A Crown of Chains by Erin Phillips

Author:Erin Phillips [Phillips, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ethereal Echo Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY-ONE

WE LEAVE THE NEXT MORNING, AND I FIND I sleep much easier in the carriage than in the camp. And I sleep for a whole day and night. When we are back in Raghnall, Sergus asks if I want to get some fresh air up front with Owen. The offer is given hesitantly, but his mind reveals that compassion won over caution. I don’t question his offer.

As I breathe in the brisk fresh air, I feel more relaxed and less worried at Owen’s side than I had been before. There is something calming about just sitting together, our arms brushing as we exchange pleasantries about the landscape casually. We don’t dare speak about anything more personal in the daylight.

Maybe this could be enough.

But then I catch him looking at me with that smile and the glisten in his eyes, and I feel electricity shoot straight to my heart. The remaining regret I have at not choosing him a year ago, and then months ago, has transformed into pure longing for what can never be.

When the right time comes…

As beautiful as that thought is, I know it will always be too dangerous. Is it cruel to flirt with a fantasy? Because right now, sitting with him, I’d rather have this torturous temptation than no love at all.

“You’ll have to give a detailed report, no doubt,” Sergus says when I return to the carriage after lunch. “But I’ll be able to fill the king in on the details. Owen will be interviewed too, of course.”

“Interviewed?” I eye the apricot in my hand and try to not sound so concerned. “Is he suspected of some crime?” I take a bite.

Sergus shakes his head with an easy smile, relaxing back on the carriage cushions. “No, of course not. But his actions to protect you deserve to be recorded, if not also rewarded.”

“Certainly.” I have nothing to worry about. Only Clement, Chary, and Chozen know anything at all about the connection between Owen and myself, and they wouldn’t betray me. Would they?

Sergus clears his throat, and I look up as he avoids my gaze. “You know him from outside, from before, don’t you?”

Should I lie? Or can I trust him with the truth, innocent as it may seem?

“It’s understandable,” he continues when I don’t answer. “Not that I suspect you would dishonor the king, but I should caution you: the king can be very jealous, even of friendships. Be careful how you speak of him at court.” ‘One wrong word will start rumors, and rumors are the most dangerous thing at court. Rumors kill.’

“Absolutely. He acted as anyone in his situation would have.” I smile too widely and then focus back on the apricot.

“Exactly.”

The words hang between us. Another secret we share.

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