The golden light from the tavern doorway spilled across the dark earth as Devlin stepped out, his silhouette sharp and imposing against the glow. The crease on his brow disappeared as soon as he spotted Edeana.
"Edeana?" he repeated, his voice dropping to a low, private register that seemed to vibrate in the cool air. "You have been gone for a long while. The air is turning sharp, and we have miles yet to cover."
She looked up at him, a small smile spread across her face despite the storm of emotions and thoughts currently occupying her.
"I am fine," she replied, her voice steadying as she tried to reassure him. "The night air was simply... more refreshing than I anticipated. I found myself lost in my own thoughts. It has been a long day, and find myself longing for more time to prepare myself before facing court."
"I understand the feeling of wanting a little extra time to ourselves before being thrown into a new environment but I'm afraid we must go," he said, his tone softening as he offered her his arm. "Knightley along with two of his men has our horses ready. The decoys have already begun their journey."
Taking his arm, they walked in silence towards the back of the inn. The three coaches Knightley had purchased were being driven out through different gates—one heading East toward the coastal roads, one West toward the farmlands, and one lingering to take the main highway.
"The carriages were the first layer of the ruse," Devlin explained quietly as he led her toward her mare. He checked the cinch of her saddle himself, his movements practiced and rhythmic. "They will depart in different directions, carrying decoys dressed in my likeness. We, however, will travel through the swiftest, most difficult route through the Blackwood Pass. If we are followed, our group will split into three forcing the assassins to choose which shadow to chase in the dark."
As he helped her mount, his hands lingered on her waist for a second longer than necessary. It would seem that beneath his facade of confidence, she supposed Devlin isn't as fain to be returning home either. Edeana settled into the saddle, the familiar ache in her muscles protesting, but she pushed it down.
"Stay close," Knightley commanded, his voice low as he pulled lead them out of the courtyard leaving the flickering lanterns of Wendlyn behind them. As they entered the dense canopy of the outskirts, the rhythmic thud of hooves and the rustle of the wind through the pines provided a strange, heavy sort of privacy. Devlin rode at her side, his presence an invisible shield.
The silence between them stretched, thick with the things they hadn't said. Edeana's mind kept drifting back to the old woman's words.
"Devlin," she said, her voice barely a whisper, yet carrying easily in the stillness of the woods. "Could you tell me more about our neighbouring countries? If I were to hold court I think I had best start with understanding the part we play in this region and the relationship we hold with each of them."
If Devlin was surprised by her sudden interest, he certainly didn't let it show. "We border two other countries, Calaebion to the east and Litheria in the north. Between the two, we have a stronger relationship with the later."
"I see, is it because it is because Litheria has better terms for trade?"
Devlin's expression shifted, a flicker of diplomatic gravity crossing his features. He adjusted his reins. "Yes, but that answer would have been vastly different during my grandfather's time. Calaebion was once our closest ally."
"What changed?" Edeana prodded.
"The Calaebion of today is a vastly different kingdom from before," Devlin replied, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Ever since the disappearance of Princess Clementina many years ago, the King of Caleabion has grown guarded, almost reclusive. He suspects her abduction was closely linked to one of their allies, due to the nature oh how quick and absolute the princess disappeared. "
He glanced at her. "But we must all play nice with them. Caleabion is the largest landmass in the known territories, and more importantly, they sit upon the richest veins of iron in the world. Their wealth is staggering. Our kingdom's blades, our plows, even the nails in our ships—they all begin in the fires of Caleabion. Our armies would be nothing but men with wooden sticks without their trade."
"It sounds lonely," Edeana murmured, thinking of the broken father the old woman had described. "To have all that wealth and be so... empty."
"It is a kingdom that never got out of mourning," Devlin agreed. He reached across the space between their horses, momentarily brushing his gloved hand against her arm. It was a brief touch, but it sent a jolt through her that made the night feel less cold. "You needn't worry about the politics tonight, Edeana. I will have the historians and court advisors provide tutoring once we are settled into the palace. We are entering the Pass, and the footing will be treacherous."
The incline grew steeper, the trees huddling together as if to whisper secrets about the travelers passing beneath them. The Blackwood Pass was aptly named; the slate-colored rocks and dark pines seemed to swallow the moonlight, leaving them in a world of silver and ink.
As the path narrowed, forcing Knightley to ride ahead and the other guards to fall back, Edeana and Devlin were forced into a tight line. Every time the path twisted and their knees brushed, Edeana felt a tightening in her chest.
"You're doing well," he said, slowing his horse so they were once again side-by-side as the trail widened. "Most noblewomen would have fainted or demanded a litter by now."
"I am not most noblewomen," Edeana reminded him, a flash of her former fire returning to her gaze. "I am of the North, through and through. We are made of salt and stone; we don't break under pressure."
Devlin's expression softened into a genuine smile. "I am quickly learning that few people are ever what they first appear. I look forward to knowing the woman behind the stone, my wife."