by Croft, Sky
“Good, because I’m not here for that,” Blake replied easily. “But I do want to know what happened.”
“Why?” Kale asked.
“She doesn’t need a reason, Kale, she’s the princess.” Shale reminded her point blank of whom she was talking to. Kale needed to give Blake the respect she deserved.
“Well it’s not like she can do anything,” Kale mumbled.
“Do anything about what?” Blake asked.
Kale stared stubbornly at the ground.
“Shale?” Blake switched the query to her when she realised Kale wasn’t going to answer.
“We just had a difference of opinion.”
“So I gathered. You refused to carry out Melaina’s order. That’s a serious offence.”
“I thought you said you weren’t here to scold us?” Kale said.
Shale sighed. “Be quiet, Kale.”
“You’d be wise to listen, Kale,” Blake said firmly. She searched Shale’s face intently. “I know you had to have a reason. I just want to understand.” Blake’s tone was softer now, and directed solely at Shale. “Talk to me.” A request, not a demand.
Shale held her gaze for a moment, then nodded. “Basically, a tree was going to fall, and Melaina wanted me to attach a rope to it so we could make sure it didn’t dam the river.”
Blake frowned. “What was so wrong with that?”
“She wanted me to go underneath the tree to do it.”
Her frown grew stronger, and Blake asked the obvious question, “Couldn’t you have got to it any other way?”
“Yes, but time was of the essence, and Melaina wasn’t willing to give me any,” Shale said. “The tree fell a few moments later. If I had followed her command...well, I wouldn’t be talking to you now.”
“It was pointless anyway. The tree didn’t block the river. And even if it had, we could’ve pulled it free without risking anyone’s life,” Kale said.
“It was an unnecessary risk,” Shale finished.
“But apparently acceptable as there are two of us,” Kale added sarcastically. “I could easily take Shale’s place.”
Blake wasn’t amused. “I don’t find that funny, Kale.”
“Neither did I.”
Blake’s voice went up a pitch. “Melaina said that?”
“She doesn’t like us,” Shale said simply.
Kale broke into laughter. “That’s putting it nicely.”
Blake turned, intending to go and confront Melaina. Shale lightly gripped her wrist. “No, Blake, don’t do anything.”
“Don’t do anything? I’m not having her put your lives at risk because she doesn’t like you. You can’t ask me to do that.”
“I’m not. I’m asking you to trust me. No one will believe us over Melaina anyway, and I give you my word that we’ll be careful.” Shale’s mouth quirked. “Though we might need your help if we disobey another order.”
“If it’s anything like today’s, you’ll have it.” Blake glanced at Kale. “Both of you.” Though Kale didn’t smile, she did nod. It was a start.
“Except for how she’s treating us, Melaina’s a brilliant second, I can see why Aris chose her,” Shale said.
Blake was surprised by how fair Shale was being. Under the circumstances, it was more than Melaina deserved.
“I agree. Though that’ll make it a lot harder for us,” Kale said. “She’s also careful not to treat us unfairly around others. Melaina knows what she’s doing.”
“All this because you beat her in a fight?” Blake asked in astonishment. “You warriors must have big egos.”
Shale grinned. “We do. But in this case, I think it’s more than that. I’m not sure what it is though.” She faced Kale, her gaze accusing.
“Don’t look at me,” Kale said. “You’re the one she threatened.”
“What? Melaina threatened you?”
Shale tried to play it down. “It was hardly a threat.”
Blake didn’t look pleased at all. “When was this?”
Shale tugged on her ear. “After I showed Anikett that move. Melaina didn’t like me interfering.”
Blake was indignant. “You were only helping.” At Shale’s shrug, she said, “No, I don’t like this, Shale, not one bit. I’m going to have a word with her.”
“No!” the twins exclaimed in unison, startling Blake to a standstill.
“That’ll only make her worse.”
“It comes down to one simple question, Blake.” Shale regarded her seriously. “Do you trust me?”
