The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)(74)

She opened the door, climbing down to stand beside me.

“Very well.”

I took deep gulps of air, dirty and exhausted and not really sure how to say what I wanted to.

“I’m an Eastoffe. And I still wear his ring, and yours. You are my family,” I said simply. “As such, I refuse to leave you. If you are heading into danger, then . . . then I can’t let you go without me.”

“This is nonsense,” Etan protested.

“Oh, go back to ignoring me!”

“Can’t you go back to hating us?” he shot back.

“I don’t hate you,” I said, staring into Lady Eastoffe’s eyes. “Well, maybe you,” I offered to Etan. “But not all that much.”

“Oh. Thank you so much for that.”

“Etan,” Lady Eastoffe said firmly, rolling her eyes. It was enough to silence him, and she turned her attentions to me. “Do you really want to leave your people? Your home?” she asked quietly. “We’ve done it ourselves, and I assure you, it’s much harder than you think.”

“I want to honor you. To honor Silas. To live a life, long or short, that is more than the pettiness of court or the isolation of my home.” I wrung my hands, pleading, trying not to cry. “I don’t want to harm King Quinten, if you can believe that. Too much blood has been spilled, and I don’t want to cause any more. But I want answers. I want to find a way to make it undeniable. I want that man to look into my eyes and own that he killed my husband, to tell me why.”

“Hollis . . .” she began gently, her conviction seeming to waver.

“I cannot go back,” I vowed. “And if you won’t let me in your carriage, then I’ll be forced to follow you on this rather impressive horse. I’m afraid you’ll find me quite persistent.”

She looked over at Scarlet, who, for the first time in weeks, smiled.

“It seems you are decided.”

“I am.”

“Then into the carriage with you. Sir, could you tie this horse to the back? I’m sure Lady Hollis will want her with us.”

“You cannot let her in that carriage!” Etan insisted. “She can’t come with us.”

“I don’t take orders from you, sir. I’m following my family. And as we know, nothing is more honorable than to give your life to your family.” I gave him a determined stare, and he sighed, trotting to the front of the carriage while Madge was tied up to the back. I removed her bags to pull inside with me, and only calmed once we were moving.

“That’s not very much,” Scarlet pointed out.

“Only half of it’s clothes,” I informed her, pulling out a handful of gold.

“Is that your money from the king?” Lady Eastoffe asked quietly, as if anyone would hear over the wheels.

“Not all of it. But I figured we might need some. For basic needs. Or bribes. Or to renovate Varinger Hall if I’m forced to go back.”

She laughed. “Silas always liked that about you. Your determination. But let me remind you, this won’t be easy. I have no certainty of what’s waiting for us in Isolte.”

I took in the solemn looks on her and Scarlet’s faces, and I watched the rigid figure of Etan outside the window. I knew I was walking into the unknown, possibly even death. But the tugging feeling in my heart was calmed, so I knew it was better to walk into that than back into everything I already knew.

“Don’t worry, Mother,” I assured her. “I’m not afraid.”





Acknowledgments


Hey there, gorgeous. Thanks for reading my book. I like you.

Fun fact: I didn’t put this all together on my own. So if you enjoyed it (and, quite honestly, even if you didn’t), please take a moment with me to thank the people who put their time and energy into this project:

My wonderful agent, Elana Parker, who has always had my back. Which is impressive considering how much hand holding I need. Also, the whole team at Laura Dail Lit, including the lovely Samantha Fabien, my international agent, who makes it possible to share my stories across the globe.

My supertalented editor, Erica Sussman, who shines my words until they sparkle, and Elizabeth Lynch, who’s worked beside her to make this book so pretty.

Speaking of how pretty it is, there’s Gus Marx who shot the cover photo, and Alison Donalty and Erin Fitzsimmons, who designed it.

The gang at HarperTeen: Aubrey Churchward, Sabrina Abballe, Shannon Cox, Tyler Breitfeller, Ebony LaDelle, Jane Lee and countless others who perfect and promote my ideas. Seriously, this little section could go on for days.

It takes armies to make books, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has put their hands on it.

Northstar Church, who has given me constant support and prayer. Specifically, my small group: Erica, Jennie, Rachel, and Karen, who listen to everything on a weekly basis (without getting bored!) and keep me encouraged.

My parents, Bettie and Gerry, and my mom-and dad-in law, Jennie and Jim. They genuinely think I can do anything, which is what parents do, I know, but it seems like they just do it really, really well.

My hubby, Callaway. He’s the best. You’re all jealous of me, and you have no idea.

My Guyden, who has inherited my gift of giving good hugs and offers them to me often. Which is great, because I need them.