Trust in Love

By Linda Kage

The kingdom of Far Shore still resents Donnelly, its neighboring land, for forming an alliance with those filthy High Clifters and then defeating them in war. Twice! They really must pay for such an insult. And what better way to prick their pride than to steal their lovely, revered princess, mutilate her a little, and then ransom her back to them for a hefty sum.

So, the king blackmails stable hand, Farrow, into accepting the mission of kidnapping Princess Nicolette and bringing her back to Far Shore to meet her gruesome fate.

With his sister’s life on the line, Farrow reluctantly accepts the quest and travels through desert and forest, only to find Nicolette eagerly awaiting his arrival with her bags already packed and good to go, spouting off insane nonsense about being his destiny and one true love.

What follows is a crazy, eclectic adventure that brings two lost souls together and helps them learn who they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do in this ever-changing journey called life.

A Love Mark Fantasy Romance! Can be read with ONE TRUE LOVE.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094440927

Linda Kage

The youngest of eight children, Linda Kage grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest. She now lives in Kansas with her husband, daughter, and nine cuckoo clocks. Linda is a member of Romance Writers of America and its local chapter, Midwest Romance Writers.

Book preview

2

Farrow

Who is it? I heard my father demanding from across the room. A thief? An assassin? What type of weapon is he brandishing?

Around me, the guards eased closer, ignoring the fact that I had my bare hands lifted in surrender to show them I came in peace and was unarmed.

When one moron actually nicked my collarbone, I flinched and scowled at him.

Ouch, you fool. I wiped at the cut, and my fingers came away smeared with red. "Watch where you aim that thing. That hurt."

Never fear, Your Majesty, Greggor announced, yawning, as he had a better view of me from where he sat than my father did from the throne. There’s no danger here. It’s just Farrow, the bastard.

Who? King Torrance made a face, not comprehending. Will you idiots just step aside and let me see the cutthroat before I have him run through?

Immediately, I was given room to breathe again as the guards scurried backward until I was exposed enough to face my father fully.

Keeping my hands up and exposed, I gifted the king with a small, private smirk before bowing regally. Your Majesty, I greeted. Fancy running into you here.

Oh, he muttered in extreme disappointment before he fell back into his chair. It’s just you. Then he sniffed. What? Come to have a look at the new whelp, did you?

I nodded once, since there was no reason to lie. "I heard it was a girl. My felicitations on gaining yet another princess. You must be ecstatic."

He narrowed his eyes over my backhanded compliment before curling his lip into a sneer and offering his own. "Aye. I’ll pass your regards on to Kalendria, since she’s so fond of you."

Sounds superb. Ignoring the barb, I bowed my head again and started to turn away, hoping to leave without incident. If you’ll excuse me, then…

My father could be charitable, depending on his mood. At times, he would have me sit with him in front of the fire over a draught of ale and a full meal, talking late into the night as if we were the closest of companions. He’d had men killed for simply bullying me. He’d set me up with a tutor to teach me my letters and numbers. He’d plied me with prostitutes to make me a man when I’d come of age.

And yet, at other times, he had me dragged in and whipped before him just because he was bored and sought entertainment. He’d branded me with a hot iron once to claim me as his personal servant for life. And he’d ignored my biggest plea to him: to bring my mother to the castle to live. Instead, he’d taken me from the brothel so I could work in his stables, while he’d left her behind. I had received word within a moon cycle that she had suffered from consumption and died.

I was like his favorite play toy that he both cherished and abused.

It was always easy to gauge which disposition he would be in that day. And tonight, his rage was as evident as ever. It was best to leave with the utmost haste before he vented by hurting me.

Except he lifted his hand, halting me before I could escape.

Dammit.

I just hoped my thrashing wouldn’t be too severe.

Squinting, he asked, Do you sneak in here and spy on me often, whipping boy?

Nearly every day.

I shook my head, however, and looked him straight in the eye. Tonight just seemed like a special occasion, Your Majesty. I was merely curious.

