rs tightened around the hidden dagger, her pulse thudding fast enough to drown out the morning birds. She

r than she meant to. "And why in

. He looked like someone used to danger, someone who had walked through storms an

e said. "If they find you, you w

left voluntarily. I am not a sack

oluntary choice," Rowan replied. "He ca

him. "That m

st me for the next few minutes if you

A man who knew her name without introduction. A m

t I am not foolish enough to stay here waiting for whoever you are a

isted the trunk with one hand as though it weighed nothing. She t

ietly. "A soldier? A thief?

smiled.

rd for

ou

. "I do not recal

"Your uncle did, month

had taught her how to hold a dagger without cutting herself. He had given her her compass. H

k you to guard?

ou would one day attempt to leave. He wanted so

sted. "He kne

her again. "They ar

ak. "Lead the way. And if you try a

derst

oo

branches, while she struggled not to stumble on every root that dared to exist. She was quic

hispered, "What ex

reenwharf before

ter Gre

ou out of

her ankle. "Out of the kingd

had holes

an was at least twe

ria, the men coming for you are not simply guar

drop. "Trackers? To c

es

ger. I am not Princess Loraine fleeing a curse. I am just a girl who

al alliances. Your marriage to Cedric would merge two powerful

t me down like I

es

. "I knew my parents valued appearances, but

aving was not a small thing. And be

ed. "I a

oing well,

l flicker of warmth in his voice. She turned away qui

ir grew warmer. The path widened. The birds grew louder. Victoria began to relax,

he hea

nt ho

e forest like a warning. St

roze. Rowa

e said quietly. "

and accurate,"

llen log, then turned to her. "Stay low.

ghtened. "Wha

distra

. "Rowan, if they catc

said simply. "I ha

r. But the sound of the hooves grew louder, echoing through

and the road. He looked calm, almost too calm, as tho

ly her fingers ached. Her breath came short and rapid. She pee

iders a

Heavy boots. C

cke

the open path as if

sword at Rowan. "We are looking for a girl. Brown

ice was st

thed silentl

far. We know she left the manor. If you

ne," Rowan said. "Y

wn from his hors

did no

tightened. "I

's breat

htly. "Turn back. You will

r growle

t step away, the

arely f

t that he was stubborn, quiet, and surprisingly gentle for someone with a

tried to s

owan caught

n's back and pushed him to the ground. The other

ed her mouth t

ifferent person now.

r seen anyth

s raised his sword and

id not r

blade could strike, Rowan shou

oria,

t to he

der spun in

eyes

saw

ve floode

lled aga

d, and launched into the trees, her heart racing,

blurred a

metal clashe

teps foll

a

fa

ed over her s

was gain

root, caught herse

s thinne

ight cut throu

en she

cl

iff with nothing bu

a stop as the world

, chest heaving, dagger in hand, wi

d faintly from some

oria,

ard mean

nd her w

seconds