Shapur’s gaze returned to him. ‘And when the embers of this new love die out, am I to expect a transfer request back to Chadora?’

Tatum spoke up at that. ‘I know this man better than anyone, sir. If he commits to building an army in the wastelands, then he’ll stay there until the job’s done.’

Shapur drew a long breath. ‘I shall discuss the matter with King Becket, but I would not go packing up your belongings just yet. He is moving cautiously. I will send for you when I have an answer.’ He went to walk away.

‘Sir,’ Blackmane said.

The warden stopped, waiting.

The next part was difficult to say. ‘I want you to know that I’ll be returning to Llanelieu regardless of the outcome of that conversation. I’d prefer to go with my team, and in uniform, but I’ll go without those things if I have to.’

Shapur’s jaw twitched. ‘And I wish to remind you that your feelings will never come before what is in the best interests of this kingdom.’

Blackmane nodded. ‘I understand.’

‘Go get yourself cleaned up and into a uniform, defender.’

Blackmane saluted. ‘Yes, sir.’

Chapter 40

CHAPTER 40

Isabel admired the vegetables in her basket, freshly harvested from their gardens. It had been a long time since she had seen so much colour and variety. Her whole mood lifted at the sight, then crashed back down when she looked out at the empty road. It had only been a month since Blackmane had returned to Chadora, but it felt like a year. The not knowing was the difficult part. Not knowing his plans.

Not knowing if he had changed his mind.

Perhaps his friends had convinced him that leaving would be a mistake. And maybe they were right. She even started wondering if he had simply told her what she needed to hear in order to make the separation easier.

Would he write if he had changed his mind? Surely he would. He knew she was waiting for him. She pictured herself, twenty years into the future, still sitting in the same garden, staring at that same road.

The clapping of wooden swords pulled her from her thoughts. Everard and Rabbit were sparring on the lawn. Her brother had been teaching him defence moves. The wastelander may have killed more people than Isabel cared to think about, but it was Everard who had all the formal training.

Isabel smiled at her brother as she passed him on the way to the house. As she neared the front door, Ita and her mother stepped through it, baskets in hand.

‘Mushroom hunting?’ Isabel asked. A few days of heavy rain meant optimal mushroom-picking conditions.

Her mother nodded. ‘You should come with us.’

She rarely ventured far from the house anymore for fear of not being home when Blackmane arrived. ‘I’ll stay and make a start on dinner.’