Curious? The king pinched his expression into a scowl. "Curious? Why, you damned nuisance!"

Picking up his bowl still filled with bread rolls—since he’d already thrown his goblet—he heaved it at my head, missing me with the bowl when I ducked to the side out of the way, while still managing to pelt me in the arm with a hardtack of rye.

"How dare you think you have the right to my private business, you worthless whore’s son. God, how I wish it’d been Murdock and not you who’d come home from that bloody battle. Why couldn’t you have been the one to die?"

I didn’t answer, wisely remaining mute as I watched his cheeks fill with angry color.

"Why did you have to be the only pathetic bastard to ever come back from either of those blasted wars we declared on them? No one returned but you. That’s not how it was supposed to happen."

By God, you’re right, Greggor said suddenly, sitting up in his chair as if a brilliant idea had just occurred to him. "He is the only one of us who’s been to Donnelly and back. Spinning toward the king, he added, Tor, I believe we just found the very person we need to send on your crusade to kidnap that princess."

"What? I cried with horrified doom. The fuck if you have!"

Over my dead body was I going to kidnap Princess Nicolette so they could rape and maim her.

The king seemed similarly appalled. "You can’t possibly be suggesting I send Farrow to Donnelly?"

Why not? Greggor shrugged. What’s so wrong with the idea?

"What’s wrong with it? Torrance blustered. Well, he—it—this is an honorable king’s mission, worthy of great praise and the highest esteem. And he’s a fucking bastard."

Only thanks to you, I wanted to mutter.

Then it’s no loss if Donnelly catches him and slices his throat before he completes the task, Greggor said in such a logical tone that I lifted my eyebrows his way, but he paid me no heed. "Think about it, Tor. He’s the only person from Far Shore who’s been to the Kingdom Within the Sand and lived long enough to return and tell us about it. Hell, he claims he’s even been inside their Iron Castle."

I had, but my father huffed in disbelief and rolled his eyes.

It’s not as if he hasn’t been trained by our knights’ royal guard either, Greggor went on, motioning toward me. You certainly had no qualms about sending him off to battle five years ago with the rest of your elite crew.

That’s only because he was on the front line, the king grumbled reluctantly. "I expected him to die within the first five minutes in the hopes it’d give my experienced warriors ample time to breach the castle."

Wow. I was really feeling the love here.

Well, he didn’t die, and he was able to breach the castle walls himself. So what’s to say he can’t now as well? He’s our best chance. We can send him in, clandestine this time, with two knights for assistance, and he can snatch the Donnelly bitch for us, right out from under her fat brother’s nose.

The king scowled, wringing his hands. "I don’t know. I want someone experienced, someone I can trust to get the job done."

I arched an eyebrow, offended to the root of my being.

The idiotic asshole had no idea he’d never find anyone as loyal to him as I was. I could’ve taken off to anywhere after Nicolette helped me escape the Iron Castle. I could’ve done anything. But I had come home. To him. While a part of me hated him and resented everything he’d ever done to me and my mother, another part was more strongly tied to him than anyone else in the Outer Realms.

The man was my father. Aside from his daughters, he was the only family I had left. Evil or not, he was who I served.

But I said none of that to him. Despite the fact he could trust me more than any of his dignitaries or special knights, this was not a quest I wanted to take.

I mean, kidnapping the princess of Donnelly? Nicolette? No. I wouldn’t. She had saved me. I was alive because of her. I had no desire to kidnap anyone, but I especially couldn’t pay her back by dragging her to what would become her own death. And a brutal, drawn-out, traumatic, painful death, at that.

So I stayed as quiet as possible, hoping the king would follow his gut instincts and not listen to his top advisor for once in his life.

But Greggor—damn him—was too slick for his own good. I don’t know, Your Majesty, he murmured, eyeing me as if he could see inside my head. Given the proper incentive, Farrow here might be more reliable to fulfill this quest than anyone in all of Far Shore.

