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Oh. Oooh. Because he likedme?
All too soon, the ride ended. I thought we would return to the castle after we dismounted, but he led the stallion to the entrance of the garden maze and tied his reins to a hidden post.
“There’s more?” Already this was the best date—day! not date, day!—of my life.
“There’s more,” he confirmed.
Needing a moment to calm my heartbeat, I cooed to the sweet beauty.
Callen took my hand and led me toward the winding hedges. Lush greenery rustled in the crisp Scottish mid-morning breeze. My hand trembled within his. The first time I ventured inside this viney terror, a wolf had howled as if it waited for an opportunity to strike. The second time, when I’d decided to face my fear, I broke my foot.
“I feel your apprehension,” he told me. “You doubt my protection as both your king and husband.” Dropping my hand near the towering entrance stones, he faced me. Determination emanated from him. “It’s an insult to me.”
I could tell he wasn’t upset. Hmm, maybe just a little. He was a berserker, after all. Mostly, I sensed…kindness? “Well, then. No more apprehension. But I expect you to act as my meat shield in the event of trouble.”
“Consider it done.” The corner of his lip quirked. “Come on. We’re going through Briarwrath together. I’ll teach you the secrets of the maze, and you’ll never again get lost inside.”
“You named it Briarwrath? No wonder the place attacked me twice.”
He snorted again and oh, how I adored the sound. “The name is supposed to embolden young children.”
“Embolden them? Lesson plan objective unachieved.” I shook my head, my every educator’s instinct balking at theidea of children in danger within these twisting walkways. “I’d think it would frighten and deter them.”
“Ah, but fear conquered is strength activated. So yes, embolden.” Lines crossed his forehead. “Children of berserkers often grow up with uncertainty, knowing they are different. Dangerous. As they master this maze and its intricate design, they learn to face an unknown future with confidence. The rage of those who died in battles is said to imbue these thorny vines and enchanted pathways.”
“The castle isn’t enchanted, but the maze is?”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. Legends have a way of becoming distorted over the centuries.” He crooked his elbow in my direction. “In any case, it’s time to conqueryourfear.”
Grateful, I tucked my arm through his, once again relishing his intoxicating scent. “I’m ready to emerge on the other side with confidence,” I told him with a firm nod.
As one, we crossed the grassy entrance of the maze. At least I understood the foreboding I’d felt the first two times I entered. But how had I missed those ominous runes carved into stone, weathered by elements and time?
No wolves howled in the distance, and yet, I sensed a simmering rage as the grass flattened beneath our footsteps. Goose bumps formed along my arms.
“Do the children venture through this thing alone?” I asked.
He shook his head. “They go in groups of three.”
“Ah yes, that makes sense. Scouts go in groups of three, too, so one girl can stay with the injured while the other searches for help.”
“For sentinels in battle, the triangle formation maximizes the ability to protect your back and cover each other’s blind spots while maintaining offensive capabilities.”
“So exactly the same,” I replied, and he laughed outright. His amusement didn’t last long, but it thrilled me.
Eyes wide as we motored on, he admitted, “I never laugh.”
But he did with me. I rested my head on his shoulder before I realized I’d moved. “Will Mirren get to conquer the maze?”
“At some point.” He sighed. “A few months ago, she accompanied me to a celebration ceremony. Afterward, she told me she was born to be a queen of sentinels and she would prove her strength by conquering the maze faster than any others.”
“Tell me more about this celebration ceremony.”
“As king, it’s my duty to greet those who make it to the exit. They receive top honors when they begin their combat training.”
I heard the pride in his voice, his joy in their accomplishments. “You care about them as if they’re your own.”
“Because they are. I’m their sovereign, responsible for their continued wellbeing.”
