Viktor reached out and touched Adam’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault. Mom will understand.”
“I promised her! Would you break a promise to her?”
Viktor’s hand jerked back. “No, not if I could help it. But how could you know this would happen? There’s not much you can do about it.”
“I couldn’t predict it, but I should have expected it. I had plans in place for when we were on the road but did nothing to ensure he was secure here.” Adam closed his eyes and groaned. “I have to find him. I won’t go home without him.”
“We’ll write to Mom and tell her—”
“Viktor, please!”
Bran and Viktor stared at Adam, who looked ready for a fight.
“What’s got you so riled?” Viktor asked. “What’s really wrong?”
“You all think I’m Mom’s favorite, but that’s not it. She thinks I’m weak. She watches over me and gives me extra help because she thinks I’m not as capable as the rest of you,” Adam said, the hurt showing in his eyes.
Bran wished to comfort him, but he knew nothing of their family. He had no idea what to say.
“That isn’t true,” Viktor said. “Just let him go and do as you please. We’ll keep an eye out here and recapture him if he’s still around. There’s no need for you to do this to yourself.”
“Then you won’t help me?” Adam asked.
“I’ll have to talk to Vane Godwin first, but this isn’t about my willingness to help. It’s about the pointlessness of it.”
“Didn’t you hear me, Adam?” Bran said. “I said I’d help you. I don’t even need permission. I only need to tell my commander.”
“But I have to go after him. I’m not sure how far I may have to search. How long I’ll be gone,” Adam said.
“If he’s truly left the area, then we can pursue him. But we have to start here,” Bran said.
Adam looked ready to either laugh or cry in relief. “Thank you so much,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I’ll let you get dressed. I’ll pack my things and meet you back here.” He turned on his heels and strode away briskly.
Viktor stared after him. “This is absurd,” he muttered.
“If it matters to him, I’m glad to help,” Bran said.
Viktor turned to him. “Thank you, but you don’t have to.”
“I want to.”
After staring at Bran a moment, Viktor half smiled. “Did you have a good time last night?”
“Yes, I did. But I have no intention of seducing your brother, I promise.”
“He asked about you the moment he arrived. I told him to keep it in his pants but felt sure he wouldn’t listen.”
“What?”
Viktor crossed his arms. “Why do you think I came straight here?”
“You saw us together last night. I assumed that you had, well, assumed.”
Viktor looked back in the direction Adam had gone. “I need to talk to him. I don’t understand what he’s so worked up about.”
“Keeping a promise to a mother he loves. One he believes isn’t proud of him. Or something like that.”
Viktor shook his head. “What he said is wrong. Very wrong. Mom adores him. Keeps him close because she’s scared of losing him. He’s not the oldest or the youngest, yet he’s special to her. I have no idea what put those ideas in his head.”
“Either way, I’d be honored to help him keep his word to her.”
Viktor turned to him slowly. “He was coming here to take a walk with you at what he would usually call an ‘unholy hour.’ Seems he’s finally seen the value of talking to a man instead of just trying to get him on his back.”
“We met two days ago. It’s nothing that significant.”
“It only takes a moment,” Viktor said, grinning and then walking away. “Better get dressed,” he called over his shoulder. “He’s quick when he has his mind set to something.”
Bran watched Viktor stroll away, wondering what he’d just gotten himself into.
* * * *
Adam laced up his duffel bag and gave his room one finally look. Then he rechecked his saddle bag and threw it over his right shoulder, hefting the other bag in his left hand. When he turned to leave, he found Viktor leaning in the doorway.
“If you aren’t going to help, we’ll have to talk later.” He tried to move around Viktor, but his brother wouldn’t let him.
“Why do you think Mom sees you as weak?” Viktor asked.
“You wouldn’t understand. She brags about you. Even as she says she wouldn’t have chosen the military for you, she boasts about how you’ve made your own way within the law. How you made good without anyone else’s help. And Klaus, who isn’t even a good highwayman, gets bragged on. He’s known throughout the land, and she’s proud of that.”
“How do you know she doesn’t brag about you? It’s not something you do when the person is around,” Viktor said.
“What is there to brag about besides the fact I obey her and do things to help her?”
Viktor shook his head and laughed. “What mother wouldn’t want that and be pleased by it?”
“I can’t make you understand. Just let me go.”
Viktor moved aside. “Yes, Bran is waiting for you.”
Adam paused, pressing his lips together. “What did you say to him?”
“I came looking for you, not to chat with him.”
“You know what I mean.” He paused. “Have you warned him off?”
“No.”
Adam hesitated again. “Was he offended you went looking for me in his bed?”
“Surprised, I guess. Perhaps a little put off by my assumption. But it’s nothing to do with you.” Viktor paused. “He said you two had a good time. That he took you to your bed and then went to his own.”
“Yes, he was a perfect gentleman.”
“And were you surprised how much you liked that?”
Adam tilted his head. “What are you getting at? I’m accepting his help because I need it.”
Viktor smiled. “Who said anything about why you were accepting his help?”
