The Summer Marked Page 4

  I leaned against the doorway. “You said we’d talk when we got back. So what’s really going on here? What did Nevin want?”

  Gareth stiffened and ran a hand through his hair. “He wants us to come to Summer. He needs me to do some scouting for him into enemy territory, but mainly he wants me to help train the soldiers. We have some veteran warriors, but over the years, we’ve lost so many. Most of our troops are young and untrained. If we’re going to be able to continue to hold our borders, we need to make sure our army is battle ready.”

  “Is that all?”

  “There was also some discussion regarding you, but I’d rather not get into that just now or I’ll get pissed off all over again.”

  “Does it have to do with what he said about me maybe having magic?” I hoped not. Because I still believed Adaba had been responsible for it.

  “Yes. But we can talk about that later. And I promise we will speak about that, too. But right now we’ve got to hurry up and get packed. We need to be on our way soon. After your run in with the Winter Queen, I don’t want to chance her coming back with an army.”

  “Are you still mad at me?” I slipped inside his room, my eyes intent on him.

  He spun to face me, his gaze piercing me like a lance. “Damn right I’m mad. This is the second time I’ve nearly lost you since we’ve bonded.” He dropped his things on the bed and moved toward me. “Do you know what it’s like to feel someone you love on the verge of death?”

  He caught my chin, forcing me to look at him.

  “I said I was sorry.”

  His brow furrowed as he pulled me into his arms. My blood thrummed at his closeness. Already, his warmth blanketed me. I nestled against him. He caressed my back, moving to my hips, until he pressed me closer against him. My fingers trailed up his chest, stopping only when they cupped his face. I stood on my tiptoes, until my mouth crushed his.

  His lips parted and his tongue glided against mine. He deepened the kiss, lifting me up in his arms, until my face was level with his. I wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms slipping behind his neck.

  God, I couldn’t get enough of him. I just wanted us to stay here, in his room, and not have to worry about Grisselle or Nevin or Winter. I wanted to concentrate on us. On the heat that blazed between us. On the life we were trying to build with one another. I’d hoped when I’d agreed to come to Faerie with him that we’d left the horrors of Winter behind us, that after Kassandra’s death, I’d get my happily ever after, which never happened.

  He groaned, trailing kisses down my neck. “Salome, we’re supposed to be packing.”

  “I’m already finished.” I pulled back so I could stare into his mahogany eyes. “Don’t tell me I’m distracting you? I thought you were a warrior? That you could resist anything.”

  His lips curved up into a playful smile. “Hmm…did I say resist? I meant succumb. I can only succumb to your charms…and if you don’t stop now, you might succumb my clothes right off me.”

  A blush touched my cheeks, and I rested my palm against the side of his face, feeling the light prickle of stubble. “It’s good to know that I have the power to seduce you, Gareth of Summer. I was beginning to think you were immune to me, that you had the constraint of a monk.”

  “Definitely not immune—and does this make you think of monks?” He twisted around until he had me pressed to the wall, his body molded against mine. He traced the contours of my hips, then slipped upward until his thumb brushed against my lips, followed by his mouth. He kissed me until I was dizzy with nothing but thoughts of him and I together. Every breath I took was filled with him. Every scent. Every touch. Until at last he drew back, his teeth taking my bottom lip between them. “You were saying?”

  Breathless, I stared at him. He was so perfect, so handsome. I still didn’t understand what he saw in me. “No more visions of monks,” I said.

  “I wish we had time to finish this,” he whispered. “But I want our first time to be special, not rushed.”

  “Too bad you don’t have a Holiday Inn close by,” I teased. Pressing my mouth against his temple, then his cheek, until my mouth grazed his earlobe.

  He lowered me back to the floor and I reached out to steady myself. Drunk on his kisses, I needed a moment to get my bearings back. He held me up, until I could stand on my own.

  “And by the way, don’t ever doubt my love for you. You might be from the human world, but you’re the most perfect woman for me. Do you understand?”

  His gaze slid over me as if he could see right into my very soul. To the deepest depths that no one else saw or knew. And he was mine.

