by Vicky Savage
“We missed you at dinner. Are you ill, my dear?”
“No, just having a mini melt-down. Close the door.”
“What’s happened?”
“Ryder broke off our engagement.” A sob involuntarily escapes my throat.
“I’m so sorry.” Ralston moves closer and places a comforting arm around me. I rest my head on his shoulder. He smells nice, like cologne and wine. We walk to the arm chairs in front of the fireplace, and I lower myself into one of them. He takes the other.
“It’s my own fault,” I sniffle.
“Was it because he found you kissing Asher?”
“I don’t think so. He said it was because I couldn’t make up my mind about him, so he was going to do it for me. That way we could both move on. He’s going to see Father in the morning to ask to be released from the engagement contract.”
Ralston straightens up and smiles. “Well then, it’s not too late.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, irked by his smile.
“Did you tell him you had made up your mind? Did you tell him you love him and still wish to marry him?”
I shake my head. “No. I didn’t dare. He was so cold and distant and eager to get away.”
“But Jade, certainly he still loves you.”
“How could he? I’ve been so mean to him.”
“I believe he simply needs you to tell him how you feel. I know you’re frightened, but you must let him know before his meeting with your father.”
“How do I do that?”
“Send him a message. Ask him to meet with you before he departs for the Enclave. Tell him you will go to him.”
“To Unicoi Village?”
“Yes.”
Chewing on my lip for a second, I mull this over. “But, it’s so late now. The messenger won’t get there until midnight.”
He just stares at me like, And your point is?
“Okay, you’re right. I need to give it a shot, at least. All he can do is reject me and make me feel lower than pond scum. But, it’s worth the risk. He’s worth it.”
“That’s the spirit, old girl. You begin composing your note, and I’ll send a messenger to your room.” He heads for the door. “I’ll be happy to accompany you in the morning if you like.”
“Thanks, Rals. That’d be great.” I give him a quick hug. “Do you really think it’ll work?” A surge of lightness fills my heart.
“I’m certain of it.”
I open my desk, fish out some stationery, and begin to compose my thoughts. Dear Ryder…
Staring at the page for a moment I realize I don’t want to wait until morning. I want to see him now, and make him understand how I feel. Stupid, insignificant things have kept us apart too long. I need his arms around me tonight.
Unicoi Village isn’t that far. Gabriel can get me there quickly, but I’ll have to take Patrick with me, unless … I can sneak out by myself. I crumple up the note and chuck it into the trash basket. Slipping out of the palace will be a cinch, and sneaking Gabriel out of the stable without getting caught is probably doable, but there’s no way to get past the guards at the entrance gate. Therein lies the problem.
I’ll just have to figure it out as I go. Dark clothing is a good place to start. After dressing in a black sweater and pants and black leather boots, I weave my hair into a braid, and search for something to put over my head. The princess’s hats are all wide brimmed and girly, so I dig around for a dark scarf. I’m interrupted by a tapping on my door. The messenger Ralston sent, no doubt.
When I see the kid standing there in his distinctive crimson messenger coat and gold sash, I know my problems are solved. Instead of sending him away, as I’d intended to do, I wave him inside the door.
“Wait there a minute,” I say.
He goggles my room with open curiosity.
Hurrying to my jewelry chest, I flip the dials to the correct combination and rummage through the small drawers until I find what I’m looking for. Extracting a small brown leather pouch from a drawer, I toss it to the messenger. “There’s twenty gold pieces in there,” I tell him. “I want your uniform.”
He looks young, around sixteen or so—cute in a sunny, freshly-scrubbed kind of way. “Wha—? You want my what?” he asks.
“Your messenger uniform. Take it off.”
He’s completely mystified. “But you’re the princess. You can have all the uniforms you want. They belong to you.”
“Yes, but I want yours, and I’m willing to pay you handsomely for it. Just your jacket and cap. You can keep your pants on.”
He looks scandalized now. “What are you going to do with them?”
“That’s not really your concern.”
“But I could lose my job.” On that last word, his voice squeaks in that not-yet-a-man way.
Stepping closer, I lock eyes with him. “If someone should inadvertently discover the favor you’ve done for me, you will not lose your job. You have my word. But, if you tell anyone about this, I’ll hang you up by your balls. Understand?”
He nods and begins unbuttoning his jacket. Once I have what I need from him, I shoo him out the door in his undershirt and slip into the high-collared jacket. Not a bad fit. Using hairpins to secure my braid on top of my head, I pull the cap down so the brim covers my eyebrows and shadows my eyes. Only a small portion of my face is now visible. This should work.
My katana in its bright red saya will definitely draw some unwanted attention, however, so I locate the wooden box it originally came in, and tuck the sword neatly inside. Perfect. It looks like a package I’m delivering.
