Page 5 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

Not knowing what else to say, Zorina nodded and bid him goodnight again.

“Goodnight, Zorina. See you tomorrow.”

With that, she left the shop, closing and locking the door behind her. A sigh of relief escaped her as she made her way down the city streets toward her small home. Zorina scanned the streets as she went, hoping not to see any guards on patrol—particularly not the obnoxious one she’d met earlier that day.

Her hope was in vain as her gaze landed on a tall, broad-shouldered, muscular guard with dark brown hair and an equally dark brown well-trimmed beard. Not him again.

Thankfully, it did not seem like he’d noticed her yet, though since he was patrolling the street she walked on, it was inevitable that he’d spot her eventually. Any sudden movements would draw his green eyes to her, so Zorina kept her sedate pace as she surreptitiously studied him from a distance.

Reluctantly, she had to admit that he cut a dashing figure in his red and silver guard uniform. The moment Zorina realized her thoughts strayed in that direction, she whipped her gaze away from him.

No. Absolutely not. The last man I foolishly admired also had brown hair, though a lighter shade. I will not be so weak again!

Just remembering that fop made her cranky. Or, crankier. Besides, he’s married now. Good riddance.

As she continued her journey home, she focused her thoughts on all the reasons why romantic entanglements were a bad idea—particularly if they involved a noble or a guard. The kind of attention that would bring her would be most unwelcome in every possible way.

And yet, there was a part of her that yearned for affection.

But no. It wasn’t safe. It would never be safe.

It would also be unfair to whatever poor fool fell for her—if such a thing were possible.

Zorina was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed that the guard she most wanted to avoid now stood only a few steps in front of her, frowning at her with his bulky arms crossed over his chest.

“Where are you headed?” he asked.

Arching an eyebrow, she gave a curt reply. “Home.”

His eyes narrowed as he watched her. “Would you like an escort? It’s nearing dark.”

She blinked twice at him, shooting him a blank stare. “No.”

“No?”

Zorina scoffed. “What more do you want? A polite but meaningless, ‘no, thank you?’ I don’t even know your name. Why in the Realms do you think I’d let you walk me home?”

“I’m not—ugh. I’m not flirting with you or anything. I’m simply trying to protect all the citizens of Adael—including you.”

“Well, I’m safer if you leave me alone,” she snapped without even thinking.

His frown deepened, and she instantly regretted her last statement. Great, now he’ll think I’m up to something.

Giving her an askance look, he said, “I am a guard, tasked with ensuring everyone’s safety in the city. I would like to see you home safely.”

Zorina scowled at him. The man would not take a hint! An idiot with a sword indeed. “No, thank you. Besides, I still don’t know your name.”

She almost told him that she did not technically live in the city, and was therefore out of his jurisdiction as far as she was concerned, but he didn’t need to know that. Giving him—or any man—a hint as to where she lived seemed like a bad idea.

He eyed her suspiciously. “It’s Herrick. Now may I escort you home?”

“No. I’m not doing anything illegal or immoral, and I won’t commit a crime the minute you turn your back. I just like my privacy. Please leave me alone.”

Herrick sighed, finally seeming to give up. “Very well. But I will make sure you face every possible justice if you prove otherwise.”

Rolling her eyes, she spun and began to walk away.

Really? The man is obnoxiously obtuse!