The mild conversation between the men and the gentle sway of her horse would lull her close to sleep, only for her to start seconds later and sit upright. At this rate, she was going to fall off her horse.

“Is everything all right?”

Selene flinched at the sound of Damien’s voice as he rode up beside her. Taegis wasn’t too far behind, his focus always on his liege.

“Yes.” She glanced at him from under her hood. “I’m just tired.”

“You’re still not sleeping well?”

“No, but who can on the ground?” She let out a shaky laugh, hoping it would put him off.

Damien studied her thoughtfully. “It’s a good thing we’ll be arriving in Rone this evening and should be able to find an inn. A bed will be a nice change to sleeping on hard ground.”

“Yes, a bed will be very ni—” Her eyes went wide. Would she have to share a bed with Damien? Heat flooded her face. Dart’an!

Karl glanced back, caught the look on her face, and snickered.

Confound it all!

Damien sent a stern look toward Karl, who sobered and turned back around. “We’ll be keeping the arrangement we had back in Riveram,” he said quietly, so as not to be overheard.

Selene let out a breathy sigh, and her body sagged forward. “I would like that.” Eventually she would have to face the reality of her new marriage, but right now all she could handle was today.

As dusk fell across the forest, the trees split, and in the distance, past fields of tall grass, stood the bustling city of Rone. Music, conversation, and laughter drifted over the twelve-foot wall that surrounded the city. Beyond the barrier, narrow two-story homes made of the same stone overlooked the wall, candlelight spilling from the curved windows. A single torch blazed beside the thick wooden door that led into Rone. Up above, the first stars appeared in the night sky.

As they approached the city, the gatekeeper appeared upon the wall above the door and held up a lantern. “Who goes there?” He was an older man, his stringy grey hair shadowed by the hood of his cloak.

“Six weary travelers on our way back from Rook Castle,” Taegis said, taking the lead.

“Rook Castle? You’ve come a long way, strangers.”

“Yes. With us is Grand Lord Maris, returning from his trip there.”

“Grand Lord Maris?” Like Jorgen from Riveram, the gatekeeper looked over at the other riders. Selene was grateful she had her hood pulled over her head this time.

Damien brought his horse forward. “Yes. We are seeking a place to spend the night. What inn do you recommend?”

“My lord.” The gatekeeper bowed, the lantern still in his hand. “The Bored Boar Tavern is the best place for food, drink, and bed. Just follow the first street inside toward the middle of Rone. Tell Mildred I sent you.”

“Thank you.”

The gatekeeper disappeared behind the wall. Moments later, there was a loud creak, and the door began to shift. When the door was fully open, the gatekeeper appeared again with his lantern and ushered the party into the city. He glanced at Damien as he passed, a smile across his weathered lips.