The Eldritch Heart by Matthew S. Cox

Author:Matthew S. Cox [Cox, Matthew S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781620071588
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Published: 2017-08-01T06:00:00+00:00

Oona

espite an outward smile, Oona couldn’t get the image of Ruby out of her mind. How cruel a twist of fate that had been. Kitlyn seemed to sense something bothering her, and squeezed her hand too tight. Could it be true that her life as the princess had been a lie? A door to freedom gaped ajar. If she broke the secret, told the world, she wouldn’t have assassins coming after her; she wouldn’t have to destroy Evermoor; she wouldn’t have any responsibilities at all.

The king might throw me in the dungeon to keep me quiet. She glanced at Kitlyn. If she’s the true heir, he’d do anything to protect her. By Lucen, he’d let them treat her so horribly her whole life to keep her safe.

She squeezed Kitlyn’s hand in return, this time sending a message of love.

Kitlyn smiled back.

They emerged from the weeds on a small dirt path, large enough for two horses astride. A little ways ahead, a canvas-covered wagon stood off to the side in the tall grass. Four horses milled about unhitched, working on feedbags. Six men in green, brown, or blue tunics rested nearby, ate, or tended to the animals or rested. The middling quality of their garb put them as either poor merchants or well-to-do farmers. Beyond the wagon, an offshoot road curved to the right, heading into a rounded courtyard in the center of a modest village. Children too tiny to do chores ran about, chasing each other and laughing. Older boys looked after goats, sheep, or attended to farm work beside their fathers. Girls hung laundry or swept while a few elders wandered about chatting with whoever got close. Chickens, ducks, and pigeons mingled underfoot.

“Well, it’s small… but it looks lovely,” said Oona.

“They seem friendly.”

Oona looked at her. For now. “Let’s keep our secret for a while. Perhaps they will be less inclined to hate us once they’ve gotten to know us.”

“Do you imagine everyone will find us repulsive?”

She looked down. “Enough will.”

“Are you ashamed of me?”

Oona glared. “No. Do not ever think that! I will not lie, but we need not strike the wasp nest with a stick either. I do not wish to invite the scorn of fools.”

Kitlyn, gaze still downcast, managed a weak smile. “All right. I’m sorry about… Ruby.”

Me too. Her heart slowed. “As am I. She did seem quite taken with guilt at first. Perhaps she will come around?”

“We can pray to that.” Kitlyn glanced up. “Or perhaps Tenebrea wishes to punish her for being an unworthy mother.”

Oona closed her eyes, trying to banish the memory. “Speak no more of that woman.”

“Yes, Highness.”

“Stop it.” Oona snarled. “Now I can’t tell if you’re mocking me or being silly.”

Kitlyn crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.

Oona started to say something, but froze. Four of the six merchants had ceased their conversation and locked eyes on her. The intensity in their stare made her worry. Oh, bother. I should not have taken so much of my allowance. Yet, she had to.

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