  “Let’s try and enjoy our journey—it’ll likely be our last for a while.” He stroked my hair then let his hands fall away as he released me. He bent over to retrieve his belongings from the floor.

  “Wait—what do you mean our last journey?”

  “Once we get to Summer, I’ll be pretty busy, like I told you I’ll have to do some training and scouting.” He closed the curtains on his bed and headed to the door.

  I followed on his heels. “I still don’t understand why Nevin can’t do it himself. Why do you have to go all the way to the Summer Palace to do this for him?”

  “Because he’s king and he asked me to.”

  “Since when do you do what you’re told?”

  I knew the answer. This wasn’t just about doing what he was told. It was about his loyalty and his duty to his people. But I loved him and I missed him already. Was it too much to ask to spend more than a few weeks together before he left again?

  He held up a hand. “You know I have a duty to Nevin, whether I like it or not. Besides, this isn’t about him, it’s about our kingdom. Winter claims more of our people every day. We have to stop the queen. In case your earlier run in with her wasn’t any indication.”

  Guilt gnawed at my bones like a mangy hound with a rawhide strip. “I know. It’s just, well, it seems like you’re always the one they send.”

  He chuckled. “That’s because they know I’ll get the job done. I’m the best warrior in the kingdom.”

  “Cocky much?”

  “You know you like it.”

  We pushed through the back door to find Felipe readying the horses. When the dwarf spotted us, he hurried to take our packs.

  When he had our bags secured, Gareth caught his arm. “Make sure the house is locked up tight and seek safety as soon as you can. I’ll send word when we return.”

  Felipe bowed then scurried back inside.

  Adaba stomped his foot and snorted at us. His head swung back and forth with impatience. Gareth glanced down at me. “I suppose he wants us to hurry.”

  As soon as his mahogany eyes met mine, I was lost. My heart skittered against my ribs, remembering the kisses we’d shared in his room just moments ago. My blood throbbed with ancient songs. He took a step closer, his arms ensnaring me. Callused hands caressed my cheek.

  Gareth’s lips were a breath away from mine. “Perhaps we can forget about Nevin for a few more minutes.”

  Adaba whinnied and shoved between us, his hoof nearly smashing my toes.

  “Hey,” I scolded. Where’d this horse come from anyway, the dang Dark Ages? Didn’t he know nowadays people kissed all the time?

  Gareth glared. “I have a feeling he’s going to be worse than a chastity belt.”

  The horse’s lips peeled back in a toothy smile. He nudged my shoulder then bent for me to climb on his back. He was enjoying this far too much.

  Once settled in on our saddles, Gareth glanced at the sky then at me. “We need to get as far as possible before nightfall. No telling which of the queen’s monsters will be lurking.”

  “What about the soldiers Nevin was going to send?” I scanned our surroundings.

  “We don’t have time to wait for them. They can meet up with us on the road.”

  I shivered in spite of the warm sun beating down on me. No way did I want to have any run-ins with any creature. I’d spent eleven years fac
ing the nightmarish beasts in the woods as a child. Being haunted by winter and everything that lurked within its gloom. I’d already faced so many of them when I broke Nevin’s curse, and I wanted no more of it.

  Wind whispered through the leaves like a soft lullaby. Great oaks swayed beneath the gusts, while the scent of daffodils drifted around us. Gnarled branches entwined above, acting as a gateway of sorts.

  Gareth led us through woodlands and across sweeping fields of wildflowers. Soon I recognized the path leading to the lake where we’d danced at prom. I smiled, remembering Gareth in his black and white tux. The way he’d let me into his world that night. It was the first moment I realized there was something between us.

  Adaba sidestepped a barberry bush. He danced in place, refusing to go further. My stomach knotted while I inspected our surroundings. I didn’t see anything. The birds had stopped singing. Not even the wind rustled.

  “Something’s wrong.” Gareth pulled up on his reins.

  “I don’t hear the lake. Or smell the sea salt.” I rubbed my arms against the sudden briskness in the air. “Do you think it’s the queen?”

  “No, I don’t sense anyone. But we need to proceed with caution.”

