Chapter 188

The forest was alive with the sounds of creatures preparing for cold weather ahead. Belle picked her way through the fallen leaves of scarlet, bright orange, and citrus colors, their already decaying kin crunching beneath them under the weight of her hooves. A light breeze stirred the fine hairs that had come loose from her pins, and Kit felt more alive than she had for half a moon’s phase.

Reeve rode behind her, his horse tromping through the leaves, not as delicate as sweet Belle. A large chestnut stallion, named Red—clearly a suggestion from Reeve’s grandfather who preferred obvious names—the horse did exactly as his rider instructed, which was no surprise to Kit since Reeve had proven himself a horse whisperer the first time she’d visited the barn with him.

That seemed so long ago. So many events had taken place since then. She remembered thinking he was slightly aloof until he’d kissed her there in front of the horse stalls. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life without this man. Strong and serene, always there, ready to do whatever he could to make Kit comfortable, to make her happy.

They were riding through the forest on the west side of the castle. It took longer to get there because the barns were all on the east side, save the military outbuildings, but Kit wanted to free herself of the burdens that traveling into the forest near the remains of Eli’s family home would undoubtedly place on her shoulders.

She hadn’t ridden this direction for years. The last time she remembered traversing here, she’d been a little girl, and rather than riding on her own steed, she’d been in front of her father. It had been a small group. The duke had been one of the only adults to go. The other, her Aunt Nill, who never seemed to leave the castle anymore except to watch competitions in the Choosing. She had brought Avinia, her daughter, Isla, and an older cousin who no longer lived at Wrenbrook, Jan.

They’d made a day of it. Riding through unexplored territory (for the girls, anyway), picnicking, climbing up hills and boulders on foot. But the best part of the day had been a secret hot spring her father had shown her. The girls had stripped down to their chemises and knickers and gone in the warm water, delighted at the refreshing sensation the bubbles created. It was one of her fondest memories, but she hadn’t allowed herself to think of it for so long. Thoughts of how happy her father had been that day caused her heart to ache. When was the last time she’d seen him genuinely smile?

“You are lost in your head again, aren’t you angel?” Reeve asked, pulling alongside her as the path widened a bit.

His voice startled her slightly, and Kit lowered her eyes in embarrassment. “I’m afraid so. I apologize. I was just thinking about my father.”

Reeve’s mouth turned up slightly at the corners, and he reached over to gently place his hand on top of hers for a moment. “You don’t get to see him very often anymore, do you?”

“No, not at all. In fact, I haven’t seen him for weeks. I worry about him, all alone in that dark room. I have no idea if anyone else ever goes to visit him.” She felt guilty for not having gone to see him more frequently. It was so difficult during her Choosing, but he was worth more effort on her part.

“I’m sure that will all change soon enough, once you are queen, my love. Then, he’ll be free to roam about the castle as he chooses.”

The thought brought a smile to Kit’s face, until another idea occurred to her. “What if he disapproves? What if something happens to my mother, or he feels she should stay the rightful ruler? He might decide he no longer wants me for a daughter.”

Reeve’s eyebrows shot up. “I hardly think that would be the case, Kit. I’m fairly certain your father approves of our endeavor.”

“Approves or would approve?” What was he getting at?

“Approves.” Reeve glanced around as if he thought there might be someone else there. Of course, they were all alone. Not even the two members of her guard who were almost always present had trailed them. Kit thought she’d know for certain if someone was present because there was simply no way to pass through the leaves without making a racket. “Kit, your father knows everything.”

His words surprised her. She was of the understanding that Remont had been left in the dark. Now, she began to worry that he might be in danger. “How do you know?”

Reeve shrugged. “I just do, Princess. There are discussions from time to time, when only those who can be trusted are present, and your father has been mentioned more than once.”

“In what capacity?” The idea that her father knew what was happening made Kit begin to worry all over again. The vivacity that had coursed through her veins a few moments ago seemed as dead as the bottom layer of leaves beneath Belle’s hooves.

“Princess, it’s nothing to worry about, honestly.” Reeve’s hand on her shoulder calmed her slightly, but it wasn’t enough to make the dread that filled her gut completely dissipate. “Only that we must look out for his safety and that he shall be a part of the new establishment.”

“The new establishment?” That term sounded so daunting to Kit, she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Your reign—however you’d like to word it. I assure you, your father’s safety is of utmost concern to everyone.”

She nodded, deciding it was a good thing that Remont had been taken into consideration. Her mother was wise enough to know a threat against her father could put Kit’s revolution on hold indefinitely, giving Rona time to break every single citizen who had dared to stand against her in any capacity whatsoever.

“Let us not dwell on such heavy topics when we are out among the animals, fresh air in our lungs, vibrant colors all around us.” Reeve spread his arms wide to take it all in, his smile much more relaxed than it had been when he was doing his best to comfort her.

She had to agree. Their great endeavor could wait until she returned to the castle. There was no reason to dwell on the weight of the world right now, not before it was even dropped upon her shoulders. “Would you like to see something even more spectacular?”

“I’m already looking at the most spectacular sight a man could ever lay eyes on.” He grinned, and Kit’s heartbeat quickened, knowing he meant her.

“You’re too kind to me, Reeve.”

“I am honest.”

“You’re adorable.”

It was his turn to blush now, and she pushed Belle over a bit so that she could run her fingers along his cheek. His jawline had a bit of stubble, and the rough texture on the tips of her fingers made her breath catch.

“I shall go wherever you lead, Princess.” His words were jovial, but his tone was heady, and Kit couldn’t help but remember the feel of his hands on her body, the warmth of his lips on hers. It had been too long.