Blake didn’t hesitate. “I trust you.”
Shale smiled. “Then leave it to us.”
SHALE KNOCKED ON the healer’s door, not wanting to barge in just in case someone was being treated.
“Enter,” a musical voice called from within.
Kale went in first, never one to hang around. Shale followed, her gaze landing on a waif of a woman with pale blonde hair, whose skinny arms looked like they would snap like a twig.
She glanced up from the assortment of jars that she’d been examining, and smiled pleasantly at them. “You must be the twins I’ve heard so much about.”
Shale had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Amazons sure knew how to gossip. There was no one else in the lodge, so she assumed this was the healer. “Appollonia?”
“That’s me.” She studied first Shale, then Kale. “My, you’re much more attractive than I’ve been led to believe.”
Kale sniggered. “I bet we had horns in some of those stories you heard.”
“And tails, too,” Appollonia said humorously. She pointed to a couple of spare chairs behind them, along the wall. “Please, sit down.”
Kale took the chair closest to the door, and Shale sat beside her, glancing around the room. There were three beds in the lodge, all pressed against the one wall. There was plenty of space to maneuver between them though, and a chair was beside each bed. At the far end, two shelves stretched across the width of the room. The top shelf was cluttered with an assortment of jars and bottles, no doubt filled with medicinal remedies, and the bottom was stocked with rags and bandages, cutting implements, and other tools of the trade. A table and chair were positioned in front of the shelves, and the table was littered with scrolls and parchment.
“Please forgive the mess,” Appollonia said. “You caught me in the middle of cleaning.” She dipped her hands into a bowl of water, and then dried them on a cloth. “Would you like something to drink? I’ve got some lovely herbal tea.”
“No, thank you,” Shale replied, as Kale shook her head.
“I must confess, I’ve been hoping you’d stop by.” Appollonia held up her hand apologetically. “Not that I wished you ill, but I was curious as to what all the fuss was about.” She stepped out from behind the table, walked around it, and perched on its surface.
“As healer, I bet you hear about everything,” Shale said.
“Oh, yes. I’m probably the most knowledgeable person in the village, after the queen and the princess of course. Talking helps to distract people from the pain, you see.” Appollonia smiled again. “Though I find the more gossip surrounding a person, the more interesting that person is.”
Shale’s eyebrows rose, she’d never heard it put quite like that.
Appollonia certainly had a unique way of looking at things.
“And that’s exactly why I wanted you to call in. Now, first things first, are you hurt or ill?” She focussed more on Shale, noticing the fading bruises on her face.
“No, we wanted to give you something.” Shale looked to Kale, who started to detach the small pouch from her waist.
“Me? How delightful. I do love surprises.”
Appollonia loved to talk too, they’d barely got in a word since they had arrived. Shale found herself liking the woman though, and was relieved to know that if either of them did get injured or became sick, Appollonia would treat them like any other member of the tribe.
Kale handed the pouch to the healer.
Ap
pollonia opened it, and her eyes grew wide as she fingered the contents. She raised it to her nose and sniffed it, then looked at them in astonishment. “Where did you get this?”
“Far south of here. We collected it for our own healer, but...” Shale broke off. “We thought you may have use for it.”
“This is a very rare and precious gift you have given me, I thank you both deeply for it.” Appollonia searched for an empty jar, and poured the contents of the pouch into it. She then returned the pouch to Kale, who tied it back in place. “The other upside to being a healer is that I get to talk to a lot of people myself. There will soon be good rumours to contradict the bad. This kindness will not go unnoticed.”
“There’s really no need...” Shale said.
Appollonia leaned forward. “You clearly haven’t heard them.”
Kale laughed loudly. “Well in that case, we’d appreciate any help you can give.”
SHALE COULD ONLY watch as Kale pulled back the bowstring, aimed, and let the arrow fly. The arrowhead sank deeply into the stag’s chest, and the creature stumbled, then crashed to the ground.
