“I would have brought you myself yesterday,” he says, “but Mother would have been furious if I’d run off to the sea without visiting with her first.” He laughs and takes his place by the wheel.
Dristan calls out instructions to his crew, and we soon race toward the mainland. Near the front of the ship, Galinor and I stand. Together we watch for whales. I’m disappointed we still haven’t seen one.
“Dolphins,” Dristan calls out as several of the gray creatures break the water’s surface close by.
The dolphins follow us, screeching and calling as they dive in and out of the waves. Their skin glistens in the sunlight, and I would love to touch one. I’m disappointed when they finally swim away.
I breathe in the sea air, wishing we could stay out all day. The closer we get to Saltwreath, the nearer I feel I am to Dimitri. As much as I need the changeling stone back, he’s the last person I want to see.
We reach the pier, and many men call out to Dristan, welcoming him back. Galinor and I wait for him, but as popular as he is, we wait awhile.
I stroll about, looking at both the large ships and the small fishing boats. Several are unloading cargo. I recognize merchants waiting for their goods. Their eyes are sharp as they calculate numbers in their heads.
For one fleeting moment, I wonder if Father is here. He can’t be, though. It’s during the day. He must be hidden away somewhere.
I rub my stomach, which once again churns when I think about what I’ve done.
“Anwen,” Dristan calls, “Are you ready?”
He and Galinor stand near the carriage, waiting for me.
I take a step toward them but am stopped by an incredulous voice behind me. “Anwen?”
Filled with instant dread, I turn. There, in front of me, stands Dimitri—with the changeling stone around his neck.
Chapter 17
Istare at Dimitri with my mouth hanging open. He looks just like I remember him…but somehow disappointing. He’s not quite as tall as I thought he was, not quite as strong. His sharp eyes take in my scrutiny, and he moves toward me. Instinctively, I step back.
“Anwen,” he whispers, his brown eyes narrowing as if I’ve hurt him.
I open my mouth to speak, but I find no words. Instead, I turn from him and walk away.
Galinor gives me a questioning look, and when his eyes meet the man I was speaking with, his expression turns murderous. “Is that him?” he asks as I hold my hand out so he can help me into the carriage.
“I can’t do it, Galinor.” My voice shakes. “I’ll find him again during the festival, but I just can’t right now.”
Galinor’s eyes return to my face, and he softens. “All right.”
Dristan hesitates, his hand on his sword.
“No, Dristan,” I whisper. “He’s wearing the stone. Hecan transform into anything. Please, I want to be away from him.”
Dristan’s eyes flicker to me with indecision, but he finally joins us and tells the driver to take us to Castle Calland.
“Anwen!” Dimitri yells, running to the carriage as we pass him. “Please!”
I don’t look at him—I can’t. As soon as we’re out of sight, I close my eyes and let hot tears trail down my cheeks.
“You walked away?”Marigold says, shocked.
The news of finding Dimitri was enough to drag Marigold out of the library. She and Rosie sit on my bed, watching a lady’s maid fix my hair.
Stunningis the only direction I gave the woman.
My patchwork outfit has been freshly laundered and mended. When I returned to my room, it was folded on my bed, waiting for me. A patch has been added where the arrow sliced through the fabric, but it looks all right.
I have it on now. Sandals have replaced my boots, and the maid has darkened my eyelids and lashes.