Skulking down the back stairway, I duck out the door to the tranquility garden and steal around the kitchen, making my way across the cobblestones to the stables. The main door stands wide open, a yellow wedge of light shining out into the courtyard. No Royal Guards are stationed at the stables at this hour, but stable hands are on duty around the clock caring for the animals. I creep to the side of the door and sneak a look inside. A small table and chairs are located to the right of the entrance in front of a faux fireplace. Three stable hands sit drinking, laughing, and playing cards. Crap! Gabriel is housed in a stall to the rear. Even though they’re preoccupied and probably half-drunk, there’s no chance of slipping by the men without being noticed.
A smaller door made for humans is located at the rear of the stables. It may be possible to slip Gabriel out that way. Crouching low, I steal around to the back. Three steps lead up to the door. Gabriel may balk at these, but it’s my only hope. Placing my sword box on the ground, I slowly open the door, praying the hinges have been oiled recently. Success!
Quickly, I make my way to Gabriel’s stall. He turns his huge brown eyes on me as I open his gate. Patting his rump reassuringly, I grab his bridle from the wall peg and gingerly slip it over his head. The princess’s saddle is elaborate and easily recognizable, so I slowly back Gabriel out of the stall and snag one of the stable saddles and blankets from a sawhorse, propping it over my shoulder.
I back through the door, leading Gabriel. He doesn’t even blink at the steps, navigating them easily. Once outside, I secure the saddle on him, hoist myself up, and lay the box across my lap. We move slowly and quietly until we’re near the palace gates. It’s important we get past the guards as quickly as possible, so I urge Gabriel into a canter, waving as we approach. The guards open the gates for me.
“Where’re you headed in such a hurry?” one of them shouts.
“Package for Chief Blackthorn,” I call in the huskiest voice I can muster, pointing to the box on my lap and not waiting for a reply. My whole body trembles, but I don’t detect the sound of horse’s hooves behind me, so I guess we pulled it off. Whew.
I push Gabriel into a gallop for several yards, and then slow back down to a comfortable canter. The palace lights soon fade into the distance, and the road becomes dark—densely, treacherously dark. No twinkle of a star or sliver of a moon to help light the way. We slow to a trot, and I hope Gabriel’s super
night vision will help us keep to the path. If we stay on this road, it will eventually take us to Unicoi Village.
We ride for miles in the inky blackness without so much as a glimmer of illumination from a carriage or farm house. The eerie darkness begins to seriously creep me out. Every noise makes me jump, and I repeatedly peer over my shoulder thinking my stalker is right behind us, even though I couldn’t see him if he was. I must’ve been crazy to head out alone in the middle of the night. All kinds of highwaymen and livestock thieves roam this road at night. Opening the box on my lap, I draw out my katana, and allow the box to fall by the wayside. Gabriel startles momentarily as it thuds to the ground. We’re both on edge.
He snorts and pulls at the reins, asking to go faster, and I let him. I trust Gabriel. He’ll get us there safely. Wedging the sword into my saddle scabbard, I lean into him. We settle into a nice loping pace, more confident with each mile. Dim lights from a farm barracks flicker in the distance, telling me we’re getting closer to Unicoi Village. It should be only about five miles from this point. Of course that raises the question of what to do once I get there. I don’t have the foggiest idea where Ryder lives. If there’s a central tribal hall, he’s probably there. If not, I’ll have to improvise.
We gallop along until we reach the turnoff for the road to Unicoi. It’s a smaller, ruttier path than the one we’re on, but the lights make it less daunting. As we near the village, two Unicoi warriors unexpectedly step into the roadway, shining a light on us and causing Gabriel to rear up.
“State your name and your business,” one of them says.
I manage to stay on Gabe’s back. “I have a message for Chief Blackthorn,” I say, catching my breath.
“What kind of message?” one of them asks.
“It’s from Princess Jaden.”
“We will take it to Chief Blackthorn. Give the message to me.” One of the warriors approaches me.
“Oh hell, I am Princess Jaden,” I say pulling off my cap and unpinning my braid. “I need to see Ryder. It’s important.”
They look at each other like what the—? They both bow awkwardly and fade back, allowing me to pass. I’m not going to push my luck by asking them where Ryder lives. Someone in town should be able to tell me.
TWENTY-SIX
Gabriel and I trot into the village square. Everything is closed up tight. I follow the glow from some lighted windows to the end of the main road. The windows belong to a bar with a number of patrons inside. This looks like my best bet.
I tie Gabriel to a hitching post and secure my katana in my belt. My bizarre getup is likely to cause a few raised eyebrows, but it’s gotten me this far. Every head in the place turns to gape at me when I walk through the door. Three things become immediately apparent: one, I’m the only woman in the bar; two, I’m the only person under about six-foot-three and two hundred pounds (Unicoi tend to be large); and three, the bartender and I are the only ones who don’t look totally wasted. My knees wobble a little as I sidle up to the bar.
The beanpole behind the counter has a shock of sable hair and eyes like warm chocolate sauce. “May I help you, ma’am?” he asks, pausing in his efforts to dry off a beer glass.
