The Rose Stone by L. A. Kelley

Author:L. A. Kelley [Kelley, L. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sweet romance; fairytale; action/adventure; magic; alternate worlds; romantic fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The rap at the door jarred me awake, and my heart raced. I bolted upright, clutching the sheet, searching for the malevolent spark. The faint rosy glow from the turret cast the only light in the room. The moment of disorientation passed, and I sagged against the headboard, weak with relief. I was at Stone Keep and hadn’t been yanked back to the hospital. There was a second knock, louder this time.

“Come in,” I called.

The door opened, and Abril entered with a breakfast tray and leather saddlebags slung over her arm. “Hi,” I said. “You’re up early.”

Abril placed the tray on the table and lit one of the lamps. “I volunteered to wake you. Father wishes to get underway before dawn. Lady Emlyn will meet us downstairs with the Rose Stone.” She went straight to the armoire. “I’ll pack for you.”

“I can do that. I don’t want to make extra work.”

Abril gave a careless wave. “Have no concern. Preparing a proper kit for travel is part of guard training. I’ll be done before you dress and finish breakfast.”

While I ate, Abril took the clothes from the armoire. She set aside the riding gear on the bed and then began to fold the others and place them neatly into the saddlebags. Now and again, she shot me a hesitant glance as if wanting to speak and then thinking better of it. She filled one bag and buckled the fastening. “Father is concerned with your comfort.”

“He’s been very kind to me.”

“It is more than kindness. I have not seen him show such tender regard for another as he has for you.”

Sudden awkwardness overcame me, and I cleared my throat. “Oh?”

“Yes. You haven’t spoken much of your life. Do you have someone pledged?”

“Pledged? Oh, you mean a man. No, I’m not involved with anyone. There was a guy recently,” I stammered. “But we parted ways. We didn’t suit each other.”

“There have been women in my father’s life, but he’s never pledged his heart to another,” Abril said. “He insists the life of a guard is enough, but I don’t believe him.” She folded a shirt and tucked it neatly into the saddlebag. “It’s a wonder to me you saw a vision of him as a child.”

“I can’t explain it either.”

“If Father wished to pledge to another, I’d have no objection,” she said cheerfully.

“Uh, I’m sure he appreciates your support.” The conversation had taken a sharp turn from awkward and nosedived into really-really-awkward. Time to make a hasty exit. Discussing my feelings for Griffin with his daughter was beyond weird. “I’ll get changed now.”

I grabbed the riding gear and hurried into the bathroom. By the time I finished dressing, Abril was stowing the last few items. I poured a cup of tea and offered her one, but she declined, saying she ate in the aerie.

“With the warbirds?”

“Yes. I wanted to visit the new clutch. Racer’s mate, Tempest, has a female fledgling with a friendly manner toward me. She even takes meat from my hand.

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