After everyone had eaten and gone their separate ways, Frisha found Rezkin in the stables where he was checking on Pride. Tam was with him, and Rez was explaining the various pieces of tack and their purposes. Frisha listened to Rez’s lesson, impressed once again at his vast knowledge and the easy way he had of explaining things. When Rez and Tam were finished speaking, Frisha found herself asking, “Um, Rez? When we do get to Kaibain, what are your plans?”

“My plans?” he asked curiously.

Tam was listening intently, now that they finally had the opportunity to solve this mystery. “I do not really have any plans in Kaibain. I suppose I will just resupply and ready myself to travel to Skutton.”

Frisha furrowed her brow. “But, when we met, you said you were going to Kaibain. What were you planning to do there?”

“Yes, you are correct. I am looking for someone. I had thought to perhaps find information about him or his whereabouts in Kaibain, and I still may, but now I think I will have a better chance of doing so at the tournament,” he explained.

“Oh, someone you knew at the fort where you grew up?”

“Yes,” Rezkin confirmed without explanation.

“What about me—us, I mean? Tam and me?” she asked almost timidly.

“What about you?” Rezkin asked, certain he had missed something.

Frisha managed to lift her gaze from the floor to meet Rez’s crystal blue eyes. “Well, I mean, will I see you again?” That was what he had missed. He had not even considered the fact that Tam and Frisha would not be continuing on to the tournament with him. No doubt she was concerned that he was going to abandon his purpose in protecting her and Tam.

Wanting to reassure the young woman that he would not abandon his duties and would do everything within his power to protect and honor his friends, per Rule 1, he replied, “Everyone has a purpose, Frisha. I know this. You are mine.” As he said this he held her gaze in hopes that she would see his earnestness.

Frisha’s heart stopped beating as her whole world lit up in a swirling mess of vibrant colors. “Oh, Rez,” she breathed as she threw herself at the handsome warrior, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips against his. She knew she had surprised him with her inappropriate outburst of affection, but she just could not help it. When she finally forced herself away, his eyes were riveted on her, and they held questions. Was this a vulnerability she was seeing? Was he searching her for signs of her intentions? Surely he knew by now how she felt about him. No, his eyes did not quite look vulnerable, now. They looked … hungry.