“More like, you drag me everywhere you go,” Hero says dryly.
Hector shrugs and turns back to Tersah. “Will you go back with us?”
“I suppose I must, or Phillipa will send a legion for me next.”
Phillipa?
Hector nods. “She probably would.”
“Give me a few moments.” Tersah hurries into her cottage, and Hector walks to where I stand.
Those needles of jealousy remain, piercing my skin and making me want to wrap my arms around him and shout to the entire world he’s mine.
Hector brings me close. “We will return to Karra tonight, but we will avoid the larger lakes.”
“Tonight?” The memory of falling through the ice skirts my vision, sending chills down the length of my back.
“Yes. Hero is predicting a blizzard soon. I would like to make it back to the safety of Karra before that happens.”
The Carnelian can predict weather? I eye Hero’s sturdy back, wondering how deep his magic goes.
“Does his magic tell him that?” I ask.
“No,” Hector says. “He feels it in the air.”
Hector leads me to Hale and helps me on the gelding’s back. As Hector settles in the saddle behind me, he pulls me close, and I melt against him. When we return to the palace in Karra, I plan to straddle his hips again.
I remember the way Tersah greeted him and scowl. “Did you know Tersah when you were younger?”
“Yes.”
Were they lovers?
Knots tighten in my stomach as I swallow. I don’t want to think about it. I certainly don’t want an answer.
Maybe one day I will, but not today.
ChapterThirty-Six
Nightfall settles over Karra before we return to the palace, and Hector leads me to our room.
Even now, I cannot believe he actually bedded me while we were away. Not once. Not twice, but four times. Four glorious times of being in his arms.
He was right. I crave more. I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of him.
After I bathe in the large, round tub, I change into clean clothes. I run my fingers against my surcoat and smile. After being in the saddle, it’s nice to be back here and wearing something that is not covered in dust. I brush my hair, braid it, and tie the end with the ribbon Everly gave me. As I stare into the looking glass, I caress the silk ribbon.
Torchlight dances across the ceiling as I tidy the bedchamber while I wait for Hector, who left earlier to find us something to eat.
The blanket I used to wrap Edvard in catches my attention. I move to the chair and pick up the soft material. It’s been days since I have seen the baby.
I’ll visit him.
Excitement fills me as I make my way to the wet nurse’s room. I tap my knuckles against the door five times, but still there is no response. Frustrated, I turn away and eye Everly’s door.
She may know where the wet nurse and Edvard are.
I move to her bedchamber and knock. After my third attempt, I call out. “Everly, are you in there?”