  Adaba snorted, but followed Gareth’s steed. As we turned the bend in the road, I gasped. White flakes glittered as they fell from the sky. Giant waves were frozen in mid-air where they’d once splashed against the beach. Everything was barren and covered in snow and ice.

  Puffs of breath fell from between my chattering teeth.

  “Oh. My. God.” I wrapped my arms around my chest in an attempt to keep warm. “Winter’s spreading.”

  Gareth stared at his devastated land, jaw clenched. “She’s going to pay for this and for every crime against Summer.”

  He kicked his heels into the sides of his horse and galloped across the icy landscape. I had no choice but to urge Adaba forward, too. For long minutes, I thought he might keep the startling pace, but as we reached the woods and the summery warmth once more, he slowed for me to catch up.

  We continued deeper into the forest, passing by gurgling streams and ducking under low branches. But Gareth remained quiet. The forlorn look on his face unsettled me. It wasn’t like him to clam up like this. As the day pressed on, I grew restless. There was only so much silence I could take. And the happily chirping birds drove me crazy.

  “Are you going to spend the entire trip not talking?” I narrowed my eyes at his back.

  “No. I just need time to sort things in my mind.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Why don’t we stop so the horses can get a drink and rest for a few minutes?”

  Adaba came to a halt and I slid from his back. He glanced at me then made his way over to the stream with the other horse. I yawned, stretching my arms above my head.

  Gareth smiled and tossed me a hunk of bread. “Just think, only a few more days of travels.”

  I plopped onto the ground and laid back. “Ugh, don’t remind me. My ass is already numb from riding.”

  He took a swig of water from the skin, then frowned. “Is that the proper way a lady should speak?”

  With a snort, I propped my head on my arms. “Fine. My asseth is numbeth—better?”

  “No. You should be more mindful.”

  I sat up, staring at him. He’d lost his flipping mind. Then it dawned on me. “Oh my gosh. You’re worried about impressing Nevin when we get to Summer. Unfreaking believable. But just so you know, I don’t give a crap what he thinks.”

  “You should,” Gareth said, putting the skin back. “But it’s not him you’ll need to impress—the other Fae nobles will be there, and let’s just say they’re not all keen on humans.”

  I sighed and pushed to my feet once more. “You’re the only Fae Lord I care about impressing. And you’ve seen me at my worst.”

  “And impress me you did. You’re perfect to me, even at your worst, but I’m also madly in love with you. The others may see your quirks and behaviors as offensive and off-putting. Because they don’t know you like I do.” He caught my hand and tugged me beneath a giant weeping willow tree, where tiny beams of sunlight snuck through like dancing fireflies. “I just want you to fit in and feel like you belong with my people.”

  I sighed. “You’re not embarrassed by me, are you?”

  “No. How could I be? You’re beautiful.” He kissed my forehead. “Strong.” He placed another kiss on my cheek. “You broke a curse that no one else was able to for centuries.” His lips lightly touched my nose. “And you’re the kindest, most self-sacrificing person I’ve ever met in my life.” This time he kissed me on the mouth.

  Which lasted all of two seconds before Adaba came bounding over. He immediately pried us a part by wedging himself between us.

  “Guess that’s our cue to be on our way.” Gareth glowered at the horse. “Remind me not to invite him to our wedding…”

  The horse let out a low nicker that sounded a whole lot like a laugh to me.

  After a while we mounted our horses once more and headed through the woods. We rode for several hours, passing through fields so green that it made me envision The Shire, from Lord of the Rings—hills the color of emeralds giving way to miles of blue sky. Soon we came to a crossroad and Gareth studied the terrain. At last, he urged his steed down an overgrown path.

  Here the grass seemed more brittle. The flowers that once bloomed in the fields and along the roadside were now nothing but brown husks. Dilapidated cottages and homes dotted the hillside. Weathered stones, bearing the markings of a flower, were nearly covered in dead moss.

  “Where are we?” I turned in my saddle to see the stricken look on Gareth’s face.

  “This used to be the Kingdom of Spring. They were the first to fall to Winter.” Gareth brought his horse to a halt and climbed from his back.