I narrowed my eyes. The douche might’ve just complimented me, but I’d never trusted him. Whatever Greggor was thinking, I already knew I wouldn’t like it.

What do you mean? the king asked curiously, and I shook my head, wishing he’d just disregard the damn advisor’s suggestion already. Find someone else for his stupid mission. Or better yet, just forget about the idiotic idea altogether.

But he didn’t.

The boy’s quite fond of that middle girl of yours, isn’t he? Greggor’s top lip curled into a wicked snarl as he watched my face drain of color. Then he rasped one word.

Sable.

And just like that, my entire world shifted on its axis.

Cold, slippery dread slithered through my system.

I immediately waved both my hands, disagreeing. Whatever he wanted to do that involved Sable, I was out. She was an innocent twelve-year-old child. Why should she be brought into any plans that involved kidnapping another kingdom’s princess? This already sounded disastrous.

No, I said.

But the panic on my face only caused the king to blink in surprise before he motioned to his advisor. Keep talking.

"No, I growled more vehemently as Greggor said, We could hold the child in the dungeon until Farrow returns with the Donnelly bitch. And if he fails his mission… He glanced at me and smiled. Sable dies."

"What?! I shouted. The hell you say." Turning to my father, I was even more horrified because I could tell the ignorant ass was actually considering this madness. Have you lost your damn mind? I boomed. "How could you even ponder such a ridiculous notion? Sable is your daughter."

King Torrance shrugged. And you’re my— He cut himself off before finishing the sentiment.

I held my breath, wondering if this was going to be the moment of truth, when he finally called me son. My heart beat hard in my chest, yearning for that one word, while my stomach churned, also dreading it. Being his would mean I actually belonged somewhere; I was someone. But did I really want to be the heir of this brute?

He snickered and waved a hand. Well, whatever you are. You’re both equally useless to me, so… He motioned toward a pair of guards by the entrance of the room. Fetch the girl.

"No. Stop! Wait." I rushed toward the guards to waylay them, but the king waved his hand again, and four more knights stepped into my path, blocking my way.

I snarled at them before whirling back to the king. Shit had just gotten real. With Sable involved, my will collapsed like a poorly dug well.

You don’t have to involve her, I told him. I’ll do it!

The king lifted an eyebrow.

Swallowing, I reiterated, I’ll kidnap the princess, Nicolette, and take the mission. I don’t need incentive. You’re my king. Far Shore is my home. It would be an honor to serve you in any capacity. Just don’t bring Sable into this.

But even as I said the words, acid swirled in my stomach. I’d be betraying the girl who’d saved me. I would doom Nicolette. There would be no honor in my actions.

To spare Sable, however, I had no choice. My sister’s safety came first. Always.

"Sable is useful, I insisted. Someday, you can marry her off to another kingdom and form an alliance with them, just like—"

An alliance? my father spat incredulously. Then he sniffed and sat back, throwing up a hand to hush me. "Except I don’t want another goddamn alliance. Not any longer. They denied me once, so they no longer deserve me. Now, I just want to crush them all. Alliances be damned. I’d rather rule everyone as I see fit."

Okay, I said, my mind scrambling for ideas before I snapped my fingers, coming up with one. I pointed at him. Then you’ll need smart and loyal emissaries to send out and make sure your law is being enforced out there. And Sable is the brightest. She could do any number of things to serve Far Shore.

The king ignored my pleas and turned his attention to Greggor. We should have a new torture device crafted and finished by the time the Donnelly bitch arrives. Something we could set up in the village square so all can watch her downfall. Something that keeps her legs spread and titties jiggling while I fuck her into submission. Don’t you think?

Greggor gave a thoughtful nod before smirking. Only if I get a turn at it too.

My dear friend, the king answered benevolently, pressing a hand to his heart. But of course. There’s very little I’ve never shared with you, is there not?

While the two traded conspiring chuckles, I gagged on my own bile and then swallowed raggedly. But dear God. I’d always known they were soulless. Both of them. This, however, was revolting.

