The two guards with him nodded sharply and we left at a quick pace, fast enough that I would have unseated myself if I hadn’t been clinging to Orthorr so tightly. Perhaps I’d been too cocky when I said I could ride. This was insane.
It wasn’t as smooth as the rides I’d had before, the sand making the horse’s strides shorter, but we eventually came onto a packed road leading to the capital that made it easier on the animals. They picked up speed, the landscape whipping past me so fast, I had to close my eyes to not get too dizzy. Orthorr leaned forward slightly, the movements of the horse rolling through him like he was born upon the animal’s back, and man and horse were one and the same. Meanwhile, I felt like my arse would be bruised by the time we arrived, feeling every bump and jostle along the way.
Thankfully, the barbarians’ temporary settlement wasn’t too far from the capital. Far enough that they weren’t bothered by foot traffic and the bustle of the city, but close enough that it didn’t take that long to get there riding at top speeds like they were. They slowed near the gate where guards in gold armor stood checking each person as they stood to enter the city. Orthorr went around the line to the other side, speaking hurriedly to one of the guards who seemed to recognize him.
“We must speak to King Zohaib. We have word from Prince Zakai.”
The guard straightened a little and turned on his heel, fetching his own mount to lead the way. A normal sized horse with a saddle. I was a little jealous.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CEDRIC
With the golden knight shouting to part the crowds, we raced through the city at a steady clip instead of slogging through the masses. I gaped at the buildings pressed tightly together, the roads so crowded with people, it was a wonder anyone could breathe. But aside from that, the city was gorgeous. A kaleidoscope of colors that covered every inch of the city. Vibrant fabrics stretched between the buildings, providing shade for the streets below. Silks and bright garments were on display on almost every corner. Restaurants with exotic smells emanating from within their walls had colorful glass instead of windows that probably lit up like multicolored fireflies at night. I wanted to see it all but knew we couldn’t stop to visit just yet. Whatever Orthorr needed to see the king about, it was obviously important.
When the castle came into view, I gasped, staring up at the golden structure that seemed to glint in the sun. Tall towers stretched toward the sky, so tall in some areas I had to crane my neck to look at them. Orthorr had to cover my hands with his tostop me from falling off his horse, and I heard him chuckle when we finally stopped in front of a large staircase, and I was too busy looking at the castle to get down from his horse.
“Here. Allow me,” a smooth voice said, offering me a hand to get down. When I finally dragged my gaze off the castle, a new knight with a long dark blue cape with gold edges looked up at me, a smirk on his face like my reaction to my surroundings amused him.
I felt Orthorr stiffen, but I wasn’t sure why, and it felt rude ignoring the man’s offer to help me. Besides, I needed it. My legs wobbled when I was finally on my feet, and only the man’s gentle grip on my elbow kept me steady long enough for Orthorr to jump down and join me.
“Poor thing. I take it you don’t ride often?” the guard asked.
“No,” I agreed, feeling Orthorr’s warmth press against my back. When I glanced over my shoulder at him, my smile faltered at the dark look on his face. “Orthorr? Is something wrong?”
He glared at the knight, who seemed almost amused by the reaction, raising an eyebrow at Orthorr. It almost felt like I was in the middle of a standoff, and I had to remind Orthorr of why we were here to break the tension.
“Orthorr? The message…”
He grunted in acknowledgement, putting an arm around my waist and pulling me away from the knight to where an older man in what looked like staff robes was hurrying down the stairs, his expression tight with apprehension.
“Clan leader Orthorr. The guard told me you have a message for the king?”
“I do,” Orthorr agreed, showing the small scroll in his hand to the man. “It is urgent. Can we see him now?”
He nodded rapidly, beckoning us to follow him. “This way. I am Karim, the king’s steward. I’ve sent someone ahead to alert the king that you’re coming. We’ll meet in his private office.” Helooked at me, then the two barbarians who joined us. “We can have someone bring your friends somewhere they can rest with refreshments? Perhaps the queen’s garden?”
I felt Orthorr’s grip on my side tighten, but the idea of meeting an actual king was intimidating. I didn't belong in that meeting. I was only a clerk of petitions. At least, I had been. Now, I was just a guest of the clan until I could find a more permanent place for myself. I wasn’t someone who needed to be meeting a king.
“Refreshments sound nice,” I agreed, giving Orthorr a reassuring smile. “I missed breakfast this morning. I’ll get something to eat while you meet with the king. We can meet up later?”
I hoped my tone wasn’t too needy, but I wanted to spend more time with him. The few days I’d avoided him were excruciating. I’d wanted to speak with him at least a dozen times and had to stop myself from searching for him in the village center whenever I snuck through. One night together wasn’t enough.
The dark look on Orthorr’s face softened, and he nodded once. “Good idea, ravsol. Tavik and Saneth will join you. I will meet you as soon as my meeting with King Zohaib is finished.”
He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, absolutely making me want to melt into a puddle at his feet, then pushed me forward so that I was closer to the barbarian guards who eyed me curiously. Somehow, I got the feeling the moment we were out of earshot of their clan leader, those two would start asking questions about us. Something about their energy just gave me that impression.
“I’ll escort them,” the knight from before offered. He strode forward, his hand replacing Orthorr’s on my back as he gestured away from the stairs toward a smaller path off to one side. “This way is faster than going through the castle.”
I frowned at the knight, looking over his armor. “That can’t be part of your job, can it? It seems below your paygrade.”
There were several guards in my town who were higher ranking who would never stoop so low as to play escort to someone as unimportant as me. It was odd that this knight was volunteering for the job.
“I consider escorting someone as beautiful as you as a personal gift. It is no trouble,” he practically purred.
Startled by the blatant flirtation, I froze, staring at him incredulously. I knew same sex couples were accepted in Al Nuzem, but I didn’t think it would be so accepted that someone would flirt with me so outwardly. I didn’t know what to do with that kind of attention. I didn’t even want it. I glanced over my shoulder at Orthorr, who looked furious. Now I understood better why.
“Um… That’s nice, but I’m sure you’re busy,” I hedged, sidestepping to put more space between us. I was immediately flanked by the two barbarian guards who looked at the knight like he’d personally offended them by touching me.