Slumber by Samantha Young Page B

down that as soon as I was gone Jarek would be flirting with the next prettiest maid that came along. But there was comfort and ease in being with Jarek, in being in Silvera, and to leave him was to leave the city and al the security I had known since I was blown adrift from my family so many years ago. I felt a sudden panic at having to leave and abruptly puled my hand from his.
    “I won’t be long, Jarek,” I replied and let him help me into the saddle. “Take care of everyone.” He nodded, patting the rump of my horse, and stood back as Wolfe cantered into the courtyard from the stables.
    Wolfe eyed me gravely. “Ready?”
    “As I’l ever be.”
    I was surprised and annoyed as Wolfe sent Lieutenant Chaeron before us so that Wolfe could ride beside me, the Guard at our backs. Before I could offer suggestion of an alternative traveling formation that involved him being gone from my side, Wolfe cleared his throat, “Vovjoda Jarvis has instructed me that we wil have to stop in Peza for the night to visit with Grof Kril Rada, and in Caera to visit with Vojvodkyna Winter Rada.” Visiting nobility on social cals on a journey to save Haydyn’s life?! Were they insane?! Remembering rumours of an affair between Wolfe and Vojvodkyna Winter a few seasons ago I wondered if Jarvis had actualy been the one to come up with those instructions at al. I threw Wolfe a disbelieving look. “That’s ridiculous.” Wolfe shook his head. “No, it’s not. We can’t expect to travel through the land with fifty of the Royal Guard and not have word reach the Rada that the Handmaiden of Phaedra is on a diplomatic trip to Alvernia. The Rada would be insulted if we didn’t stop in to visit with them. Just be thankful we’re only traveling through Raphizya and Daeronia.”
    “Thankful,” I scoffed. “Thankful! It’s your fault for making me bring fifty bloody men with me. We could have gotten through the provinces undetected otherwise.”
    “Oh realy?” He asked, his eyebrow arched mockingly. I glowered at him. “So if you took off through Phaedra with a couple of men you would retrieve the plant faster, is that right?”
    I sniffed. “Exactly.”
    “And how would we explain your disappearance at the palace?”
    I smirked. “I’m at the cottage with Haydyn.”
    Wolfe grunted at my quick response. “Fine. What about the fact that even if you were disguised as a lumberjack people would know you were raised a lady. You’re a target, Rogan; everything about you is, and I doubt even a few men would be able to help you out of the trouble you would get in if I weren’t here supervising you.” I was stunned by his utter arrogance. My expression must have said as much because he chuckled at having irked me, so much so I was speechless.

    “Perhaps I better swap places with Lieutenant Chaeron?”
    I wanted to kick him off his horse. “I think that would be wise,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
    Very quickly I had the soothing presence of the older Lieutenant Chaeron, who was happy to oblige me with pleasant, easy conversation. We passed slowly through the city as folks dodged out of the way of the massive entourage, not to mention some of the streets narrowed greatly here and there, slowing us even more. I was surprised when Wolfe began leading us toward the Flower District, the wealthy neighbourhood where Matai and Wolfe lived, where al nobility and wealthy business owners had beautiful townhouses. This route lengthened our journey out of the City. I was even more surprised when we drew to a halt outside one the townhouses.
    “What’s going on?” I queried Lieutenant Chaeron.
    He nodded to Wolfe as the Captain dismounted from his horse. “Captain Stovia wanted to personaly inform his mother of his departure. She worries.” He smiled at me as if I would be moved by the familial image he created. Instead I had gone cold inside at the thought of Wolfe and his mother. Of the man missing from their lives. I shuddered and