I swear to the gods,I’m going to need at least five icy dips in the lake to cool my frustration with Everly.
Why does she have to be so damn irritating?
Her stubbornness rivals mine, and that’s saying something. Every time I think I’ve got her figured out, she throws me another curve, leaving me more perplexed than before. It’s maddening, really, how she can get under my skin so easily.
I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the roots in exasperation. Perhaps I should go for that swim now and be done with it.
The missive she thrust into my hands crinkles as I clench my fist. Damn her. Damn her and her infuriating ability to leave me feeling like I’ve been trampled by a herd of wild bulls.
Turning back to the corral, I rest my arms on the wooden fence. The dark brown gelding I’d been tending nickers. I reach out, running my hand along hismuzzle.
At least horses are simple. They don’t lie. They don’t spy. They don’t make me question every decision I’ve ever made.
“What am I supposed to do with her?”
He stares at me, unimpressed by my question.
The sun beats down on my neck as I unfold the missive from Hawke and read the coded words, the contents giving me clarity on my next move.
As I fold it and place it inside my cloak, my thoughts turn back to Everly. It would be so easy to forget about the lies and the spying.
But I can’t.
I’m responsible for more than my desires, and I can’t afford to be swayed by a pair of striking blue eyes and a sharp tongue.
Chapter
Forty-Eight
EVERLY
The night aircrackles with energy as I sit near a massive fire. My attention drifts to several deep pits dug into the earth nearby, where Morwen and Ava tend to roasting pigs.
Four lute players strum a gentle melody nearby. I try to relax, to listen to the music, but my eyes refuse to stop wandering to Cenric sitting near Liam.
The entire time they talk, Cenric doesn’t look at me. Not even once.
What I wouldn’t do to go back in time, to never stumble into that alley, to never be forced into spying.
The lute players strike up a livelier tune, and couples begin to dance around the fire. I stay seated and pick at a loose thread on my sleeve. Dancing alone would be even more pitiful than sitting here moping.
My heart aches as I look at Cenric again, longing for his attention, but he’s not going to give it to me.
I sigh and push to my feet. There’s no point in staying.
I walk away, leaving behind the fire, behind Cenric, behind my hopes of him ever forgiving me.
The music fades as I step into my tent. I sink onto my bed, still wearing the blue surcoat Cenric gave me.
The tent flap lifts, startling me. Doran steps inside. His lips curl into what I suppose is meant to be a smile, but it only sends a wave of ice down my spine.
“Hello, Everly.”
Dread threads around my heart as he moves closer.
“I thought we could get to know each other better.” He lifts a terracotta jar for me to see. “Care for some wine?”
“No.”