You can’t do this, I blurted.

Wrong thing to say.

Sometimes, I could get away with talking to the king as Greggor did. But apparently, I’d reached my limit tonight.

My father arched a severe eyebrow. But can’t I? Which one of us is the king here?

The guards sent to detain Sable returned then, dragging the quivering, confused, and clearly frightened child into the throne room. She was still wearing her nightgown, for God’s sake, and her feet were bare.

The sight was more than I could take.

Wait! Leaping between her and the king, I lifted my hands, determined to talk my way out of this. I had failed my mother, but I would not fail my sister. I’ll do anything. You absolutely cannot send her to the dungeon.

"The what? Sable cried, her eyes growing wide and her trembling increasing. But what did I do wrong? I only left my room for those few minutes. Reaching out to catch the sleeve of my tunic, she sobbed, Farrow, what’s happening?"

I glanced at her and gripped her hand, my gaze apologetic and worried. Then I turned back to the king. Please. She’s lived an indulged life; she’s not equipped to survive in such conditions. She’ll expire within a fortnight.

My father waved an unconcerned hand. Then I suggest you start your journey with the utmost haste, so she won’t suffer long.

I shook my head. It’ll take a moon cycle just to reach Donnelly and back, not to mention the amount of time I’ll need to complete my mission. Make her stay up in her rooms if you must, but not the dungeon. I beg you.

My word is final, was all the king would allow. He flicked out a single finger. Take her down now.

"No!" I clutched Sable’s hand desperately, but a line of knights plowed into me, separating us roughly as they pulled Sable away.

Sable? I called, my fingers still straining her way.

But so many guards came between us that I could no longer even see her. All I could hear was her panicked voice as she screamed, "Farrow!" just before it was cut short and muffled.

"Son of a bitch! Stop. I tried to move to the side, just to see her. That is your princess, you fools. Go gently now. But the guards moved with me, blocking my view. Sable?"

And just as quickly as that, the guards stepped back.

I fell to my knees when I found that Sable was gone, already dragged away with her fate sealed. I sobbed out a sound and bowed my face, squeezing my eyes shut and trying to think. But I couldn’t come up with a sound plan.

Doom settled hard in my gut. I looked up at the king one last time, hoping to change his mind with the agony in my stare alone. But he wasn’t even paying any attention to me. He was too busy, scanning his remaining knights before he picked out two.

"You and you. Accompany the bastard to Donnelly. None of you return until you have their bitch princess in your possession. Otherwise, you’ll occupy a space in the dungeon next to your princess. Is that understood?"

The two nodded intently. Yes, Your Majesty.

And thus, it was decided.

There was nothing else I could do. His mind was set, and Sable’s life depended on me and my success in securing Princess Nicolette.

King Torrance lifted his eyebrows at me before repeating, "I said, is that understood?"

My teeth ground together hard as something inside me broke. Maybe it was my heart. Maybe it was my allegiance and loyalty. But it caused the fragmented shards to scatter until they reassembled into something that resembled defiance.

For, suddenly, I wanted to spit in his eye, pound my fists into his face, haul him down to the dungeon by his damned fur collar, and have him personally unlock Sable from her cell. But any of those options would be my own death, which would probably warrant Sable’s demise as well.

So I pushed stonily to my feet and glared, deciding once and for all that I no longer wished to be his son. I just wanted his pain.

Understood, I seethed.

He sniffed arrogantly, gleaning pleasure from my subordination. Good.

Unable to stomach the sight of him a moment longer, I turned away and hitched my chin toward the two guards who’d been assigned to me. They marched forward to flank me on either side.

Gather what we’ll need for the journey ahead, I told them, my voice hollow and chest still compacted tight with an ugly mix of anger, fear, panic, and dazed shock.

This was really happening. Sable would die if I didn’t kidnap Princess Nicolette. We’ll meet in the courtyard in half an hour to depart.

The sooner we got there and back, the sooner I could free Sable.