“I like him. Very much. I’ve made that clear since I got here, so I’m not sure why you’re having a laugh at me for it. But I have other concerns now. I wanted to fuck him, and still do, but I’ll live without doing so. You can never have too many capable and honorable friends.”
“He is honorable. He was all admiration about your devotion to Mom.”
“Viktor, stop. I don’t feel like being teased. This means something to me, and I don’t care if no one else gets it.”
“Bran gets it. That’s what I’m trying to say if you’ll stop being defensive and really listen to me.”
“Well, I think you’re saying it to imply that I’ve finally met my match or whatever you want to call it. We aren’t going to fall madly in love while trying to find my asshole brother.” He paused. “We might fuck, and I’d love that, but that’s it. He’s great, but this isn’t an epic poem. Vena isn’t looking down on us and plotting our happy ending.”
“I wasn’t implying any of that. I just meant he gets why your promise to your mother is important.” Viktor grinned. “All those ideas were yours, little brother.” He backed out of the room. “I’ll send word if there’s news. Tell the lads in the stables which way you two are heading.”
“Viktor!”
“What?” he said, turning slightly and stopping.
The words came tumbling out. “All I want is what you have. To be happy outside of all of our family’s shit.”
Viktor gave him a wistful smile this time. “Then just be ready for that happiness when it comes for you.” He turned again and walked away.
Adam opened his mouth, but this time he couldn’t find any words. He headed back for Bran’s room, feeling unsure of himself yet knowing he had no other choice. He had to find Garrick—failure simply wasn’t something he could accept this time.
* * * *
Bran had packed what he needed in a couple of bags an
d left his trunk with Viktor in case his troop moved on before they returned. They’d searched all day and found no trace of Garrick and no clues as to where he might’ve headed. The city watch hadn’t had reports of any significant thefts, so Garrick probably didn’t even have a horse. Despite the lack of clues, Adam wanted to pursue him, so now Bran headed for the stables to prepare to set out. They wouldn’t get far with only a couple of hours of daylight left, but Adam insisted he simply couldn’t wait.
The younger man had been unsmiling and fretful all day. Bran had tried to make him laugh and smile, but he hadn’t had much success. He’d never been great at telling jokes or anything, but he felt he’d done all right. The change in Adam worried him. Bran knew he could be pretty intense himself when something weighed on him, but he’d never been quite this focused.
Bran walked into the stable and saw Adam readying his horse. “He’s a magnificent animal,” he said as he moved to saddle Ghost, his white stallion. Ghost didn’t seem that pleased about heading out this late in the day, so Bran slipped him a carrot first.
“He’s wonderful. A gift from my father a few years ago.”
“A marvelous gift, indeed.”
Adam led Beast out of his stall. “My parents do love me. I just don’t fit in. My family … it’s just as Viktor’s probably told you. We deserve our reputation.”
“It’s not your reputation, it’s theirs. And I wasn’t trying to pry with that remark. I’m sorry. We have a job to do.” He turned back to Ghost and set to work. After a few minutes, he felt Adam standing behind him.
“No need to apologize. I’ll try not to be so defensive.”
Bran turned around and smiled. “It’s fine. You have lots of older siblings. I get it.”
“I’m so grateful you’re helping me.”
“I’m glad to do it. A promise to a mother means a lot.”
“You have any siblings?”
Bran shook his head. “Nope. Just me.”
“Sounds great.”
“It is, but it’s a lot of pressure.” He turned and rubbed Ghost’s neck. “And you and Viktor seem close.”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t trade him for anything, but … big families are crazy. Literally.”
Bran chuckled. “I’m sure. You’ll have to share stories as we ride. I’ve heard a few from Viktor.”
“Any featuring me?”
“I don’t think so. Hard to remember. He’s told a couple about Garrick. Some about the one who’s a highwayman. One about your sister Erza.”
Adam almost smiled then. “Erza’s something else. She could pick me up with one hand. Captains her own ship.”
Bran raised an eyebrow. “Pirate?”
“Calls herself a trader, but yes. Basically a pirate, though not really a marauding one.”
“There are different kinds?”
“Of course. All levels.”
Bran laughed. “You’ll have to enlighten me. I’ve tended to keep to the land most of my life.”
“I’ve stuck close to home most of the time, but…” Adam shrugged. “That’s been fine. I don’t want the kinds of things my siblings want.”
“You want a life that’s your own.”
“Yeah. Something like that.” Adam cut his gaze down and then up to Ghost. “Whenever you two are ready.” He tugged on Beast’s reins and left the stable without making eye contact with Bran again. He said something to one of the stable boys, probably a message for Viktor.
We were making progress there, and he seemed less antsy. But Bran knew that might’ve been why Adam cut the conversation off. He kind of missed the flirtatious, talkative version of Adam, yet this one called to him in a way as well.
“This is going to be interesting,” he whispered to Ghost before securing his saddle bags and heading out to join Adam. “Which way?”
“He won’t head south for home. And he’s pretty lazy so he won’t head west toward the mountains. It’ll be east or north, and since the coast is closer in the north, I’d bet on that. More chances for him to con his way onto a ship or something else.”
“Lead the way then,” Bran said, mounting his horse.
