Slumber by Samantha Young Page A

need to get the Princezna out of the Palace.” She turned to me and, taking me by surprise, she drew me into a soft hug. I stiffened at the touch. No one but Haydyn and Valena ever hugged me. “Good luck, Rogan. I know you can do this. We shal see you in a few weeks’
    time.”
    I nodded, puling back, trying not to choke on my tears. “I better gather my things together.” I strode to Valena and drew her into a tight hug, and she bent down to soak her tears on my shoulder. “You take care of her. And yourself.”
    “Be careful, Rogan.” Valena puled back, brushing at her tears. “Please.”
    I promised I would and marched from the room, only now feeling what Haydyn must feel every day.
    The weight of an entire world on my shoulders.
    And now, like her, I would have given anything to ask someone else to help me carry my burden.

Chapter Six
    Haydyn lay before me on her bed, peaceful and pale, her eyelids not even twitching to assure me she was dreaming somewhere inside herself. My throat felt so tight, so sore, and I gripped the bed post lest I reach forward to shake her as I wanted to; to shake her awake and scold her for terrifying the living daylights out of me. Her chest rose gently, slowly, and I let go of the breath I was holding.
    “You’re going to be alright,” I whispered, bending down to brush a kiss across her forehead. I knew every feature, every freckle of her as wel as I knew myself. I choked back a frightened sob and puled away from her. “I promise.”

    ***
    I strode out into the courtyard where the Guard were busying themselves with their horses and the cart that would travel with us with supplies. I tugged on my leather riding gloves, my cloak bilowing at my back as wind rushed in from the east. My heart thudded rapidly in my chest, my whole face tight with tension. I wiled my expression to relax into a soft smile when I realised Jarek was watching me carefuly as I approached him and Midnight.
    “Thank you, Jarek,” I acknowledged, taking Midnight’s reins and stroking my mare’s glossy blue-black coat. Midnight nickered and bounced her head towards me in helo.
    “So.” Jarek eyed me scepticaly. “A diplomatic trip on behalf of the Princezna?”
    Not meeting his eyes, I nodded as I continued to stroke Midnight. “Yes. Haydyn’s interested in improving relations with the Alvernians.”
    “It’s such a hastily put together outing.” Jarek shook his head. “My boys nearly broke their backs getting the horses ready under Wolfe’s command. Usualy a trip such as this would take a week of preparation at least.”
    I shuddered, hating to lie to an old friend. Instead I opted to trust him with a little of the truth. I looked into his eyes and he froze instantly at the seriousness of my gaze. “Alvernia is worsening,” I told him quietly, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. “I’m going with Captain Stovia to discern the situation for myself and see what can be done. Speak of this to no one, Jarek, but Haydyn may consider a betrothal to Vojvoda Andrei’s son.” Jarek’s eyes widened. “Are things realy that bad?”
    I nodded.
    He sighed wearily, shaking his head at the news. “I swear, I’l tel no one, Rogan. It would cause unnecessary panic.” Smiling at his understanding, I took his hand. “Thank you, Jarek. Haydyn wil be staying at her cottage in Land’s End while I’m gone. The news has troubled her and I think it would do her good to get away from palace life.”
    Jarek squeezed my hand. “And what of you, Rogan? You’re to bear the burden of traveling and worrying and making the decisions? It hardly seems fair.” I felt warmed by his concern and gave him a soft look. “I make no decisions. I merely offer an opinion. Which we al know I do often, and wel, on many subjects,” I teased.
    “I wil miss you while you’re gone.” He raised my hand and kissed it softly, his eyes twinkling as they captured mine. Such a charmer, I shivered. I knew deep