love her when he learned of her destiny. She doubted he would ever be able to see her as someone with strength as Nathan saw her.
Nathan had heard the legend and expressed his confid
ence in her ability. He believed in her and acknowledged her strength. He was a great leader who could help her fulfill her destined role and wouldn’t hold her back as James likely would. And he cared for her. He had let down his emotional guard after she healed him and given her a glimpse into his heart.
She had seen pain and fear from his tragic past, loyalty and dedication to every just and righteous cause, and his intense feelings toward her. For that instant she had felt a nearness that bound them together with a power stronger than her ability to heal or protect—a power that could sustain them in their fateful journey.
She watched Nathan chew his lip beside Will as though aware of her gaze, but he did not glance back. He seemed content to ignore her after sending her away the night before. Perhaps she had misunderstood him. His dispassionate behavior shouldn’t have mattered, but it did—it hurt.
Lane hadn’t continued on with Nathan. Instead, he stared at her and said nothing. She knew he was quiet, but his silence unnerved her. Perhaps he doubted her ability to succeed or was surprised that she was the one.
A pained expression crossed his face for a brief moment, then it was gone. “I am honored to be at your service, Princess.”
She bit her lip, not really sure why his approval meant so much to her. Maybe it was because of his kinship with Nathan, or his reserved nature that made her yearn for his acceptance. Whatever it was, it felt nice.
Warm arms encircled her. “Somehow I knew you would be the one, child.” Doc drew her to him and kissed her forehead. When he released her, his eyes gleamed with an almost father-like pride—the same look her father had given her nearly every day before he died.
The group ate their meal and spoke little.
“Peter, Colter.” Nathan set down his bowl when he finished. “You were both on guard duty last night. I need scouts today, but I need them to be fresh. Lane, Edward, I would like you to go instead.”
Lane and Edward nodded their heads in unison.
“Lane, take the front. You should make it to the city Roater in little more than an hour on a horse. Make sure it is safe for Danni to enter.” He didn’t look at her. “We haven’t time to skirt about it and we need to resupply. Meet back with us before we arrive there.”
“Consider it done.” Lane went to his bedroll, and packed up.
“Edward,” Nathan continued. “Retrace our steps for a while and watch for any sign of the army. Catch up within three hours so we are together to enter the city.”
“All right.” He left to ready himself and a horse.
Nathan gazed around the remaining group, but avoided Danni. “The rest of you, pack up, and be ready in half an hour.” He left to pack up.
Danni groaned and battled her mixed emotions and her feelings for him. He had kissed her the night before, but now completely ignored her. Perhaps he regretted the kiss. She shook her head and went to her tent to pack her belongings.
Thirty minutes later, she joined the others and they set out for Roater. She felt ill at the thought of entering another city, so she sped up to catch Nathan who was in the lead and moved quite a bit faster than usual. Then she remembered that he wanted nothing to do with her, so she slowed down. Perhaps he was hiding behind duty again. With that hope in her heart, she sped up and nearly ran to catch his long strides.
He gave her only a brief glance.
She huffed from frustration and from the effort it took to keep pace with him. He didn’t slow down.
“Nathan,” she panted his name.
“Yes?”
“Are you angry with me?”
“No, Danni. I am not.”
“Then why will you not even look at me when I speak?”
His jaw clenched, then his pace slowed and he turned to her. “Now I am looking. What do you wish to speak about?”
“Perhaps about last night.”
His eyes darted to her lips and back. “I have no desire to speak about last night.”
“Because you are angry?”
“No.” He stepped forward again.
Danni let out an unlady-like growl and was pleased to see that it brought his gaze back to her.
“Nate, are you quarreling with the heir to the Marselon throne?” Will teased, then he bowed to Danni, passed them, and headed out in the lead.
“Be respectful, Will,” Doc scolded from behind.
“I am,” Will called back. “I bowed to Danni and refrained from hitting Nate. For me, that is respect.”
Doc chuckled, inclined his head to Danni, and passed them. Then he glared at Nathan. “Be respectful, too, son.”
Nathan’s cheeks flushed.
“What did he mean by that?” she asked when Doc had moved on.
Nathan slowed his pace even more so that she could stroll leisurely. Peter, Colter, and Garin passed them with the pack horses. “Perhaps he meant to remind me that my behavior toward you was not appropriate. I apologize for it.”
