Pride glints in Kassandra’s eyes and echoes in her words as she speaks. “The army you see before you isn’t just any Bloodstone army. It’s Luc’s army. It will do anything to protect the Bloodstone people.”
I run my fingers against my surcoat, smoothing the edges. “How long has it been since you were home?”
She shrugs. “I consider this army my home.”
“But you do have a home?”
“Of course, but it’s been months since I was there.”
Then their mission took months?
“Is Astarobane the only Bloodstone city?” I ask, hoping she’ll be more insightful than Gabriel.
“It’s not.” She brushes dust from her surcoat.
Kassandra’s gaze shifts to the left as five men approach and work on the tent I shared with Gabriel.
“Get your things and come with me,” Kassandra says, dragging my attention back to her.
I nod and enter the tent to gather my leather satchel. Without looking at the bed, I step back outside. I don’t have time to dwell on what did or didn’t happen. Yet, thoughts still sink into my skin and taunt my pride.
A Bloodstone warrior spurned me. With one look, he deemed me unworthy. Untouchable.
It shouldn’t bother me, but it does.
He had achieved what he wanted with the council. Later that night, they had entered his tent to observe the blood on the bedcovers.
Gabriel is the key. He’s unlocking the door to the mountains and the rest of his tribe. Without him, his people would have sent me away, and without him, they will never allow me to immerse myself into their culture.
Kassandra leads me to a nearby wagon, where she shares fresh wheat bread and clean water.
“Thank you,” I say as I tear off a chunk of bread.
“Of course.” She leans against the wagon. “I never dreamed I’d meet a Kyanite who’s so kind to me.”
Instant guilt scrapes at my throat. I befriended her because I need her companionship and confidence.
Besides, she’s the kind one. Not me.
“We’re not all bad,” I say when I can’t think of anything else.
“I don’t think Kyanites are horrible.” Her stare lifts to settle beyond my shoulder. “It is my people who despise Kyanites. They blame your people for the loss of our magic.”
“That was many summers ago.” I push loose strands of hair from my cheeks. “Forty summers.”
“Yes.” She nods. “It’s inane when you consider it. Our tribes hate each other over a rift that happened before we were born. We can be different.”
“We can.” More guilt scrapes at my throat at the facade behind my words.
“It will be our little secret,” she says with another wide smile.
“I love secrets.” Probably too much. Definitely too much.
“Me too.” She settles her stare over my shoulder again, as if gaging whether she’s free to speak. “Don’t allow Gabriel to upset you.”
I pull my cloak closer and consider my words before speaking. “I’m used to men like him.”
“Truly?” She plays with the ribbon binding her braid. “I have always thought he was unique.”
