A River of Golden Bones (The Golden Court, #1)(55)

“We’re stopping in Hengreave,” Malou replied. “We’re scheduled to play for the Lord. We’ll spend the night there and leave for the capital the following day.”

Navin looked at Hector’s pinched expression. “How long did you expect it would take to traverse an entire kingdom?”

“I don’t know,” Hector murmured, his shoulders rising to his ears as he stared. I could almost see his Wolf in the way he looked at Navin—hackles raised, snarling maw, vicious golden eyes. But, to Navin’s credit, he kept his unwavering, open, kind face as he stared back.

“He’s just eager to see Olmdere.” Sadie covered for her brother, shifting her weight in front of him to break their stare down.

“It’s a big climb into the Stormcrest Ranges, even for magical oxen,” Malou said.

It felt like time we didn’t have, yet the choice seemed out of our hands. Not with King Nero’s hounds and Sawyn’s Rooks out there looking for us.

Thinking of Nero, I released my hand off Grae’s leg as if it were burning me, suddenly regretting the weakness that I showed him. I shouldn’t have let myself go like that—shouldn’t have cried in his arms. A life with him would mean being under King Nero’s control, whether Grae wanted it that way or not. And if he promised me he’d stand up to his father this time, I still wouldn’t believe him. There was just too much evidence to make me feel otherwise. And that little seed of doubt in his promises and actions was enough to undo any hope rising in my heart. I couldn’t be happy with someone I didn’t trust.

Grae cleared his throat as though trying to ignore my action. He lifted his arm and rested it across the back of the bench.

“There’s not much to do in Hengreave,” Malou said. “The tavern’s halfway decent if you need somewhere to entertain yourselves while we’re rehearsing, but . . .”

“We might hike the crater,” Grae said. “Rumors say its waters have magical healing properties.” He tipped his head toward me, and I felt keenly aware of the bruises on my face. “Worth a try.”

“You’ve been to Hengreave before?”

“A few times,” Grae hedged.

I’d imagined Wolves had invited him to all the important houses and towns in neighboring kingdoms as an ambassador. But Hengreave was a human town, ruled by a human Lord . . . it wouldn’t make sense for the heir of Damrienn to be visiting there.

“I wouldn’t hike up that crater for a thousand griftas,” Malou said. “But suit yourself.”

“It’ll probably take you all day.” Navin stretched his fingers out in front of him. “And that’s if you’re fast.”

With a sudden rock of the wagon, my chest moved forward and slammed back into the unyielding wood bench. Grae’s hand slipped from the backrest and caught my head just before it smacked into the wood.

“Esh! Fast reflexes there,” Navin said.

I glowered at Grae. He should’ve just let me take the knock. It would’ve been fine, maybe the smallest bruise on my body at that point. My spine still ached from being stomped on by the Rooks, though Grae’s salve had helped. It’s the longest I’d ever remained wounded for, but I still didn’t want to risk shifting.

“Maybe you should go lie down,” Mina suggested.

Exhaustion hit me as though she had conjured it into being with her words. My limbs felt heavy, my head fuzzy, and I knew all of my energy was going into healing the many injuries covering my body.

“Good idea,” I murmured, rising on shaking legs.

The wagon rocked again and I tumbled to the side. Grae’s hands shot out, grabbing my hips and steadying me.

“I’m fine,” I snarled, shoving his hands away when he didn’t let go. No one seemed to notice the way I pushed him away, or, at the very least, didn’t find it strange. I was too tired to act like his wife.

He just said “Mmhmm,” and the next thing I knew Grae was standing before he scooped one arm under my legs and the other under my back. He lifted me with ease, climbing the steps up to the second level.

“They’re adorable.” Malou’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Put me down,” I hissed.

“You’re not used to being this injured,” Grae whispered back, echoing my own thoughts. The warmth of his chest radiated into my cheek. My limbs betrayed me as they wrapped around him, hypnotized by his warmth. “The last thing we need is you falling and cracking your head open. Plus, I’m supposed to be your doting husband, remember?”

“Fine,” I snapped, and he chuckled.

We reached my bunk and Grae gently set me down. He pulled away only an inch, his warm breath skirting over my cheek.

His eyes stormed with intensity as he said, “You must be tired.”

“Why?” I breathed.

His hand slid up my arm toward my fingers, still wrapped around his neck. “You can let go of me now.”

“Right.” My cheeks set on fire. I hastily released him and turned away.

“Sweet dreams, little fox,” he whispered.



“Thank the Moon we don’t have to sleep on that wagon again.” Hector shucked his boots and set them beside the roaring fire. The rocky ride had taken its toll on him and he still looked peakish.