AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“They’re dead,” she repeats. “The Tenebris marched on Navalis and slaughtered everyone who lived there, including my family and what was left of our army.”
“They’re dead,” he chokes out.
“For someone who didn’t care for the royal family, you certainly seem broken up about it.”
He whirls on me and raises a finger to jab it into the center of my chest. Given our height difference, he couldn’t get much higher. “You listen to me, boy. I might not care for royals running my life, but the Navalis family never hurt anyone. You hear me? They kept to themselves, protected their kingdom, and didn’t start any wars. Far as I’m concerned, that’s better than any other kingdom.”
“They fought in their fair share,” Carleah replies.
“To defend the code of honor,” William replies. “Your father lived by that code.”
“He died by it, too,” she counters.
William shakes his head sadly then runs a meaty hand over the back of his neck. “I am sorry for your loss, Princess.”
“I’m not interested in your apologies,” she retorts. “But you can be on your way and forget you ever saw me.”
I step aside so he can do just that, but William doesn’t budge. “Where are you going now?”
“None of your business,” I say.
“It is my business,” he replies, growling up at me. “Because I am not one to leave a Navalis royal out on her ass with some stranger! My mother would have my head.”
“Your mother?”
“You got a problem with that?” William growls as he glares at me.
I hold up my free hand and choke on a smile. “Nope. Not one.”
Carleah’s expression softens. “As much as I appreciate your offer to help, we know exactly where we are going, and Fort is no stranger.”
William’s eyes bulge, and I honestly worry they may pop out of his head. “You are Fort? The head of the Navalis guard?”
“I thought you knew who he was,” Carleah replies.
“I knew him to be a guardsman, but not the head of your guard. You are legend even in the towns on this side of the realm.”
I try my best to ignore the ache in my chest, knowing I no longer carry that title. “I am Fort,” I reply. “And Carleah’s protection is my only goal.”
William sizes me up then nods. “Then you’ll both come with me.” He starts walking again.
“We’re not going anywhere with you,” I say.
“We can’t be too far off course,” Carleah adds quickly. “We have somewhere we need to be.”
“As it happens,” William says, straightening the front of his disheveled tunic, “We are right near my home. Come.” He gestures for us to follow. “I promise you safe shelter, food, water, and a comfortable place to rest.”
“Why?” I question.
“I’ve already told you why.”
“Then we would be rude not to take you up on your offer,” Carleah says.
“Carleah—”
“It’ll be okay, Fort. Have some trust.” She smiles then starts walking. Shadow falls into step beside her, and after kicking some dirt over our fire, I follow as well, all the while watching every inch of forest we tread through.
True to his word, just ahead, a small grass cottage comes into view, light pouring from the windows. I can hear a woman whistling, but it’s not until we reach a sagging porch that I see her. She’s significantly older than William, her silver hair high on top of her head. She wears a dress that is the same color as the orange ribbon she’s tied around her hair, and when she turns to look at us, she smiles brightly rather than looking frustrated.
