So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(96)

“Then don’t worry.” He gave her a quick kiss. “The tonic has no effect on you. I am your one and only true love.”

“Rup—” She stopped when he placed a finger on her lips. With a smile, she whispered against the touch of his finger, “You-know-who, I am madly in love with you.”

“Brigitta.” He took her mouth with his.

She melted as his mouth moved over hers, tender at first, then rapidly becoming more demanding and hungry.

“Brigitta!” Sister Fallyn hissed.

Rupert broke the kiss.

Sister Fallyn huffed. “I leave you alone for a few minutes, and he starts ravishing you?”

“I beg your pardon.” Rupert scrambled to his feet. “I will take my leave now. Sleep well.”

Brigitta rose to her feet. “Be careful tomorrow.”

“I will.” He winked, then let himself onto the balcony.

With a sigh, she sat back down on the bed. “I feel so helpless.” Would she have to watch Rupert risking his life, day after day, while she did nothing? She needed to be more than just a pawn in this game.

*

The next morning, a small army of maids made sure she looked radiant in gold silk with touches of blue. The royal colors of Tourin, Hilda explained. So her golden gown had blue ribbons crossing the bodice and a blue silk sash around the waist. Her golden skirt was embroidered with bluebells, and blue sapphires twinkled around her neck and on her small golden tiara. Even her slippers were gold and tied around her ankles with blue ribbons.

Hilda and her guards delivered her to the palace entrance, where she waited by the enormous double doors for her brother to arrive. He was so covered with gold and jewels, she wondered how he was able to walk.

She sank into a deep curtsy.

He pulled her up and gave her a warning look. “Remember we are being watched today.”

“Of course.” She gave him a beaming smile. “You look absolutely divine, brother dearest … I mean, Your Majesty.”

With a laugh, he led her out the door. Along the outer gate, a crowd gave a cheer. “You see?” He waved at the crowd. “They all want to see the long-lost princess. Make sure you act properly appreciative.”

She tucked a hand around his arm and leaned against his shoulder. “Indeed, I am grateful for all the beautiful clothes.”

“Of course.” He patted her head the way she patted Brody when he was in dog form. “Let’s go.”

They climbed into the waiting open-air carriage that was covered with gilt. Six white horses with golden riggings and white plumes pulled the coach, handled by a driver dressed in white and gold.

“Do you see the flags there?” Gunther pointed to the large blue-and-gold flags across the courtyard. “That’s where the race will begin.”

“Oh.” Brigitta scanned the area. Groomsmen were readying seven horses, but none of the contestants were in sight. “I thought it would happen in the stadium.”

“It will finish there, but first, they’ll race through the town. They’ll be taking the same route that we are.”

As their carriage passed through the entrance gate, she noted the blue-and-gold flags marking the sides of the wide road. Soldiers were stationed along the route to keep the townspeople from venturing onto the course.

“Wave to the people and smile,” Gunther said as he held up a hand. “It will make their day.”

“Of course.” She waved at a mother and her young children, all dressed in rags, and her smile wobbled. No doubt they would be more impressed by a good meal.

She looked around as they rode down the long street. The buildings were old and run-down, and the stench of poor sanitation hung in the air.

After a while, the coach turned onto a narrower street, still outlined with blue-and-gold flags.

She froze, her hand in the air and a brittle smile on her face. Good goddesses, this was the street she’d seen in Rupert’s memory. The ambush had happened here.

Her gaze flitted along the tops of the tall buildings. The arrows had come from there. Rupert’s father had died on this street. And Rupert would have to ride down this street for the race.

Her eyes burned with tears. He would be forced to relive his worst nightmare.

“What’s wrong with you?” Gunther growled.

“Oh.” She beamed a smile and waved enthusiastically. “I was just overcome for a moment. By my good fortune.”

Her heart thudded. Rupert would have to be strong. If he lost this round, it would be a disaster. She grew increasingly tense as the carriage continued through the town and across a bridge spanning the Loure River.

The huge stadium rose before them. Oblong in shape and four stories high. There had to be at least thirty flags along the top, flapping in the wind. Their carriage drove into a wide tunnel at one end.

“The horses will come through here,” Gunther explained. “The royal box is on the other end, so we’ll have an excellent view.”

As the carriage emerged from the tunnel, Brigitta’s heart stuttered at the sight of so many cheering spectators. The carriage started down the middle of the field, headed for the far end, where a golden box gleamed in the morning sun.

“See the hurdles?” Gunther yelled over the noise.

She noted there were three hurdles crossing the dirt raceway, each one a bit higher than the last.