Danni stopped. “Do you say that because it is your duty or do you mean it?” She hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, but her words came out bitterly. She couldn’t understand his brashness toward her that morning when the night before had been wonderful.
“I dare not think of anything but my duty at the moment.” He stopped as well and rubbed his hands across his face. “You want me to speak about last night? Then I will. Last night I realized how amazing you are and how much,” he swallowed, “how much I may have grown to care for you. You truly are the most marvelous woman I have ever met. I wish we had met under different circumstances so that I might explore those feelings, but as it is you are my best friend’s love and I have been ordered to return you safely to him. I fear that my feelings for you will cloud my judgment and perhaps render me a useless leader. Apart from that, it hurts too much to think of you beyond my duty to return you to him. There. I spoke about last night.”
She blinked several times. She had not expected him to share such personal thoughts with her. “Nathan, I...”
He opened his mouth as if to say more, then clamped it shut. Then he blinked and turned away. “We shouldn’t fall behind.”
He started forward again, but she grasped his arm. “Nathan?”
“Yes?”
She yearned to tell him of her budding feelings toward him, but knew that might make it harder for him to do what he felt he needed to do. “Will you please at least treat me kindly while you sort through your feelings?”
He frowned and touched a lock of her hair. “Forgive me, Danni. I never meant to treat you poorly. Let me get you safely home, then we can see what else might happen between us.”
Her heart fluttered a little bit. “All right. You are forgiven.”
“Thank you.” He said no more, but that was all right for he had shared so much more with her than she had ever imagined he would.
Chapter 17
Two hours later, Nathan still traveled beside Danni. He knew he had hurt her with his stiffness earlier, but he had to keep his distance and be who James needed him to be—the faithful soldier and friend who returned the princess to him.
Confusing thoughts and emotions spun through his head. He knew his feelings for Danni were forbidden. James loved her and had entrusted her to his care, yet his feelings for her grew stronger with each step they traveled.
“Nate!” Peter’s call pulled him from his thoughts. “Roater is ahead. Should we proceed?”
Nathan saw the line of trees protecting the city on the hill before him. His thoughts had made him lose track of time. A glance at the sun’s position told him it had been over three hours since they departed that morning. Lane and Edward should have rejoined them by then.
A movement ahead caught his eye. He saw Lane’s dark head bobbing along with the horse’s gallop.
Lane drew near, and Nathan called to him.
“All is well,” Lane replied. “The city is safe.”
“Good.” He patted Lane on the back when he dismounted, then turned to the others. “Spread out through the city
as we have done in the others. Doc and Garin, buy the supplies you need. If Edward catches up with us, he can join you. Danni,” he glanced her way and nearly lost his focus, “stay beside me.”
“All right.” She pulled her hood low to shade her eyes.
They climbed the hill and approached the city gate. The guard glanced at them, and they passed under the stone archway into the city.
People bustled about engrossed in lively conversations. Shops and markets lined the streets and Nathan knew Doc and Garin would have no trouble finding the supplies they needed.
“Nathan?” Danni’s head swiveled about as she examined all the items for sale in the street.
“Yes?”
She paused, as though unsure if she dared speak with him. A peddler went past them with a wagon filled with flowers and herbs. She watched it pass. “May I speak personally with you for a moment?”
He had said all he dared say to her earlier. She couldn’t expect more of him. He took a deep breath and released it. “Yes, you may.”
“Nathan, I am afraid.”
He stopped. That was not what he expected her to say. “There is no need to fear. The city is safe.”
“That is not what I mean. I am afraid of my future.”
He nodded. After hearing her version of the legend, he could understand her trepidation. There was much ahead for her, and this journey was only the beginning.
He stepped down the cobblestone road again, and she followed. “Fear will not help you. Strength and hope will. You are young and timid, but you are not weak. You can face whatever challenges lay ahead.” He looked sideways and their gazes met. He saw moisture sparkle in her eyes. “I know you can do this, Danni. It is what you were born to do and you have the strength inside you to do it. You have more strength and goodness than you will ever know.”
“My father knew it would be me.” Her voice was no more than a whisper. “Just before he died on the palace steps, he said, You must discover who you are. Now I know.”
The Power of The Ruby Ring Page 8