A Hand Weaving Chaos (Book 2 of The Fallen Gods Trilogy)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kelis turned out to be waiting patiently in the stables. Of course, she and Mical were somewhat delayed by the fact that he felt compelled to lecture endlessly on her obeying his every word. Recklessly, Jill agreed. If he took her out of the temple, she would agree to anything. They wasted more time as Mical terrified some younger priestesses into finding Jill warmer clothes for outdoors—particularly something that didn't look like priestesses' robes.

"I must be an idiot," Mical muttered under his breath for what could have been the hundredth time before they reached the stables.

"You shaved your beard!" Jill remarked without thinking when they reached Kelis.

Somewhat chagrined, the young man rubbed his now-smooth chin and shrugged. Without the thick black beard, he looked years younger. He still seemed somewhat exotic with his faintly olive complexion but not so much now that the beard was gone. "I've noted that what is fashionable in my capital city of Orestria is not so fashionable in Valinac."

"It looks good. You look very handsome," Jill rushed to add, worried she'd offended him with her tactless comment. Maybe beards had cultural or social significance in West Cendan. Instead, she was shocked to find the self-assured Prince blushing.

She heard Mical chuckle behind them as he went to help himself to the horses.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

"Just remembering what it's like to be young and complimented by a pretty girl, that's all," Mical threw over his shoulder.

To which Jill herself blushed then stomped off to wait several feet away until the horses were ready. Men!

"Where's your sister?" Mical remarked. "I can't imagine her waiting docilely while you head out to Dolmar."

"Both Arrio and I have told her that for her own safety, she's to remain in the compound. I believe she's praying in the temple now."

Mical raised an eyebrow. "And we all know how well women listen, don't we?"

"I haven't gone deaf, you know. I can hear you," Jill said from where she sat on a bale of hay.

"My sister knows her duty and honors our traditions faithfully. She will do as I've asked."

"And Ishrian always respects her elders and listens to her older brother?" Mical asked.

Kelis frowned and a crease appeared between his dark brows. "Well, yes. Why wouldn't she?"

"Hm, must be nice. Come on, let's get these horses ready and start moving."

Jill watched as he and Prince Kelis saddled the animals with quick efficiency, letting her gaze roam over the barn. It was nothing like the stables in Valinac with its endless stalls of horses, but the smells and the sounds were the same.

Mical tossed a set of reins in her direction. Then, to Jill's astonishment, he bent down, cupped his hands and offered her a boost into the saddle. It must have shown on her face because he answered with, "What? Doesn't a gentleman help a lady to her horse where you come from? Stop looking so damned surprised."

Wisely, Jill closed her mouth and accepted Mical's help, settling her skirt about her once in the saddle.

Outside, the air had grown noticeably colder. Jill's breath came out in a heavy mist and the muddy puddles in the courtyard were frozen over with a thin layer of ice. They stuck close to the woods, traveling the old riding paths and hidden walkways instead of the main road. The road itself was littered with people and horses and wagons all heading into the city.