These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows, #2)(43)

“I’m grateful for what you did.” He turns his head and studies me as our horses trot along. “But not surprised. I know who you are, Princess.”

I roll my eyes. “Obviously not if you’re still calling me Princess.”

“Would you prefer I call you something else?”

“I do have a name.”

“And a lovely name it is,” he says. “But I can’t resist the instinct to give you a title. It’s the least you deserve, considering all you’ve done for my people.”

I snort. “Right. The mess I’ve made for your people is more like it.”

The silence stretches between us for several heavy beats of my heart until Finn asks, “Do you want me to pretend that I think raiding the camps was Sebastian’s idea? That little act of heroics had your name all over it.”

I swallow hard. “I didn’t do anything. I simply made him aware of the problem and asked him to help.”

Finn grunts. “Yes, and now he’s reaping the benefits of that decision.”

I shift in the saddle. “Does that bother you?”

“Yes . . . no.” He shakes his head. “My first priority is my people, and as long as his actions are in their best interests, I don’t really care about the rest.”

“But . . .” I prod. He doesn’t answer, so I add, “Emotions aren’t always as simple as what we should and shouldn’t feel.”

When he turns his head to look at me again, his eyes are like a caress. Or maybe that’s just me and this blasted attraction I can’t shake. His voice is rough. “Nothing’s ever simple.”

There’s no answer to that, so I stroke Two Star’s dark coat instead of replying.

Finn watches the movement. “I see you’ve already found a friend here.”

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” he says, his voice a little gruff. “She suits you.”

Not trusting myself to look at him after he says things like that, I bow my head, but I feel his eyes on me as we continue toward the settlement. I’ve traveled this path many times since arriving in the Wild Fae Lands, and I’m always so distracted by the scenery that the time passes quickly. Today the journey stretches out, as does the silence between us. I’m aware of Finn watching me intently, aware that his attention never strays for long.

“Do I look that strange as a faerie?” I finally snap.

He chuckles softly. “Not at all.”

“Then why do you keep staring?”

“Just . . .” He shakes his head. “I’m glad you’re okay. When I learned you were bonded to him, I feared . . .”

“You thought he’d let me die.” And maybe he should have. I hate that it comes down to that, but no one can deny that everything would be simpler right now if Sebastian had been able to take that throne.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Finn says softly.

“Sebastian’s made mistakes, but he’s no different than you are. You two wanted the exact same thing and were planning to get it in the same way.”

Finn’s nostrils flare. “I’m nothing like him.”

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself.”

“I . . .” The trees open up just ahead, and the path turns wider as it stretches into the settlement.

Finn shakes his head. “We’ll discuss this later.” He leans forward on his horse, spurring him into a gallop.

I follow him down the path and into the stables, where we hand our horses over to the young males on stable duty for the day.

“Have you been here before?” I ask as we meander toward the main square. The market is wrapping up for the day, but several of the vendors wave politely and others bow their heads as we pass.

“Several times,” Finn says. “Over the years, I’ve made it a priority to visit each of the camps as often as I’m able.”

“That must be difficult. Misha said they’re spread throughout his territory and shielded from goblin travel.”

“It’s worth it,” Finn says. “Anything to reassure my people that they haven’t been forgotten is worth a bit of inconvenience.”

My heart tugs. Despite what he may have intended for me, Finn’s love for his people is true. “I’m going to make a quick stop at the infirmary; then I’ll be helping in the schoolhouse most of the day,” I say. “Don’t feel like you have to wait for me when you’re ready to go. I travel the path alone frequently.”

Finn grunts. “Your trips up and down that mountain alone will be a conversation for another time.”

I roll my eyes. No doubt he’s more interested in protecting this power I carry than in my personal safety, but I’m happy to push that argument off until later.

“Now tell me what you’re doing in the infirmary. Are there so many sick they need your assistance?”

I shake my head. “They don’t need me, but I like to help where I can. There’s a strange illness passing through the settlement. We’re not sure what it is, but the healers have their hands full, so I offer what I can.”

When we step into the brick building, we’re met at the door.

“My prince,” Leta breathes. She drops into a low curtsy, bowing her head. “It’s an honor to see you again, Your Highness.”