Adam nodded, not smiling, and mounted Beast. They set off in silence, and Bran couldn’t help feeling a little amazed at the unexpected turn of events. Bran hadn’t ended up in Adam’s bed, not yet, but the younger man had certainly managed to get Bran’s undivided attention.
* * * *
Adam felt Bran watching him as they rode, and he did like that, though not as much as he would’ve yesterday. Adam kept fidgeting with the reins, not used to being at a loss for words. He scanned the horizon, but there was almost nothing but open fields in this direction. There weren’t many places to hide, and they had no idea how much of a head start Garrick had gotten.
I should’ve kept an eye on him myself. Or set out earlier. But he’d wanted to spend time with Viktor and try to get Bran in his bed. He sighed, starting to feel embarrassed about accepting Bran’s help. They were probably on a fool’s errand, and it would only get more awkward the longer they continued.
“You all right?” Bran asked, very close by Adam’s side.
Adam blinked and looked up to see Bran riding right beside him and leaning over toward him. “Yes. I’m fine.”
“You look upset.”
Adam couldn’t think of anything but the truth, so he said, “I’m regretting dragging you along. I’m wasting your time.”
“No, you aren’t. I volunteered. And it’ll probably be more interesting than the everyday duties I was fulfilling in Castile. Guarding and patrolling. It was pretty boring.”
“Did you know the man who fell asleep?”
Bran shook his head. “No. He’s one of the vane’s men. A local. Not actual military.”
“How much trouble is he in?”
“Based on what I’ve seen since coming here, he’s probably been demoted. I’d bet he’s on drain duty or helping with crops.”
“Garrick’s never been known for picking locks, but he could’ve picked the skill up in prison.”
“Possibly, but those cells are old. He’s a petty thief, so I don’t think anyone saw him as much of a threat.”
“He’s not violent. Not really. Pushy, maybe.”
“Pushy, huh? I heard he tried to seduce Thomas.”
“Really? I can’t believe Viktor didn’t lose it.”
“I was there for part of it. When he was caught and all. But my memory’s fuzzy now. I mainly remember Thomas punching me.”
Adam tilted his head, not sure he’d heard that right. “Thomas punched you? When? And why?”
“Garrick was being questioned, and Thomas got wind of Garrick saying Viktor had helped him. He thought the man he loved was in trouble. I wouldn’t let him into the room, so he punched me.” Bran shrugged one shoulder. “Kind of made me like him, once I get over the sore jaw.”
Adam tried to picture Thomas actually doing that and found he couldn’t. “I can’t believe my brother didn’t tell me that.”
“Thomas gets embarrassed over it, so I don’t think he really brings it up anymore.”
Adam turned his eyes back to the horizon. “My brother’s never been like this before. So protective.”
“He wasn’t protective of you and your younger siblings?”
“He was—still is—but it’s different. Everything he does seems to be motivated by thoughts of Thomas.”
“You think that’s bad?”
“No. It’s great.” The wind picked up, a bit of a chill in the air. “Maybe we should find a spot to camp. The sun’s almost down.”
Bran pointed down the road. “Over that hill. There’s a watering station. We can let the horses have a drink and have someplace to hitch them.” He pointed to the left next. “The farm over there past the wheat fields supplies the water. It’s fine to make a camp up here. There’s already a fire pit. We’ll probably just need some wood.”
“Bit of a hike to the tree line, though.”
; “I can go gather a little if you’ll take care of the horses.”
“Sure. No problem.” He hesitated before adding, “But be careful. You never know.”
“I appreciate the concern,” Bran said, smiling at him.
Adam nodded and said nothing. He’d never been tongue-tied with a man before. Did Bran think he was still trying to seduce him? Did the other man want that? Adam wanted to focus on that but simply couldn’t.
Making camp was uneventful. The horses settled quickly enough and seemed at ease with each other, and Bran made it back with wood and kindling before they lost the light. A lantern hung by the watering trough, and Bran had a flint box with him to light it until they got their fire going.
“You hungry?” Bran asked as they settled on either side of the fire. “I brought some fruit to get us through to the next town.”
“I’m good for now. Thanks.”
Bran took out an apple and rubbed it on his shirt before taking a bite. He held Adam’s gaze as he chewed and swallowed. “We don’t have to talk about your family or anything, but I can listen.”
“There’s nothing to say. I’ve always stayed home and never done anything remotely interesting. With this, I would finally be doing something.”
“I’m sure you’ve done something. Staying home to help your mother and the rest of your family meant giving up freedoms. There are siblings younger than you, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Kids are lots of work. It’s an admirable sacrifice.”
“I wouldn’t call it a sacrifice.”
“Even so, I’m saying you’ve done something. You can’t tell me you just sat around tied to your mother’s apron strings and waiting for her to tell you to do chores.”
“No. But…” He sighed. “I appreciate it, but there’s no point in this.”
“All right. But my ears aren’t going anywhere.”
Adam surprised himself when a laugh bubbled up at that image. “I hope not. That would be weird.”
“Finally made you laugh again.” Bran grinned. “Very proud of myself.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. You’ve been gloomy all day. I get it, I guess, but there’s no reason to seem so deflated.”
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