Fellowship of Fantasy 04 Tales of Ever After by H. L. Burke

Author:H. L. Burke [Burke, H. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781722830144
Google: lI6_uQEACAAJ
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2018-07-22T21:00:00+00:00

They all awoke the next morning refreshed. Rivka left to dress in her dry clothes and wash her face in the stream. She returned to the campfire with a handful of berries. “There is more near the lakeshore.”

The beauty hiding under all that mud was now on full display. Even first thing in the morning, she was stunning. Her hair had dried into a cascade of chestnut waves framing a porcelain complexion.

Aideen pulled his gaze from her mouth glistening with berry juice. “A quick breakfast, then we must fly to the castle.”

She tilted her head. “Why?”

“To share with the king the sad news of his sister’s death. And to offer him the remaining treasures in Gordinbland’s cave.”

“Ah.” She nodded, her dark violet eyes speculative. “Why not keep it for yourself? The king will never know.”

He shook his head. “But I will, as will Elyon. Although a few gems would be nice.”

“For wine, women, and song?”

“Not quite.”

“You have a sweetheart at home, then. Someone you’re planning to marry.”

“Again, no.” He grinned. “Is this a game? How do I win?”

Her lips quirked, and she shook her head. “I’m trying to find out what makes Aideen Siriol get up in the morning.”

He spread his arms wide. “The greatest adventure. What about you? What makes Rivka get up in the morning?”

The amused expression slipped from her face. “I don’t know anymore. My position is gone. Perhaps the king will grant me a recommendation…”

Aideen’s heart clenched at the lost look in her eyes. “You could come to Linneah with me.” Where did those words come from?

Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, that is, um, a generous offer, but unnecessary.”

Lightness filled his chest. “I disagree. You are without family, without a position. There are opportunities in Linneah.”

She shook her head. “Thank you, Aideen, but I would miss Fallon too much.”

His stomach dropped. Of course. Maybe there was a lover waiting for her somewhere.

After a breakfast of berries, they mounted Lysander and flew toward the castle. The landscape below changed from mountains to green valleys filled with lakes. Fallon’s lush beauty included every shade of green ever imagined. The castle, an imposing structure of tan stone, stood tall above the verdant valley. Prosperous farms of cattle, grain, and other crops filled the outlying areas, and as they flew closer to the castle, the city came into view.

Rivka turned slightly and frowned. “Perhaps you should drop me off outside the castle gates. The king may not be happy to see a slave when he was hoping for his sister.”

Aideen squeezed her hand. “Of course, he will be sad his sister is gone. But I cannot see him punishing you for his disappointment. Besides, we can obtain that recommendation you mentioned.”

As Lysander landed on the castle grounds, Aideen’s heart plummeted. In moments, they would meet the king and be separated. He fought the feeling of loss. This was what was supposed to happen. Before he could reconsider his words, he turned to Rivka. “Do you think perhaps I could see you again?”

Her mouth opened, closed, and opened again.

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