If she didn’t expire before I returned.

Dammit all to hell, my affection for her was what had caused this. This was the second time my caring for another person had endangered her life. But never again. This time, I would save the one I loved.

As I raced to my stall in the stables so I could gather everything I’d need for the trip, I made another promise to myself.

I swore I’d never care for anyone that strongly again. It only doomed them.

No one else I treasured would suffer because of me, so I’d just never treasure anyone.

It was safer that way.

3

Farrow

Half an hour later, I sat atop the horse I’d borrowed from the royal guards’ stable with my fingers tapping impatiently against the saddle horn while I waited at the opening of the courtyard for the two knights who were being forced to accompany me.

Honestly, I didn’t want anyone else to tag along. They’d only slow me down, and I didn’t exactly trust my father’s servants. Aside from Sable, everyone in this damn castle seemed corrupt.

But only royal knights had enough authorization to access the stockroom and gather all the supplies we would need for our journey. So I’d have to devise a way to steal their provisions and lose them on the road. Hopefully this very night.

The courtyard was dark, and the torches slotted into their sconces on the walls cast more shadows than actual illumination. When a single figure meandered into the clearing on foot from a side passage as if lost, a feeling of distinct unease crawled up the back of my neck.

Who the hell was this? I very much doubted they had the same clearance I did right now to be out after curfew.

I frowned before calling, Hey, halt. Who goes there?

The figure jerked to a trembling stop and turned slowly in my direction before lowering his hood with quivering, frightened fingers. Torchlight flickered off a bald head where I noticed a purple birthmark covering nearly half of his bare scalp.

By God, I’d seen that birthmark before. It had been on Roloff, the very soothsayer Sable and I had been discussing earlier.

"What’re you doing out here? I asked incredulously, dismounting and surging forward into his path. Are you insane? Don’t you know the royal child’s been born and the king’s sent men out to capture you? Why haven’t you run yet?"

I—I’m not sure, good sir, he answered in a wavering voice, darting his gaze around fearfully as if not sure where to go now that I’d blocked his way. "I just know I’m m-meant to be here. In this place. At this moment. Even if it warrants my own demise. But p-p-please, if you could just ignore the fact that you see me right now and not turn me in…"

I sniffed out my amusement. Soothsayers were such odd ducks. Lying to save their own necks one moment, only to walk right into danger the next, all because of their ridiculous prophecies.

But I can’t simply let an outlaw run free, now can I? I taunted, casting him a dark smile. It’s just not in my blood.

Your blood? Roloff echoed in confusion, tipping his head to the side and squinting as if he were trying to figure out who I was. Nervous stutter gone, he said, Just whose blood runs through your veins, boy?

When his eyes milked over until they were nearly all white, I groaned. Oh, for the love of God. Don’t try that rubbish on me.

He was past hearing, though, as he reached out and barely touched my arm, flesh against flesh. As soon as he made contact, a tiny jolt of electricity sparked between us.

I jumped back, scowling. What the hell?

It was never good when a soothsayer touched you. They always started spouting crazy shit about your future. And rarely anyone ever liked knowing what would become of themselves. I gave you no such permission to read me.

But Roloff didn’t seem to mind the censure in my voice. Blinking his eyes back to normal, he sighed out his relief and smiled cheerfully. Oh! he said, his shoulders relaxing. It’s just you.

"Just me? I lifted my eyebrows, cautious yet curious. You think you know who I am, do you?"

Of course. Your energy is very strong, my lord. And besides, every seeing eye in Far Shore knows of the Bastard Betrayer.

I straightened, narrowing my eyes. "Now what did you just call me?"

Bastard Betrayer, the soothsayer repeated, bobbing his head and smiling as if either title was something honorable I should be proud of. You’re to be famous, you know. Soon, everyone in Far Shore will call you such.

Everyone? Cocking my head to the side, I murmured, Is that so?

All the while, a bloom of excitement blossomed in my chest. But famous? Did this mean I was going to complete my mission with success and save Sable?