  “Were there any survivors?” Sadness washed over me as I stared at the landscape.

  “Very few. Most died when the king did. There are a few stragglers and half-breeds, but most of them stay hidden.”

  “I-I see.” My throat thickened as we stepped over fallen trees and the remains of destroyed homes.

  An old gate caught my eye and I stopped to see the remnants of the old rosebushes. I dropped Adaba’s reins and walked across the uneven ground, until I stood inside it. Small statues and a dried up fountain lingered inside. At one time, this had been someone’s garden. But now it was just a brown, dead reminder of what once was.

  My fingers brushed against the withered roses, brown and moldy with decay. Tears welled in my eyes. This land was another victim of Winter. Just thinking about all the people who hadn’t been able to escape and the homes that would never see life again, filled me with a sorrow so deep, that it hurt my heart.

  “I wish I could change this,” I whispered. “That all could be like it was before Winter came.”

  “Salome, we need to keep moving. There should be a place ahead where we can stop to get a few supplies, then we’ll find camp for the night.”

  I nodded, letting go of the rose and stepping out of the garden. Not that I wanted Gareth to go to Summer, but I was beginning to understand more now, why it was so important. Although, I wasn’t sure how they’d be able to keep Winter at bay when no one else had been able to so far.

  Adaba nudged my arm as we walked. “What is it boy?”

  He glanced up to where a lone finch landed on a tree branch. I smiled as it whistled a light tune. This had been the first life I’d seen since stepping into Spring. But it somehow gave me hope.

  We made our way through the thicket, Gareth leading the way, until we came to a large hut, nearly hidden in the overgrowth. If Gareth hadn’t of pointed it out, I would’ve walked right past it.

  “What is this place?” I said.

  “A store. The last remaining one in Spring.” Gareth took my reins from me. “Adaba, I want you to keep your eyes and ears peeled while we’re inside. If you catch even a hint of danger, I want you to alert us.”

  The
horse bowed his head as if he understood and went to hide in the brush so no one would see him. Gareth and I made our way around the back of the hut, where we were met by a short, grizzled looking dwarf. His gray beard was braided with green and silver beads at the ends. His dark eyes narrowed as they took us in. He wore a dirtied tunic and breeches—his boots had long since seen better days. My gaze flickered to the battle axe he held over one shoulder as if daring us to take another step.

  Ancient green and silver tattoos ran the length of both arms, while another peeked out from the collar of his shirt.

  “You’re trespassing,” his gravelly voice called out.

  “Lachlin, it’s me, Gareth of Summer. We mean no harm. I’ve just come to see what kinds of weapons you have on hand.”

  “Been a long time, my friend.” He lowered his weapon, resting it on the ground. “I don’t have much of a selection anymore—no manpower to create them. Nor do any of us dare to venture back into the caves—too many enemy eyes watching.”

  Gareth held out his arm and Lachlin clasped it. “We’ll see what you got. I need to find a light, short sword for my betrothed, Salome.”

  As if just noticing me standing behind Gareth, Lachlin shifted his gaze to me. His eyes widened. “She’s human.”

  Gareth chuckled. “Yes, you’re quite observant.”

  Lachlin walked around me, sizing me up. “Is she the one everyone has been talking about? The girl who broke that fool Nevin’s curse?”

  “Yes, I am—and you can speak to me, I’m standing right here.” I waved a hand in front of his face.

  This time he grinned. “Ah, and she has some spirit I see. Good for you. Now, let’s get inside before someone notices us.”

  Lachlin and Gareth lumbered into the hut ahead of me. When I got to the doorway, I had to duck down so I didn’t hit my head. But when I got inside, I noticed the ceilings were higher than they looked and I stood to my full height. All around me were shelves of trinkets, dishes, clothing that’d been patched a few times over. A few weapons hung on the back wall, behind the short counter.

  A painting over a small woodstove caught my eye. It was of a blond man, dressed in all green, a crown made of twisted wood, emeralds, and silver sat on top of his head. Behind him loomed a great castle in the trees, flowers and vines nearly hid it from view. I stepped closer to it. My finger traced the intricate flower carved into the wooden frame.