Shale emerged from her position behind a nearby tree, annoyed. “I had that, Kale.”
“You were taking too long.”
“You had the better angle,” Shale said.
Kale looked smug. “Then you should’ve got yourself into a better spot.”
Shale shook her head. “I had no cover, it would’ve fled.”
“Whatever you say.” Kale crossed to the deer’s side. “He’s big.”
“Mm.” Shale patted her on the back. “Good shot.” She pulled the arrow out and handed it back to Kale.
Kale wiped the blood off and sheathed it in her quiver. “I don’t envy you carrying him back to camp.”
“Me?” Shale spluttered.
“I shot him, remember?” Kale grinned cockily. “You need to pull your weight.”
Shale scoffed, then chuckled. “All right. Help me get him on my shoulders.” She bent, and with Kale’s assistance, wrestled the hind into place.
Despite Kale’s words, she carried the animal for the second half of the journey.
Shale spotted some delicate yellow flowers, and altered her course. Choosing the best one, she picked it, cradling it carefully as she walked.
“What’s that for?” Kale asked, giving her a look that said she already knew the answer.
“It’s for Blake.”
“You can’t be serious, Shale? Please tell me you’re not serious?”
“I don’t know what your problem is with her, Kale, Blake’s been extremely patient with you.” Shale smelled the flower, the sweet perfume reminding her strongly of Blake. “I swear, you forget she’s the princess.”
“How could I? You’re always reminding me!”
“I shouldn’t have to remind you.”
“Then don’t,” Kale said flatly. “What do you honestly think will come of this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not blind, Shale. Moonlit walks, flowers, you’re trying to romance her.”
“So? Where’s the harm in that? I like her.”
Kale stared at her, disbelief written clearly on her face. “You liked all of the others, too. It still didn’t work out.”
“Blake’s different.”
“No, she’s not. You just want her to be. I’m telling you, Shale, this won’t work. Don’t get involved like that. It’s not worth it.”
Shale frowned. Her mind told her that Kale was right, romantic relationships never worked for either of them. And she certainly didn’t want to lose Blake as a friend. She would have to be content with that. Shale let the flower slip from her fingers.
Kale’s expression softened. “I know it’s hard, but it’s best this way.”
“You’re right,” Shale said, though her heart started to ache.
KALE ROLLED HER eyes when she saw Blake approaching— didn’t the woman have anything better to do? Shale’s face brightened considerably at Blake’s presence, and Kale groaned internally, Shale had it bad.
Blake smiled at them. “I see you had good hunting today.”
“Sure did,” Shale replied. “For Kale anyway.” She proudly clasped Kale’s shoulder.
Blake admired the stag. “He’s a beauty.”
“He was.” Kale shifted the hind’s weight on purpose, so Blake would think she was struggling to carry it. It worked, Blake instantly stepped aside.
“I won’t keep you,” she said.
Kale wanted to get moving, for she had the feeling Shale was considering asking Blake to join them for dinner.
Shale opened her mouth to speak, but closed it quickly, as if thinking better of her words.
Blake gave Shale a curious look, when she barely met her eyes.
They strolled through the village side by side, not giving Blake, or any other Amazon, a second glance.
Chapter Four
“SHALE?” BLAKE CALLED out. She intended to ask what was going on. Shale had hardly spoken to her in over a week, and Blake was getting the distinct impression that Shale was trying to avoid her. Shale’s wide smile upon seeing her made her doubt that notion though.
“Blake.”
“Is everything all right, Shale? I haven’t seen much of you lately.” Blake had deliberately waited to catch Shale when she was on her own.
“Everything’s fine.”
Blake indicated Kale, who was busy talking to Amber. “I see you’re making friends.”
“Yeah, Amber’s great.”
Blake smiled. “I’m glad you’re starting to settle.” Glancing around the training ground, she lowered her voice to ensure no one else heard her next question. “How’s Melaina been with you? Any more problems?”
