“Can’t you just make me disappear?”
“If only.” That earned me another scowl. I explained the mechanics of evanescing, my smile faltering as I confessed how weak I truly was. Before my curse, I could’ve brought her to that attic space a thousand times over and barely broken a sweat. Now? After saving her from the kelpie, I was tapped out. “At this stage, the best I could do is get you to the first set of windows. But then I may not have anything left to get us inside.”
When she asked about the innkeeper catching us, I told her I’d gladly kill him.
For once, she didn’t object.
11
Horse hooves cloppedas the carriage rocked and swayed. Thankfully, I’d parked my arse on a soft blue cushion instead of Keelynn’s trunk across the way. I fiddled with my flask, trying to keep my hands busy. It didn’t help that the woman next to me smelled good enough to have for dessert. I kept hoping she’d look up from the book in her hands and suggest we make up for last night.
“Are you enjoying the book?” I asked, peering down at the pages.
With flushed cheeks, Keelynn closed the tome, tucking it behind her and folding her hands in her lap. “I’ve read it before.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“It’s one of my favorites.”
A Knight’s Waywas the story of a hero with golden morals who spouted pretty words. “What’s your favorite part?” Her cheeks flushed even more.Interesting. “Is it when the heroic knight saves her from the witch?” I said slowly, watching her lick her lips. “Or when he ravishes her in a field of wildflowers?”
“I’m not answering that.”
“The blush on your cheeks is all the answer I need.” Any man seeking insight into the complex innerworkings of a woman’s mind need look no further than her favorite romance novel.
“You really shouldn’t say such improper things,” she murmured.
“They’re not nearly as improper as the things I don’t say.” Like that the field outside would be the perfect place to live out chapter twenty of her book. I’d even shift some shiny armor to make the fantasy more realistic. Although armor left one with dreadfully decreased mobility, and would make some of the positions hard to maintain for any length of time. But I’d be willing to give it a go.
“Tadhg . . .”
I loved the way she said my name. The start a clipped “T,” and everything else a sigh. “I can’t help that I’m cursed to tell the truth.”
A smile played on those lips. So close yet so far. “You could not say anything at all.”
“On a journey this long? I’d go mad.” We still had far too many days before we reached the portal in Gaul.
Speaking of Gaul, I needed to organize a meeting with the Queen to ensure Keelynn’s safe passage. My brother would never let me live it down if anything happened to Aveen’s sister.
The chain Keelynn wore around her neck glistened in a rare flash of sunlight. For a brief moment I’d forgotten all about my mission—and hers—and almost started enjoying myself.
She nudged my shoulder. “I think you’re already mad.”
“Only a little.” And only because she was so near.
A yawn interrupted the laugh she stifled behind her hand.
“What’s wrong? Did your dreams of me keep you up too late?” I hadn’t slept a feckin’ wink. First thing I did when I woke was shift a bath for her, then I escaped to my castle to give myself some breathing room.
Her chin lifted. “I slept like a babe.”
“What was all the moaning about then?” Not a lie. She had made a few sleepy noises that sounded a bit like moans. At least that’s what I’d call them.
“I didn’t—” Those eyes narrowed, and she thumped me on the thigh. “You . . . you . . . You cad.”
Why did I find her glare so endearing? I clutched my heart. “Such a scathing retort. I’m not sure I’ll ever recover.”
“I’m tired, but it has nothing to do with y—” A wince.