Bound by Honor (Book 1 in the Legacy of Love Series)

Chapter 12: The Road Ahead

The first light of dawn crept into the healer's cottage, casting a pale glow across the small room. Shadows softened in the quiet, and the silence felt almost sacred, untouched by the urgency that would soon propel them forward. Isolde wrapped her cloak around her shoulders, a chill settling deep within her as she prepared for the next stage of their journey. Every instinct urged her to stay rooted in this safe haven a little longer, but she knew better. Safety was fleeting; the world beyond this village was still treacherous, filled with unknown perils and, most dangerously, the watchful eyes of those who would drag them back to face the life they'd fled.

Lucien stirred beside her, his face set with determination, though she could still see the traces of exhaustion lining his features. He was stronger, steadier on his feet now, but the last few days had etched their toll upon him. She watched him for a moment, her gaze softening as he adjusted his tunic, then glanced at her with a faint smile that only added to the ache in her chest.

"Ready to leave this quiet sanctuary?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, though her throat felt tight. "Ready as we'll ever be."

They moved carefully, gathering their few belongings, determined to avoid waking Brigitte. The healer had done so much for them, more than either of them could repay. But just as they slipped toward the door, a quiet voice halted them.

"Wait."

Brigitte stood in the shadow of the doorway, her expression both knowing and kind. "You'll need more than a sturdy cloak to see you through the journey ahead." She extended a small bundle wrapped in cloth. "Food and herbs—enough to keep your strength for a few more days. It's not much, but it's what I can give."

Isolde accepted the bundle, a swell of gratitude tightening her throat. "Thank you, Brigitte," she whispered. "We wouldn't have made it this far without your help."

Brigitte's gaze shifted to Lucien, a flicker of respect in her eyes. "Keep her safe, sir. And watch out for each other. These lands don't forgive easily, but neither do they abandon those with true purpose."

With a final nod, they stepped out of the cottage, the early morning air crisp and biting. As they made their way down the village path, Isolde looked back, the sight of Brigitte's small, warm cottage receding into the distance. It was the last sanctuary they would have for a while, and a pang of loss echoed within her as they walked into the cold dawn.

Once they were beyond the village's edge, Lucien slowed, his hand seeking hers. Isolde was surprised at the warmth of his grip despite the chill. They moved in silence, both of them acutely aware of the tension woven into every shadow, every tree that lined their path. They were alone again, and with each step farther inland, a new reality settled over them—freedom, yes, but fraught with the unknown.

After a long stretch of silence, Lucien spoke, his voice soft as if he, too, was caught up in memories. "I remember the first time I saw you."

Isolde glanced at him, surprised by the unexpected turn in conversation. The intensity in his eyes had softened, replaced by a distant look, as though he were reaching back through the years to something precious yet long hidden.

"It was the spring banquet at your family's estate," he continued, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You were dressed in a pale blue gown, and I remember thinking you looked like some untouchable piece of the sky."

Isolde laughed softly, a blush rising to her cheeks despite the cool morning air. "You noticed me that night?"

"Noticed?" Lucien's brow lifted as he chuckled, the sound low and warm. "I couldn't take my eyes off you. You were...you were everything I couldn't have. All I could do was watch from a distance as you laughed and danced with other men, looking so free, so completely unaware of the effect you had."