“What if we don’t make it in thirty minutes? What if it’s by a minute?” she whispered.
He turned to her and, ever so gently, placed his thumb and finger over her chin and drew her attention to him. There wereno dimples or mischievous smiles now. His eyes were soft, seeing her.
“We won’t be late,” he said. “Sometimes trust is the right answer.”
“I won't survive without her,” Luci whispered.
He nodded, and it was the confirmation of the truth she spoke under her breath. He knew it was true.
And that was all she needed in that moment. Someone to know that if Brielle went, so would everything that made Luci, Luci. A world without Brielle was a world not worth living in. So Luci let herself go. It only took half a step to reach him, but she didn’t hesitate because she’d never needed a hug more in her life.
Ira wrapped her in his arms that were warm and strong around her. She buried her face into his chest and breathed in the familiar smell of cinnamon that always seemed to be on him. It was warm and made her feel like she was holding a cup of warm cocoa. Maybe the comfort of it all was the reason it began. The reason the first tear slipped from her eyes, followed by the next, and the next after that. Fell until it was a steady stream without hope of stopping.
The thing about Lucinda was that she did not cry. It was her job to be strong and take care of Brielle. That did not include being the emotional one. If there was a question of uncertainty, it was up to Luci to show strength occasionally, like when she said good-bye to Brielle; crying could not be helped. Those moments were rare and meant for her alone.
To cry in someone else’s arms was an entirely new experience. It was a strange combination of heartbreak and security that existed only in this moment. This very second in time.
“We won’t be late,” he murmured against her hair.
His breath was warm and smelling of mint despite their long day of travel. More strange than that was that she believed him.For a brief breath, she felt like even though the future looked bleak, there was a promise of hope lingering in the air.
The moment the traitorous thought slipped across her mind, she knew she was in deep waters. Archie, the cook at Blyhte, would never forgive her, and one glance at her and she would know that Luci betrayed her.
“Agnes, I’m begging you, please consider taking up my offer. No one, not one single person, has ever made food this incredible.” Ira said, mouth half full.
Archie, forgive her, but Luci agreed. The way the roast melted against her tongue, followed by the smoothest buttery potatoes, it was– well, the feelings she was experiencing were borderline indecent.
“Amazing,” Luci murmured, closing her eyes.
Agnes’ laugh was rich with a gravelly undertone that hinted at emotion. The elderly woman was attentive and kind since they wandered downstairs. She’d already started a fire in a massive stone hearth that climbed up the deep oak wall, past the beamed ceiling. It crackled and popped, warming the lantern-lit room filled with empty round tables.
“Do you understand how rare it is to get a compliment out of her?” Ira said.
Luci peeked one eye open to glare at him, but he was grinning at her with glittering eyes. Prince or not, she would have enjoyed experiencing the world through his eyes for a short while. The world would have been a better place if everyone saw the world as he did.
“I suppose that says more about you than me, given she decided to marry you.” Agnes chuckled.
Heat bloomed in Luci’s cheeks as she remembered she was supposedly Bridia Walker, married to Liam Walker, who just happened to be the crown prince, who was, in fact, engaged to her best friend.
“I think that was more luck on my part.” Ira winked at her.
He was entirely unfazed, as usual. In fact, there was an energy to him that was new. He moved and spoke with more vigor as if he were suddenly free. It probably was a relief not be a prince and to be outside the castle walls. Even though he’d never shown a hint of the burdens that were likely on him, seeing him now, she knew they existed all the same.
“This is truly the best food I’ve ever experienced,” Luci said.
Ira’s smile grew by several inches, but silver lined in Agnes’ eyes that she attempted to blink away.
“Well, I am just grateful for the two of you. It isn’t often I have people to cook for. Times being what they are,” she said.
Words spoken softly as if in mourning. Despite the pristine upkeep on the inn, Luci was willing to bet it hadn’t seen much use in the last few years.
“What happened?” Ira asked, setting down his fork.
Agnes gave a long sigh that was like dust being blown from a long-forgotten surface.
“I don’t think anyone could really tell you the when of it. It happened slowly and then all at once. People stopped visiting as much, work became more demanding, and before you knew it, there wasn’t anyone who could afford a meal out. Most eat just enough to get by, boys thinner than a wand, and their parents haven’t slept well in years. Most days, it feels like the world's gone and forgotten about us. It used to be that people came from all over to see the blue mountains and visit the inn, but now it’s just us surviving.”
“I am sorry to hear that,” Ira said. “You have a beautiful inn, and as my wife said, your food is amazing. It’s a tragedy the world doesn’t know about it.”