The Queen's Assassin (The Queen's Secret #1)(37)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Shadow

AFTER EVERYTHING I’VE DONE FOR him—the risks I’ve taken—and he acts like he’s the one coming to my rescue. He’d still be sitting in that cell—or dead—if it wasn’t for me.

What an arrogant lout Caledon Holt, Great Master Assassin of Renovia, has turned out to be. I’m almost tempted to go back to my aunts’ farm and then on to the palace, where at least I can live out my days in comfort and warmth. But I can’t even pretend to want that. If I’m being honest, that’s still less appealing than sticking out the journey ahead with my knight in shining armor, Sir Full of Himself.

So what if he saved my life a few dozen times this evening?

The man is a terror with a sword. It’s clear he could have escaped Deersia anytime he wanted, so why didn’t he? Was he truly waiting for the queen to send for him?

We don’t speak the entire way down the mountain path. Besides, we have to focus on managing the horses’ steps. I’m just glad we’re taking the road down and not the reverse. Going up to Deersia under these conditions would be even more daunting. And exhausting.

We’re both relieved when we make it to the foot of the mountain, and so are the horses. I can feel the tension leaving my horse for now—as I rub his head. “Good boy. Good job.”

“I have to apologize,” Caledon says finally. “I was skeptical at first but now I see why Queen Lilianna sent you for this.”

“I appreciate that,” I say stiffly.

He stares off down the road. I can tell he’s mulling something over. Then he looks back at me and says, “So do your orders include accompanying me to Montrice?”

“Yes,” I say, because I want nothing more than to share his mission.

“Huh.” He hesitates again. I know he still isn’t sure he can trust me.

“I am to aid you in any way I can, which includes traveling to Montrice,” I insist, as I cannot be left behind.

He nods and he must decide that he can finally trust me or that he won’t get rid of me so easily. I try not to look relieved. “Montrice may be funding the Aphrasians and helping them regain power. They may be plotting to invade Renovia.”

I nod, letting him continue.

“The queen believes a Montrician conspirator is aiding the Aphrasian monks, and we need to find out who it is and ensure that person isn’t a threat to Renovia ever again,” he says grimly.

“Understood.”

Caledon nods. “Good. In that case, let’s get moving.”



* * *





WE RIDE ON AT a steady pace for a while, each absorbed in our own thoughts. Even though I just traveled this way not too long ago, it all looks different. More menacing. Every large stone or tree looks like the ideal hiding place for an ambush of guards or thieves; I don’t like being out on this wide-open road either. We can be seen from miles away.

“Once day breaks, we should head into the Black Woods,” I say, motioning toward the forest ahead. “There’s a road cut through there that should lead all the way into Montrice.” I know this only because I read it in one of my aunts’ books. I don’t tell him that, of course. “It’s tricky but will be less traveled. And easier to find cover.”

“I don’t like it,” Cal says. “That’s the first place they’ll look,” he adds. “Anyone would take the first opportunity to get off the road. It’s the obvious move.”

Not sure if he meant that as an insult, but it felt like one. “Even if they do, we’d still have a better chance of getting away. Where are we going to hide out here?”

“We won’t have to hide. If we don’t stop, they can’t catch up. Crossing the woods will take longer.”

Ridiculous. How has he even survived this long? It’s common sense—it’s almost like he wants us to be an easy target. “Queen Lilianna sent me in the name of the crown, and I say we go into the woods,” I say, hoping I sound more confident than I feel.

“Unbelievable,” Cal mutters.

We go on quietly for a few more minutes. Cal rides up right next to me. I stare ahead intently, ignoring his presence.

“It’s vital we work together,” he says. “Arguments will only slow us down.”

“We wouldn’t argue if you didn’t contradict everything I say. Hold on, I mean if you don’t want to hear anything I have to say. You think you have all the answers already!”

He shakes his head. “You should follow my lead!”

“But you interfered with my spell-casting!”

“Was I supposed to let him hurt you? You said it yourself, I was helping you.”

“What if I didn’t need help? I got us out of there, didn’t I?”

“But . . .” His voice trails off and I feel somewhat triumphant.

After some silence he says, “Fine, we’ll do it your way. We’ll take to the woods.”

It’s not quite the triumph I was hoping for, but at least it’s a start.



* * *





THOUGH IT’S DAWN AND the sky is clear, as soon as we enter the forest it’s as pitch-black as the middle of the night again. The treetops obscure the bit of sun that was just beginning to peek above the horizon. I instantly regret insisting we go this way, but I’m not about to admit it. There’s nothing to be afraid of, anyway, and I maintain it makes more sense to stay off the main road. If a missing-prisoners bulletin goes out, a farmer could see us and either report it or attempt to detain us for the reward. That’s a headache we don’t need.