So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(105)

So now she was pacing in her tent, worrying about the ambush. The night before at the palace, she’d written a note for Rupert. She reached into the bodice of her gown to retrieve it.

Sister Fallyn lifted the flap to enter the tent. “The servants say he’ll be sleeping among the soldiers.”

“All right.” Brigitta carefully palmed the folded note in her hand. “Are you ready?”

Sister Fallyn winced. “If we get caught—”

“We won’t. Brody will be watching over us. Let’s go.” Brigitta strode from the tent with Sister Fallyn following close behind.

There were four lines of tents where the two troops of soldiers would be sleeping. As Brigitta approached, the soldiers stopped what they were doing and bowed.

She nodded her head imperiously. “Good evening.”

One of the soldiers, a lieutenant, stepped toward her. “Your Highness, is there something we can do for you?”

“Yes.” She let her gaze wander over the tents. “I would like to wish Seven good luck. He’s here, isn’t he?”

The lieutenant winced. “He’s not supposed to see anyone.”

Brigitta sneered much like her brother would do. “I’m not just anyone. The man has risked his life to win my hand, so it is only fitting that I acknowledge his efforts.” She lowered her voice. “What’s the harm in a few words? The man will probably die tomorrow.”

The lieutenant shifted his weight. “That is true.”

“So where is he? I’m curious to see the man who inspired so much cheering at the stadium.”

“This way.” The lieutenant led her down the third row of tents and stopped in front of one. “Seven, come out.”

The tent flap opened and Rupert emerged with a guard, who immediately bowed.

Rupert’s eyes widened a fraction, then he lowered his gaze and bowed. “Your Highness.”

Brigitta quickly looked him over. He didn’t seem injured in any way. “So this is the man everyone was chanting about?” She leaned close to Sister Fallyn. “He seems quite ordinary, doesn’t he?”

Sister Fallyn nodded, then gasped and pointed at the sky. “Good heavens, is that a dragon?”

While the soldiers turned to look, Brigitta grabbed Rupert’s hand and pressed the note against his palm.

He squeezed her hand, his gaze meeting hers for a heated second, then he released her, curling his fist around the note.

“It’s just an eagle.” The guard turned toward them.

“Really?” Brigitta glanced up. It was Brody, ready to swoop down and attack if they needed a distraction.

“Oh, what a relief.” Sister Fallyn pressed a hand to her chest. “I’m so afraid one of those awful dragons will attack us.”

“Don’t worry, madam,” the lieutenant boasted. “We’re here to protect you.”

Brigitta smiled at the soldiers. “How marvelous of you.” She turned toward Rupert. “I doubt we’ll meet again, sir, but I wanted to wish you good luck.”

He gave her a wry look, then inclined his head. “You are too kind, Your Highness.”

“Yes, I know.” As she sauntered off, she heard Rupert telling his guard he needed to piss. No doubt he was seeking a moment of privacy to read the note. “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She waved a hand in the air without bothering to look back.

Sister Fallyn trailed along behind, playing the role of a devoted servant. When they reached the privacy of their tent, they both heaved huge sighs of relief.

“Oh, thank you.” Brigitta hugged the nun. “I couldn’t have managed without you.”

“What did the note say?” Sister Fallyn asked.

“It was short and simple. ‘After you cross the border, One and Two will try to kill you.’”

Sister Fallyn winced. “I suppose that is all we can do for now. I’ll go fetch us some dinner.”

“Thank you.” Alone in the tent, Brigitta resumed her pacing. Hopefully by now, Rupert would have read the note.

A bark sounded outside. Brigitta lifted the tent flap, and Brody, now in dog form, trotted inside.

“Here.” She set a pair of breeches on her cot, then stepped outside to let him shift in private.

The sun was lowering in the sky, so numerous torches were being lit around the camp. The scent of wood smoke and roasting meat was thick in the air.

Gunther’s tent was unmistakable, since it was huge and topped with a dozen banners in blue and gold. The sound of male laughter emanated from within. He was enjoying a meal with Captain Mador and General Tarvis. She’d been invited, but had declined, saying she was too tired from the day’s travel.

Her skin prickled as once again she had the odd feeling that she was being watched. She scanned the camp, but everyone seemed busy at their tasks.

“You can come in now,” Brody whispered, and she ducked back into the tent. “I have news. Stefan and the others have camped two miles from here.”

“That’s good. I managed to pass a note on to Seven.”

“Excellent.” Brody nodded. “Tomorrow when he leaves, I’ll follow him as a bird. Stefan will be able to see me, so he’ll follow on horseback. We’ll watch his back.”

“I’m coming with you.”