Page 28 of Cursed Crowns
The soldiers hopped off, and the cook clambered down after them. The tarp was folded back on itself, revealing the first six barrels. Wren crouched at the back of the sled as the guards set about lifting them off and carrying them into the kitchens, one by one.
She was waiting for their return when a wolf appeared out of nowhere and came bounding up onto the sled. Wren dropped the sand in a fright, barely swallowing back her shriek as the beast began to sniff at her coat. Suddenly, she remembered the battered fish in her pocket. She flung the rest of it onto the ground, and the wolf bounded after it, devouring the fish in one bite. Wren barely had time to grab another pinch of sand before he came back for more. She flung it at his snarling mouth, hissing a hurried sleep enchantment. The wolf slumped onto its side, just as two more came sniffing around the back of the sled.
When they spotted Wren, they began to howl.
Wren reached back into her cloak, grabbing a fistful of sand just as a sword appeared at her throat. She looked up, into the hostile gaze of a Gevran soldier.
“One more move, and I’ll gut you,” he growled.
12
Rose
Tucked away in the plush surrounds of her tour carriage, with Elske snoozing at her feet and flanked by the entire royal guard, Rose should have felt safe. But Wren’s absence still unsettled her. They had been almost inseparable these last few weeks, sharing dinner together every evening and whispering late into the night, catching up on their childhoods, their dreams, their fears, until their lids grew heavy and sleep finally claimed them. Now Rose was alone and afraid for her sister.
A sharp whistle from outside roused her from her worry. She drew back the curtain to find Shen grinning at her. Unlike the rest of the regiment, he was riding bareback, in a loose black shirt, dark trousers, and sturdy boots. He looked more like a bandit than a soldier, and yet the sight of his rough cloak and easy smile conjured memories of their time together in the desert that set Rose’s pulse to race.
She tried not to show it. “Did you justwhistleat me?”
“I was trying to be discreet.”
Rose scowled, which only made him chuckle.
“I wondered if you wanted some company?” he said, leaning closer. “It’s a long ride to Glenbrook. You’ll get bored in there all by yourself.”
“You are incorrigible!” said Rose, but she couldn’t fight her smile.In truth, she would like nothing more than to welcome Shen into the royal carriage.
“You’re blushing,” said Shen, his voice low. “I love it when you blush.”
“Shen Lo!” barked Captain Davers. “Straighten up! Fall in line!”
Shen bristled. “I really wish that bossy oaf would stop trying to command me.”
“Careful,” teased Rose, quite enjoying the reprimand. “You don’t want to get in trouble.”
Shen’s gaze lingered on hers. “Depends on the trouble.”
Another violent blush stole up her cheeks. Curse this boy and his indomitable charm. They had barely crossed the Silvertongue Bridge and she was already losing focus. “Stop distracting me,” she scolded.
“From what? Sitting inside there all by yourself?”
“I’m not by myself,” said Rose primly. “I have Elske.”
Shen’s face fell. “And now I’m jealous of a wolf. This is a new low for me.”
Rose giggled as she flopped back against the seat, letting the privacy curtain fall between them. She might not have Wren or Celeste by her side, but she was fiercely glad of Shen’s company. She closed her eyes, lulled by the reassuring thrum of Storm’s hooves as they rode on through the bustling capital of Eshlinn and continued south. To buy time, they had already sent out word that Wren was traveling north to Norbrook, to personally oversee the delivery of rations, before returning to be by her sister’s side.
On and on they journeyed, over rivers and fields and glorious green hills, toward towns that Rose had only ever known by name—first Glenbrook, where she meandered down winding streets teeming withpeople. She flung roses from her carriage, waving and smiling until her cheeks vibrated. She made a stop at the infirmary on the edge of town, offering her healing magic to those in need of it. After hours of using her craft without pause, Rose was so exhausted, she had to be escorted back to her carriage by two guards, where she promptly curled up and fell asleep.
The royal tour left Glenbrook to a chorus of cheers, but Rose was too deep in slumber to hear them. After a brief stop to feed and water the horses, they pressed onward to Horseleap. Here the weather was so fine, Rose left the carriage for a lengthy walkabout before visiting the local orphanage, where she spent all evening with the children, reading storybooks. She even introduced them to Elske, the friendly white wolf rolling onto her back and snuffling with delight as they all rushed to pet her.
When Rose finally returned to her carriage, it was much later than she thought, but her heart was so full she almost burst into tears. All her life she had studied the vast plains of Eana and its many bustling towns, but nothing could have prepared her for the vibrancy of visiting these places in person, or the wonder in reaching out to the people who lived there, touching them,knowingthem.
“You were incredible back there,” said Shen, who had managed to slip unnoticed into the back of the carriage and was looking at her now with such wonder it cast starlight in his eyes. “Youareincredible.”
Rose startled. “What on earth are you doing in here? This is entirely improper!”
“Then tell me to leave.”