Page 66 of The King’s Commander

Chapter Twenty-Four

Vanni

“Iwould not have you take me home just yet.”

If I thought the ride to Anbarth Castle difficult, this ride has been pure hell. I could never have predicted the events of the evening, all of which have made it nearly unbearable to have Aedre so close to me.

With the future so uncertain for my country, my king, I know at least one thing for sure.

I’ve fallen for this beautiful, feisty healer who has as much courage as the men I lead. I crave her touch. Her gaze. Her words. Every time Aedre looks at me, I want to pull her to me and claim her as my own.

But I have no such claim. Nor will I ever.

And now this, when I’ve tried so very hard to be respectful. A gentleman.

I know what I should do—say no. Take her back to her father. To her grandmother. To safety. And yet, I find myself saying, “Where would you have us go, if not home?”

“The rocks? ’Tis nearly a full moon.”

Indeed, which makes it easy to ride without the benefit of a lantern. But the moonlight, along with the sound of water striking against the cliffs we pass, creates a near magical atmosphere, one which will make it harder yet to stay away from her.

The loveliest faces are to be seen by moonlight, when one sees half with the eye and half with the fancy.

My trainer, Albertus, had many sayings. Matteo and I often asked him where he’d acquired them. In answer to our questions, he would only reply, “From life.”

“Vanni?”

Lulled into distant memories of the past, I tighten my arm around Aedre.

“Tell me your thoughts,” she says quietly.

She truly is an expert at reading moods. At least my moods.

“I thought of Albertus. And of Matteo.”

“You’ve not said much about him.”

Because talking about the Prince of Meria would be akin to admitting he is gone, forever. Which, of course, he is. Along with so many others.

“A highly skilled swordsman, he is . . .”

Was.No longer is.

“He was quick to temper at times, but otherwise he was very much like his father. Kind. Loyal. The blood of kings ran through him, and no one could deny it. He would have made a fine leader.”

“You must have lost so many people you knew that day.”

My fist clenches over the reins.

“I should have been with them, but Galfrid insisted both Ren and I stay behind to prepare for a possible counter-attack. One that is still likely coming.”

“Ren?”

The slope gives way to flatter ground as we approach the village.

“He is second commander. Also a member of the Curia.”

“And you think Edingham will still attack?”