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Sneaking around tonight has reminded me that I need to be more careful about how I act when I’m around her. Rumors spread easily, and I won’t allow suspicions to throw a wrench in her wedding plans.
I’ll have to cool my thoughts of her in front of everyone. I can pull away and keep my eyes off of her, no problem.
Her desire sparks through the bond as I’m finally getting comfortable. I sense it spreading, catching fire.
As I lie awake, I know I have a big fucking problem. Because I can’t stop wondering if she’s thinking about me.
13
CORDELIA
“Ihave a surprise for you.”
Darcy swipes the teacup the maid just placed in front of me and closes my book.
I hide my fists beneath the table, digging my nails into my palms. The passage I was reading was steeped too heavily in dragon folklore to help us on our next expedition, but I wanted to finish it.
I crinkle my face into a smile. “What kind of surprise?”
“We’re going to have a picnic.”
“Should we bring our books?” I ask, looking at the corner table where Zephyr, James, and Bijou are all scouring for information on the ancient ice dragon.
Zephyr’s back is turned to me.
We’ve made up since our argument, so I’m not sure why they’re keeping their distance, but I can feel a chasm between us. When they pass me in the halls, they nod, or wave, or grunt a greeting, but they rarely speak to me in front of anyone else.
“No, no one else is coming.” Darcy runs her gloved finger along the edge of the desk. “I want to spend some time alone with my betrothed.”
Zephyr fidgets with their cap, their shoulders lifting toward their ears.
I slide my gaze back to Darcy. “That sounds wonderful.”
She takes me to the stables, and I lower my head as the groom leads a chestnut mare to Darcy’s chaise carriage. I hope he’s not in too much trouble after Ross’s kelpie got out on his watch.
“Here,” Darcy says, pressing a few coins into his hand. “For dealing with my friend.”
“Your Grace, that’s not necessary.” He tries to give it back, but she pushes against his hand.
“You’ve been with our family since you were a young boy. I appreciate you putting up with Ross’s temper tantrum.”
I rub my sternum as he takes it, conflicted by the admiration I feel for Darcy. The kind-hearted sailor she pretended to be shines through occasionally, leaving me confused because none of that was real.
She’s capable of doing good, though, and I can help her.
After setting the kelpie free, I’m starting to feel better. I’m remembering I can find purpose in anything.
And I can find pleasure within myself. I don’t need love for that.
I climb in the chaise, and Darcy takes the reins. This is how we ride into the village for our daily visits. I’ve grown to like the sensation of the wheels clattering over the cobblestones as we ramble toward the market square.
But she takes a different path today, and the horse trots toward the other side of the island where the buildings are few and far between.
“The sea witch lives back there,” she says, her tone half-joking as I do a double take over my shoulder. “She’s an old legend around here, but if she ever approaches you, politely tell her there’s somewhere you need to be. Never ever make a deal.”
“What will happen?”
“Nothing good.” She slows the horse as we approach the last shop before the street gives way to a stretch of white sand and soft hills rolling into sharp cliffs. “People tend to go missing after they visit her home.”
