Page 35 of When Roses Burn

“If you change your mind, I have no problem using it.”

“That’s good to know.”

Since there were only four horses, I turned and started walking toward the woods. I wouldn’t degrade myself by asking for a horse, but Seth grasped my arm, halting me.

“You’ll ride with me,” he stated.

My heart leapt with excitement and dread at the idea. “I’d prefer to walk.”

His mouth twisted into a cruel mockery of a smile. “Then you most certainly shall ride.”

Before I could respond, he grasped my waist and plucked me off the ground. He’d been strong as a young man, but I marveled at how effortless lifting me was for him.

When he plopped me on the saddle, I almost toppled over when the side of my dress bunched around my legs, tugging awkwardly at me. I managed to grasp the pommel in time to stop myself from sliding off and faceplanting onto the ground.

With jerking motions, I tugged at the dress, pulling it down to my shins, though it remained bunched around my thighs. It would have to do as, without using a stirrup, Seth grabbed the horse’s mane and swung himself onto its back.

The horse didn’t so much as flick an ear at the extra weight when Seth settled himself on the seat behind me. His heat enveloped me as his familiar scent filled my nose. Despite everything that happened with him today, I closed my eyes and imagined melting into him.

At one time, he’d made me feel so safe that I would have curled up in his arms and gone to sleep as he guided us on our journey. He might shove me from the saddle if I tried such a thing today.

Instead of giving in to my longing to feel his powerful arms locked around me again, I remained rigid as one of his arms came forward. He gripped the reins with it while his other hand settled on his thigh, and he kicked the horse.

The large stallion plodded into the forest. Shadows encompassed us as the thick branches overhead blocked out the sun. My flimsy, awful dress was little protection against the increased chill the shadows brought with them.

Seth’s heat radiating against my back was at least something, but it didn’t stop goose bumps from forming on my arms and my nipples from hardening. I crossed my arms over my chest to hide where they stood out against my dress.

“How long do we have before your mother notices you’re missing and comes looking for you?” Seth inquired.

“At most, ten days, before they start questioning where I am. If they believe I went to the day caster side, they’ll send a messenger to learn for sure. It will take another day or two for a response. When it’s revealed I’m not there, they’ll return to the harem, and since you’re the only one who’s ever broken free, they’ll most likely assume I’m with you. After that, I’m not sure what they’ll do. Most likely, they’ll come looking for me here.”

“The elf is also missing,” the female shifter said.

“My mother may assume I left with the elf, but I doubt it. I can’t know for sure.”

“She’ll know I have you,” Seth said. “And I’ll be ready for them when they come.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Briar

The planet Karastar rose to fill the sky; it was so close it felt like I could stretch my hand out to caress its red and yellow rings. Its vast seas were a brilliant blue against the black night; their vibrant hue reminded me of the former color of Seth’s eyes.

We hadn’t spoken again since leaving the caster kingdoms behind. Other than stopping at a river so the horses could drink, we’d had no breaks either.

While we were stopped, Seth removed a bar of soap from his saddle bag and vanished around a bend. The other three shifters remained with me.

Their taciturn nature was unnerving, but I tried not to let that show as I drank some water and pet the horses. The punctures in my hands had healed, but they were still sore when I flexed them.

When Seth returned, his hair was wet, and the scorched mark on his shoulder had faded completely. However, all his exposed skin was a vivid shade of red from scrubbing it raw. Sadness filled me as I suspected he was trying to rid himself of any lingering memory of the harem; my arms ached to hold and comfort him, but he’d probably shove me on my ass if I tried.

Instead, I stood helplessly by as he returned the soap, lifted me off the bank of the river, and set me on his horse again. The fresh scent of allspice from his soap wafted from him when he settled behind me again.

As night fell, the horse continued its steady trek against the desert of No Man’s Land. It had been ten years since I stepped foot in this wasteland, and while I had many good memories of it, my last memory of this place was the worst one I had, and I’d never wanted to return here.

Unfortunately, we had to cross it to enter Wildwood. I stifled a yawn as I tried to ignore the soreness in my ass and thighs. I’d never spent this much time on a horse before, and I felt it everywhere.

I didn’t say that; I hadn’t spoken this entire time and wouldn’t start now, even though I had to use the bathroom so badly my bladder cramped. I’d have to say something soon, as it would be more humiliating to pee all over the horse.