“Yes. I’m looking for Chief Blackthorn,” I say managing a weak smile. “Can you tell me where he lives?”
“Yes ma’am. Why don’t I take you there?” he says, untying his soiled apron. I don’t know if I’m relieved or troubled by his offer. The idea of going off with a stranger in the middle of the night is a little frightening, but it’s probably better than being out there all alone. In any case, I don’t have a chance to make up my mind, because he tosses his apron on the bar and takes my elbow, hastily shuffling me outside.
“If you don’t mind my asking, Princess, what are you doing here so late, alone, and dressed like a messenger?” he asks, his tone respectful.
“You know who I am?”
“Yes. I thought it best to get you out of there before others recognized you as well. Some of them revere you as a hero—a savior. But others do not appreciate the politics of your mother and your uncle. Better not to call the question.
“Thank you. I guess I didn’t think this through very well. It’s important I see Ryder tonight. It’s … personal.”
We walk about two blocks to a large wooden house situated at the end of a street. “This is the temporary quarters for Chief Blackthorn and his family until the new Sequoya Hall is completed.”
A dim glow emanates from behind the curtains of a first floor window, so I assume someone is awake.
“Thank you again, I say. What is your name?”
“My name is Ellijay. My friends call me Eli. Would you like me to wait until you are inside?”
“No. I’ll be fine, Ellijay. You’d best get back to your kegs. Those guys looked pretty thirsty.”
He bows his head and jogs back toward the bar.
Taking the steps to the front door, I rap gently. Nothing stirs inside, and no one comes to answer, so I knock again louder. After a moment the door is flung open by Ryder’s larger-than-life sister, Catherine, one hand on her hip, ready to pounce on whoever is calling so late. After a split-second she recognizes me, and the annoyed expression on her face transforms into one of sheer hostility. “What are you doing here?” she demands.
“I need to see Ryder. Is he here?” I ask.
“No he is not. Haven’t you done enough damage already? Or do you take pleasure in torturing him. You are not welcome here. Leave now, and stay away from my brother.” I can almost see smoke curling from her ears.
“I need to speak with him,” I say, staring death rays at her. It will take more than this angry Amazon to chase me away. “And I don’t mind waking up the entire village to find him if I have to. Now, are you going to tell me where he is or not?”
“I’m here.”
Peering over Catherine’s shoulder, I make out Ryder’s form in the shadow of a doorway at the opposite end of the room. He’s shirtless, disheveled, and magnificent.
I push past Catherine and run to him, throwing my arms around him, tears streaming from my eyes. “Ryder. I’m sorry for everything. I love you. Please don’t leave me. Please,” I beg, a trembling mass of goo.
For a moment there’s nothing from him … no reaction. But then he gathers me up in his arms and holds me closely. “Jade,” he whispers into my hair, “you’ve come back to me.”
I kiss his hair, his eyes, his cheeks, and finally his mouth. Catherine groans loudly and storms outside, slamming the door behind her. Who gives a flying flip? All I care about is being in Ryder’s arms and making things right.
He carries me to his room and gently lays me across his bed. The covers are a jumbled mess and they smell wonderfully like Ryder. Climbing up beside me, he wraps his arms around me while I cry into his bare chest. “Shh,” he says, stroking my hair.
The warm and gentle electric current that always connects us calms me, and my sobs quickly subside. “Do you still love me?” I ask searching his eyes. “Are we going to be all right?”
“I shall always love you, no matter what. But you must tell me if we’re going to be all right. Have you forgiven me?” he asks.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You thought I was dead. We never have to see Erica or speak her name again.”
“And you are not in love with this Asher Steele?”
“No. Ryder, I told you we’re friends. That’s all.”
He takes my face in his hands. “Do you still wish to marry me?”
“Yes. Let’s do it now. Tonight. I’m ready.”
He smiles. “I think your mother would have my scalp if we married tonight. But I agree. Let us arrange it as quickly as possible. I do not wish to spend another minute away from you.”
“You’ll never have to,” I say, a leftover tear slipping down my cheek.
Ryder dries it with his thumb and sweetly presses his lips to mine. My whole body shudders with relief and joy and passion. His arms pull me in closer, h
is luscious mouth devours my own. Our legs twine together, and he places a hand on my lower back bringing me closer still. All thought evaporates from my brain. My body throbs hungrily for him. I run my hands along the silken skin of his back, and he moans softly, thrilling me to my core.
Pulling away slightly, his fingers find the buttons of my crimson messenger coat. I quickly wriggle out of it and tug off my sweater. Another tantalizing kiss is my reward. Moving to the edge of the bed, he slides my riding boots off, one at a time and gently unfastens my sword, letting it fall to the floor. Then he settles in beside me again, brushing his fingertips along my bare arm. My skin tingles at his touch, my heart thunders in my chest. Cradling the wolf-head pendant at my breast, he says, “You still wear it.”