Page 134 of Ashborne Forged

‘Let’s fly.’

I still didn’t question.

I changed, and we spent an hour in the night, alone, breathing, reaching for our mates, and holding each other’s hearts.

And when he landed, I was so exhausted, I almost tumbled out of my seat. But instead, once I’d pulled the harness free, he rumbled again, then curled himself up under the branches of a huge cedar.

I didn’t even pretend to protest. The moment he found his comfortable spot, I crawled over his leg and let my body slip into the hollow between his belly, and his foreleg, where I was held, half-reclined, and warmed by the wing he extended over me.

And I finally, blessedly, slept.

43. The King’s Blessing

~ GRACE ~

Several days after arriving at Breckon’s estate, I returned from my morning ride, surrounded by guards I almost didn’t see anymore, to find a gleaming, near-black carriage with brass fittings waiting at the base of the main stairs, rolling back and forth as a team of four, matched grays danced, preparing to pull it. Servants busied themselves with luggage as I frowned, and rushed forward.

Who had come? Would their appearance offer an opportunity to escape?

Breckon appeared from behind the carriage, smiling, a tweed cap on his head, and a scarf around his neck. He tapped one of the footmen on the shoulder and pointed to the top of the carriage—which was when I realized the servants were loading luggage onto the carriage. Not bringing it inside.

Hope sang in my chest. If he’d been called away, there would inevitably be chances to befriend the servants. Perhaps I could find Jade again and—

“There you are. You’re late.”

“Late for what?” I didn’t bother to greet him formally. He hadn’t given me the respect.

His lips thinned, but he didn’t comment. “Late for our departure. Get inside and bathe—quickly.”

I stopped walking. “Our departure?”

He smiled. “Yes, my dear. We have been honored. Our marriage will be witnessed by the king himself. So, get your ass inside and wash off the animal stink—assuming it hasn’t yet sunk beneath the skin.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. But two of the maids who were outside, white aprons in stark contrast to their gray dresses, took my elbows and led me up the stairs and into the house, guards hovering on each side.

One of the maids was Jade.

I kept looking over my shoulder, but Breckon didn’t follow, so the moment we were out of sight, I hissed to her.

“Tell me. What is he talking about?”

Jade glanced over her shoulder before leaning into my ear. “The Lord is leaving. He’s ordered us to make certain you’re bathed and dressed for travel.”

No. I swallowed to wet my throat. “Where are we traveling to?”

“The castle,” she answered promptly. “The king and queen wish to host the wedding, and have invited everyone of note to witness for you.”

What? Why? He didn’t even know if I’d bleed yet! But I couldn’t say that to the women.

When we got upstairs, the bath was already cooling on the floor of the bathing chamber. I was stripped unceremoniously, and scrubbed by both women at the same time, then lifted out of the tub and dried and dressed in minutes.

No. No. No. It was all I could think.

I scrambled. Searching for a way out. A way to avoid going with him. But of course, he wouldn’t arrive at the castle for our wedding without me.

They must be seeking proof it was truly me?

Or…