A Blaze in the Dark (A New Dawn #1)

Chapter 49 - Alex

Vanya's daughter no longer lives at court. I don't regret easing her into a different life. I don't expect her to come back. But you, Brother, I wish you would come back. I forgive you, for everything. Please return. Don't be dead. I need you.

Below her, Billy stomped through a carpet of pink peach flower petals. Spring was there with all its colours, filling the world and its wide open roads with the glee Sundale had never given her. The banter-filled rhythm of Lord Simon's caravan had taken her from the Hairy Cow Inn in Faithville, the Pool Inn of Beggar's Pool and further to the One-Eyed Willy in Williamstead. It was day four on the road, and the butterflies in her stomach were still fluttering around, feeding her waves of uncontrollable energy.

"Thinking of the Prince?" Lord Simon, who was riding next to her, asked. "I don't blame you. My daughters would find him handsome too."

"He kissed me, My Lord." She licked her lips, recalling the wet touch of his unexpected move. Not that she had found it unpleasant—not in the slightest. "I don't have feelings for him. Frankly, he can be a muttonhead at times."

"Hmm... yeah... he's a bit foolish. But he's still young, and given everything that has happened to him, I would say he's coping rather well."

Alex said nothing in return. When the right words failed, it was better to let silence talk—one of the many pearls of wisdom her mother had taught her. Seb was of royal blood; Lord Simon one of the many Lords who had to obey the crown.

If she could speak freely, she would say that the kind and joyful Laneby boy was gone, replaced by a young man whose mood swings she didn't understand. Him kissing her had made no sense. She may offer him the keys to her heart, but he would never give his in return. He was the Crown Prince. Marrying her would be beneath him.

No, when the summer roads would bring her back to Sundale and an arranged marriage, then pray Queen Crystal picked Nick as her husband instead of a stranger. She would gladly put him in an armchair by the window so he could read while she roamed the forest, hunting their dinner. The both of them could look after Billy, and teach their children to ride; the same way their fathers had taught them.

"If you can bedazzle the young Prince, I have no doubts the Pirates will fall for your charms too." Lord Simon snapped her out of her daydream. "But here's some advice—engage more in conversations. You're often quiet and listening in. The Jade Islanders are paranoid people. They'll find you suspicious."

"Is that so? Don't expect a quiet moment anymore, My Lord," she replied. "Is there any other advice you can give me? I must admit that the whole spying business is still quite new to me."

"First lesson, never tell the pirates that." Lieutenant Ron swatted away a fly, then scratched his bald head. "And learn to drink. Actually, learn to vomit so you can keep a clear head."

"How do I do that?"

Serjeant Benjamin stuck his finger into his throat and made a gagging noise. "Ron's right. They'll mock you for not being able to keep your liquor in, but you'll remember what you say and do. And, more importantly, what others say and do."

"That's disturbing." Alex squinted. "But I guess it'll be useful. The Pirates and their love for liquid moonshine have quite the reputation."

"Aye, their Palm Tears." Lord Simon grinned. The caravan arrived at a split in the road, the western path leading into a forest, the eastern one passing a cosy-looking wooden house a bit further. "We'll take the forest road. There are rumours of bandits lying wait on Sun Road, near Whiskerhall. Let us travel to Rabbitpaw instead. Ron, Benj, ride ahead and arrange lodging for the night. Tell the innkeeper we're travelling with a girl."