I didn’t dare hope, except okay, I did. I hoped long and hard.

The word betrayer, however, caught me up. Betrayer didn’t sound so good. In fact, it sounded downright treacherous.

Oh, no. Don’t look so worried, my lord. The soothsayer patted my arm encouragingly. "Yes, sadly you’ll betray everyone you ever loved and nearly everyone you ever will love. But the worst of your disloyalty will be the very action that saves Far Shore and brings peace to many kingdoms. All your dishonorable decisions will be the most honorable thing you’ll ever do."

Right, I said slowly. Because that’s what betrayal does—generates honor and brings nations together.

The soothsayer began to nod encouragingly, only for his smile to falter at my glib reply. Well, no. Not typically, of course. But in this situation, yes, yes, it most certainly will.

That’s it, I growled, grabbing two handfuls of the front of his tunic and yanking him close. I shook him hard enough to rattle his teeth. Take it back.

I’d force him to recant his irritating prophecy, even if I had to pull his tongue out and put it back in sideways to make him say what I wanted.

No one called me a traitor.

But, I—I—I can’t. Your destiny isn’t mine to change. It is what it is. I’m just delivering the message.

A message full of untruths, I snapped.

"Excuse me, the little man gasped in outrage, not even mildly intimidated by my glower. I beg your pardon, but I have been tested for purity, kind sir. I cannot tell a lie."

"You lied about the gender of the child born tonight. It’s a girl; did you know that? And you told your king it would be a boy."

Color leached from his face. "Yes, well. That—that was—that was most unfortunate indeed, but I had to discolor the truth a bit, in order to save a life. My own. And in the event of preserving life, extenuating circumstances can be made for lying. It’s written in the scrolls. My purpose hasn’t been fulfilled yet, you see, so I must live longer."

Unable to help myself, I snorted out a laugh. You sound like my sister.

Really? he inquired with interest. Which one? I hope the little opinionated one. She’s quite my favorite.

At the mention of Sable, I ground my teeth.

She was my favorite too.

Agony ripped through my stomach like cloth tearing in two. And it reminded me of my immediate purpose in life: saving her.

Over Roloff’s shoulder, I spotted the two guards who were supposed to accompany me as they entered the courtyard, cantering up on their horses.

Remembering the urgency behind my plight, I pulled the little, bald man close.

If you like Sable so much, I hissed in his ear, then you shouldn’t mind keeping her company for me until I can return, now should you?

Wha—but what does that mean? he asked, glancing behind him in concern when he finally heard the hoof beats approach.

"Here’s your destiny, soothsayer. Take care of Sable. Tell her I’ll complete this mission they’re forcing me to do so I can return as soon as possible to free her. Tell her to hang tight. I will save her. All she needs to do is survive until I get back. And you? You help her survive."

"I’ll—what now? Hey! What’s going on here? Eyes widening when he finally spotted the knights as they stepped under the lamplight, Roloff started to struggle to be free. You know, I really shouldn’t be seen by any guards just now. They’re after me."

"I know. That’s why I’m turning you in. I can’t just betray my king and father by letting you get away, now, can I?"

His mouth fell open, shocked by my betrayal of him.

Shoving him toward the other two, I said, Look who I found, boys? It’s that lying soothsayer the king’s searching for. Why don’t you two take him back and turn him in to the dungeon? I’m sure they’ll reward you handsomely for such a catch.

They each leapt off their horses to tackle Roloff. Once they had him well in hand, one guard glanced my way. What about our journey?

I hitched my chin up. Go on. I’ll stay here and wait with the horses. We can head out as soon as you collect your bounty.

Indeed! They seemed fine with that idea. Thank you, Farrow.

As they fell right along with my plan, brutishly jostling and steering Roloff toward the castle on foot, I glanced toward their horses they’d left behind.

Perfect.

"No, thank you," I murmured.

