Tiger Wings

Chapter 10

The path led behind the house they were staying in, down into a grove of trees. Jravic walked it with a slow step, thinking over things in his mind. At this point in the journey he was beginning to think of things at home more often. The king's illness, how his mother would worry, the kingdom's affairs, and how things would run without him. It's not that he thought highly of himself, he only knew how difficult things were for his father in his state.

The sickness hadn't stolen the king's mind, but he wasn't allowed to stir from his bed. And it was difficult to run a kingdom from his own chambers. From since his father had fallen ill six months before till he had left for Pastopia, Jravic had been in charge of most of the king's affairs. He was his voice in all the meetings. And he made all of the smallest decisions that he didn't need his father's opinion on. With him gone it would make it harder on everyone.

Jravic slipped his hands into his pockets and watched the dirt beneath his boots. He was so occupied in his thoughts he didn't hear voices until they were just around the bend. Straightening just in time, he watched Tevra and Quinn turn the corner.

"Good day, ladies," he said with a nod.

Tevra froze almost immediately. "Good day," she said, the words being automatic.

"I'm glad you were here," Jravic said. "Does this path continue the whole way? I'm afraid if it doesn't, I might get lost."

Tevra glanced at her sister. "Quinn can answer your questions," she said. "I need to get back, I promised Eloanna I would help her with something." And with that she hurriedly walked past him up the path.

Quinn was left standing there with her mouth half open. Snapping it shut, she appeared for a moment to want to chase after Tevra before she said, "It continues... a good way."

"A good way?" Jravic questioned, looking over her shoulder at it. "Is there a chance I'll get lost? With nine brothers, I prefer avoiding all chances of embarrassment."

"I doubt you would," Quinn assured him.

"Alright," Jravic said, looking back at her and smiling. "Thank you."

Quinn didn't see how she had done anything and she couldn't bring herself to look directly at him. No one agreed with Tevra, didn't they? "You may want to watch out for chipmunks, though," she said with no idea of why or what she was doing still talking to him. "They're not all as darling as they appear to be."

"Really?" Jravic asked with some interest, glancing up at the treetops. "I'll keep that in mind. Do you have any other useful tips for me as I prepare for this walk?" His voice was partially teasing and there was a smile on his face. "Are the rabbits safe?"

"Hardly." She felt herself smiling and then knew she was blushing. "I should... help Tevra." Quickly she stepped around him and rushed toward the house.

Jravic paused, frowning after her. Had he said something wrong? He started walking again slowly, uncertain what had just happened.

Tevra in the meantime had reached the end of the grove and turned left, around it. She knew Quinn would be out for her head when she freed herself from the awkward situation with Jravic. And the help she had promised to Eloanna was for her lessons. Next year.

"Whoa." Klyde stepped back before she had the chance to collide with him. "In a royal hurry somewhere."

Tevra leaped back, hand flying to her mouth, eyes widening. "Oh, I'm sorry," she gasped. "I didn't see you."

"Afraid you'll make some ungodly sound," Klyde questioned, obviously hinting at her hand.

"You scared me," she replied. Her voice was cool, but the hand dropped to her side.