Page 39 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

“It is unlikely that he returned or is hiding somewhere nearby—especially after he aided Adael with our red panda problem,” Captain Firmin said. “However, both Carlotta Piangi and Megail Giry share similar features: blonde hair, blue eyes, and trim figures. Whoever is behind this appears to be targeting women of a particular type.”

Herrick’s jaw visibly tightened as his gaze met Zorina’s, but he said nothing—at least, not with words. His eyes, however, spoke volumes, and she tried to discern what exactly they conveyed. Concern for her since she, too, fit that description, but it went beyond that. Whatever it was, she could not interpret it, though it made her breath catch in her throat.

“Perhaps we should write a list?” Madame Giry suggested, glancing between Megail and Zorina. “A list of women who may be viable targets for this madman.”

“And Zorina would be on it,” Herrick said, the words stiff with restraint.

Captain Firmin nodded. “An excellent idea, Madam Giry. If we can predict who may be potential abductees, perhaps we can protect them. We should get started on it right away—before another woman disappears.”

“I…should get going,” Zorina said, not wanting to stick around for the tedious process of writing such a list. Besides, she was still tired from a long day, and this detour had made it even longer and more exhausting.

“For your safety, you should stay here,” Herrick replied.

Zorina shook her head. “No, thank you. I need to get home. Anala will worry about me.”

Herrick huffed at that before saying, “I’ll escort you, just to ensure you get home safely.”

While part of Zorina wanted to decline a guard’s escort, she recognized it was better to accept. “Fine, but only because you insist.”

Not because she wanted to spend time with him. Because she didn’t.

“Report back here when you’re done,” Captain Firmin said, his voice firm and unyielding.

With a nod to his captain, Herrick stood and reached his hand out to her. Reluctantly, Zorina took it and let him pull her up. Before she could think to voice a complaint, he whisked her out of the parlor.

Herrick

Herrick’s thoughts whirled as he escorted the fair Zorina through Adael and toward the woods where she lived. Keeping her safe from harm was his top priority, though he grudgingly admitted he enjoyed the close proximity of walking beside her far more than he should. What man wouldn’t?

Although he would have preferred if the stubborn woman had consented to stay within the well-protected confines of Adael Castle. She would be far safer there than in a hovel in the woods—especially since she lives near where the other women have disappeared from…

The fact that she refused was aggravating.

Why can’t she just let me keep her safe?

Of course, to truly do that to the extent he wanted required…more. More than she was likely willing to give anyone, from what he’d gathered.

Herrick tightened his hand where it rested over hers on his other arm and squeezed. Zorina shot him a confused look, but said nothing.

They continued in silence until they reached Adael’s border, where Anala anxiously waited for Zorina’s return.

Anala tried once again to steal his infinite pouch, and Zorina laughed as if amused. Seeing her levity after the intensity of recent events lightened his mood, but it did not ease his worries. He hated the idea of leaving her in the woods with no one but a pot-smashing red panda to keep her safe.

When they reached her shack, she stepped forward to open the door, but he leaned over her with his hand on the doorframe before she could. “Zorina,” he whispered, his breath catching on her name.

She froze for a moment, then whirled around to face him. Despite their height difference, they’d ended up a bit closer than he’d intended. Quite a bit closer, with only an inch of space between them.

In order to meet his gaze, she had to tip her head back and press it against the door. Her light blue eyes were hard to see in the dim light, but he thought he saw a mix of curiosity, surprise, and perhaps the hint of something warmer. He hoped so, at least.

“Yes?” Zorina whispered, apparently waiting for him to continue speaking.

Swallowing, Herrick forced himself to focus on his words. “Any chance I can convince you to come back with me?”

Her eyes bulged. “Wh-what?”

He cleared his throat. “I mean, um, to return to the castle where we can protect you.”

She arched an eyebrow. “We?”