As soon as all three were gone, I relieved one of the guards’ mounts of all its weapons and food they’d stockpiled for our trip, then I slapped its flanks and sent it trotting back in the direction of the stables. After securing the rest of the supplies to the second horse, I tied its reins to my own and climbed back into the saddle.

Galloping out of the courtyard and into the night by myself, I headed toward Donnelly.

I didn’t have time to wait around for anyone else. Whatever it took, I was going to free Sable as soon as possible.

4

Nicolette

A Fortnight Later

Plucking a white rose from the bush in front of me, I broke the thorns free from their stem before dropping the beauty into the basket that dangled from my arm.

Flower picking, an offended voice from my right lamented. "There’s a festival going on down in the village right now. Music, dancing, cups overflowing with wine, girls whose bosoms are overflowing from the tops of their dresses, and you choose to go flower picking instead."

I sent the disgruntled man an amused smile. "Yes, well. While I do love a good overflowing bosom… Tone dry with sarcasm, I shrugged. I just didn’t feel much like joining in on the revelries today."

My personal guard slumped his shoulders and sent me a pleading scowl. "But what about me, my lady? I’m forced to go where you go. Why didn’t you consider what I felt like doing for once? And not that you care or anything, but it’s been far too long since I explored a healthy bosom."

Eww. I wrinkled my nose and turned back to the bush, searching for the next perfect flower to pluck. When he continued to just stare at me expectantly, I sighed. Indy, really. I told you to just go already. Pursue as many bosoms as you like. You certainly don’t have to stay up here at the castle, babysitting me every second of every day.

Yes, I do. Blinking as if my suggestion was absolutely absurd, he shook his head. "It’s my job to protect you. Babysitting you every second of every day is literally all I’m supposed to do."

Wow, dramatic much? I teased on a laugh. "You’re always shoving me off onto one of your squires to watch so you can flit about to do something else far more important. Why is today any different than—wait." My eyes flared wide with worry.

Forgetting the roses, I hurried to him and clutched his arm. There could only be one reason why Indigo would suddenly be so inclined to personally watch over me.

"Why is today different from any other? Oh Lord, Donnelly’s under attack, aren’t we? Are we about to be invaded? Again?"

With an impatient sigh, he tugged his arm free and scowled. "Of course not. You wouldn’t be allowed outside the castle walls at all right now if the kingdom was under attack."

I dogged his steps when he turned and paced away, trying to escape my worried stare. But the secret entrance back into the castle is just right over—

When I started to point, he spun around and grabbed my hand, lowering it dramatically as he widened his eyes at me. "Do you mind very much not announcing aloud or pointing out where the secret entrance back into the castle is located? he hissed from between gritted teeth. Just because we’re not under any kind of attack doesn’t mean listening ears couldn’t possibly be nearby. And besides, a quick entry back into the castle is no reassurance whatsoever under any kind of threat. I would never trifle so freely with your care."

I huffed out a moody breath and yanked my hand from his so I could plop it against my hip. Well then, if we’re not under any kind of threat, why are you being so clingy?

Clingy? he repeated incredulously before snorting. "I’m not being clingy. I never should’ve taught you that word. Besides, why are you being so maudlin?"

I’m not being maudlin, I cried.

Except that was an obvious lie. Attending a celebration down in Mandalay was usually the exact type of event I enjoyed, especially since I’d spent the last three fortnights helping plan for it. It was flat-out strange for me to plead a headache and hover near the castle during such an occasion.

But the truth was: I had no idea why I felt blue.

I just did.

I couldn’t tell Indigo that, though. He’d haul me off to the nearest healer and have me examined for some kind of malady within the hour. And I knew I wasn’t sick. At least, I didn’t think I was. My heart simply ached for some strange, unexplainable reason. And my head pounded, right at my temple.

Well then, I’m not being clingy, Indigo spat back childishly before turning away and humming under his breath as he flicked a disinterested finger at a particularly limp and dreary rose.

I scowled at his back. "Are you seriously watching me so closely right now because you believe I’m sad?"