“No, but I don’t think she’ll give up that easily.”
Blake didn’t think so either, but she kept the comment to herself. “I was wondering if you wanted to spend the day with me tomorrow?”
Shale’s face became mischievous. “The whole day? Can the tribe spare you for that long?”
Blake grinned. “The queen will still be here.”
“I’d really like that.”
“Great.” Blake ran a hand down Shale’s arm. “‘Cause I’ve missed you recently.”
Shale’s blue eyes sparkled happily. “I’ve missed you, too.”
SHALE STUDIED BLAKE longingly as Blake walked away. She probably should have rejected Blake’s offer, given the fact that Kale had made it perfectly clear that she didn’t like her. But the thought of spending that much time alone with Blake was too tempting, and she had answered honestly, despite her better judgement.
Blake’s admission that she’d missed her had sent Shale’s heart fluttering. She felt exactly the same way. Blake was never out of her thoughts, and the self-imposed space she’d given herself hadn’t changed that. She doubted anything would. Shale was falling hard for Blake, and no amount of willpower could stop her—whether it was her own, or Kale’s.
THIS TIME WHEN Shale passed a flower, she scooped it up and presented it to Blake.
Blake smiled brightly. She held her breath as Shale stepped closer, and gently tucked the bloom behind her ear.
“There. Beautiful,” Shale said, though she wasn’t looking at the flower.
Blake slid her hand into Shale’s larger one, and led her forward. “Come on, it’s not much farther to the lake.”
“You said that ages ago,” Shale teased.
Blake chuckled. “I thought you’d be pleased to get me this far away from the village. You have me all to yourself out here.”
Shale’s heartbeat picked up. As if she needed reminding. “I’m not complaining, just stating an observation.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“No, truly, I’m glad. There will be no interruptions.”
Blake raised an inquisitive brow. “And what exactly will we be doing that you don’t want interrupted?”
Shale colored slightly, but joined in with Blake’s bante
r. “You tell me, you’re the princess. I’m just here to serve.”
Blake ran her thumb over the back of Shale’s hand. “I like the sound of that.”
Shale cleared her throat self-consciously, her mind so focussed on Blake’s soft stroking that she nearly walked headlong into a low branch.
“Careful there,” Blake said, her amusement clear.
Shale’s body was getting overheated, and it wasn’t from the noon sun. She wondered about diving into the lake, she really needed to cool off.
Blake pointed. “There it is.” The lake was calm, and the surrounding trees reflected perfectly off its still surface.
“Race you.” Shale let go of Blake’s hand and dashed toward the lake.
“That’s cheating!” Blake yelled, as she sprinted after her.
They jumped into the lake fully clothed, but only Blake resurfaced.
“Very funny, Shale.” Blake looked around to try and spot her. The water was still rippling from their entrance, and there was no sign of Shale.
After several moments, Blake said, “Shale, come on now.” She treaded water for another instant, then swam toward where Shale had dived in. “Shale?” Blake called, her voice growing frantic. “Shale!”
A hand suddenly tugged on her ankle, and Blake submerged briefly. She came up spluttering, scowling at Shale, who was looking far too pleased with herself.
“I’m going to get you for that.”
“You’ve got to catch me first.” Shale took off, swimming through the water like a fish.
Blake chased her relentlessly, their laughter mingling as they splashed each other.
SHALE LAY ON a large slab of rock, stretched out on her back, the sun drying both her and her clothes. “Blake?”
“Yes, Shale?”
“I know this sounds awful, but I’m really glad I met you.”
“Why’s that awful?”
“Because I wouldn’t have met you if my tribe hadn’t been killed. We’d have never crossed paths, and I’m pleased that we did.”
“I am, too.” Blake turned over on her front to let her back dry, smiling when Shale pushed a lock of blonde hair off her face. “Shale?”