Of course not. He shrugged airily even as he tossed me a challenging glance and leaned against a nearby tree. Crossing his arms over his chest, he added, "For, as you just said, princess, you’re not sad."

I swear, I huffed. You are the most impertinent bodyguard I’ve ever met; do you realize that?

I wasn’t chosen for my sunny disposition. He shot me a smirk and began to pick at his teeth with his fingernail. That’s just a side benefit.

Oh bother. Rolling my eyes, I turned away and studied the roses before me, except I’d totally lost the desire to pick anymore. Glancing into my basket, I only found three buds lining the wicker bottom. Not even enough to fill one vase.

Damn, I really was mawkish today. And this sensation in my temple was beginning to annoy me.

I rubbed at the raw flesh and closed my eyes, trying to will the prickle away.

"Though if you were for some reason not feeling your usual, perky self, Indigo started in again as if he knew exactly how hard my head pounded. I opened my lashes and glanced his way to find him crossing his legs at the ankles and tapping his chin as if he didn’t have a care in the world, which I knew was a total ruse. The damn man was always alert to everything. Then it would behoove me to remain nearby since, you know, I am the best friend you’ve ever had. Only I can boost your maudlin moods."

Best friend? Blurting out a surprised laugh, I demanded, Says who?

He lifted a single shoulder and scanned the forest before returning his cocky grin to me. Says reality.

I continued to chuckle as I found a nearby tree stump and set myself upon it, resting my nearly empty basket on my lap as I did. Smiling up at him, I admitted, You do manage to entertain me frequently with all the absurd things you say. I’ll admit that.

Inclining his head as if to thank me for the compliment, he studied me a moment before murmuring on a serious tone, You know you can always talk to me, don’t you, Nicolette? I’m not just your bodyguard. You’re like a sister to me. If anything is troubling you—

But it’s not, I cut in insistently, flashing my teeth to get him to cease talking about it, already. A headache certainly wasn’t something to make an issue about.

He sighed but then nodded, letting me know he’d stop, only to press, "But if it were—"

Yes, I cried in aggravation. Of course I’d come to you with any concern. In fact, my menstrual courses are set to begin any day now. So I’ll make a note to tell you about every cramp and bloated—

"You know what I mean." He scowled at me, even as his face turned a bright crimson from the mention of female matters.

And I did know what he meant. But that was the problem. I had no concerns. No problems. Nothing worthy of any kind of depression. How did one talk about such an unseen, unknown enemy?

Forcing a smile, I said, If you’d really like to bring me cheer, dear friend, why don’t you tell me one of your funny, peculiar stories again?

Nothing distracted Indigo like his bizarre but highly entertaining tales.

I’d first met him five years ago when he’d come to Donnelly from High Cliff with Princess Allera so she could wed my brother Brentley.

Indigo had been a High Cliff knight at the time, protecting her, but he’d blended into Donnelly life nicely since then. And now, he was one of us.

Brentley had assigned him with the duty of seeing to my personal security about four years ago, and in that time, Indy and I had grown uncommonly close. He hadn’t been lying when he claimed to be my best friend. We squabbled nearly every day like siblings, fighting and disagreeing over pretty much everything. I adored him like no one else. So I was well aware that nothing would set him off like calling his stories funny or peculiar.

Which is exactly why I did so.

Quite regularly.

His outraged responses were just too amusing to resist.

And right on cue, he scowled at me. "They’re not funny or peculiar, brat. They’re fascinating and exciting. You just don’t appreciate the true magnetism of what I tell you."

Of course, I do, I argued. That story about the metal horse that moves on two wheels will stick with me forever. What did you call the conveyance again?

He narrowed his eyes before mumbling, A motorcycle.

"A motorcycle, I repeated in mock awe. Such a very creative concept. I mean, who would ever think of crafting a carriage like that? Your mind is a wonderland, Indigo, I swear. Where do you come up with all your fantastical ideas, anyway?"

Indigo opened his mouth, pausing before