The Sapphire Broach

Chapter 6 (rough draft)

Kenric awoke early, despite his exhaustion. The extra tunic he had found in his pack had done little to keep out the autumn chill and he had given the blanket to Ivy. He cursed silently. How had he gotten involved with such a crazy woman? He should have let her drown in the lake.

He rubbed the thick stubble on his chin. He could never have stood back and watched someone drown, no matter how it disrupted his plans, but the disruptions just continued, all the way up to his restless night in the cold when he should have had a cloak, two blankets, a bed roll, and a fire to keep him cozy.

When could he rid himself of the woman?

Ivy moaned and stirred, then sat up. The blanket and cloak slid off her shoulders.

Kenric felt his face grow hot, and he had to turn away, even though he had seen her in the same lack of clothing the evening before.

"Good morning, Kenric," she said with a yawn. "Did you sleep well?"

He glanced her way and saw that she had pulled the cloak tight around her. Her tousled copper-blond hair framed a rather lovely face that had been marred by the events of the previous day and night. None of the fresh scratches looked more than superficial and would heal well, restoring her flawless skin.

Flawless skin? Lovely face? What had gotten into him? With a huff of air, he stood, walked to the blanket she had discarded, and wrapped it around himself. "No. I was rather cold."

Her cheeks flushed. "I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you."

"Yes." He dug in his pack and pulled out a canteen of water, a loaf of bread, and some dried fruit. His supplies would not last long if he had to share with her. "I do not suppose you have any food?"

She glared at him. "You act as though I am an incompetent fool. I am not! I had a pack of supplies with me before I fell in the lake and I had already escaped from those soldiers on my own. It is true that I ended up in a bit of trouble after that and you saved my life. I appreciate your rescue and thank you for it. Would it truly hurt you to smile and accept my gratitude?"

It might hurt his pride, but he smiled anyway, a broad, phony smile that made her roll her eyes and turn away.

"Here." He approached her with the food. "Have some breakfast."

"Thank you."

They ate in silence, neither meek enough to speak politely. The morning sky turn pink, then orange in a beautiful sunrise.

Kenric wondered what hardy breakfast his mother might be cooking at that moment. Were his sisters helping her in the kitchen? Had his little brother stepped up to be the man of the house in his absence? How much had the little ones grown? Would they even remember him?

"What are you thinking of?" Ivy asked.

He hmphed, but answered her question. "My family. I have been gone for two years and am anxious to return to them."

"Oh." Ivy brushed a lock of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. "How many children do you have?"

Kenric watched her squirm—rather enjoying himself—until she finally glanced at him. Then he laughed. "None. I am returning to my mother and seven siblings."

"I see."

"I left them to serve in the king's army only because our situation had become desperate." He had no idea why he opened up to her, but he told her everything. He spoke of his father's illness and death, of his struggle to provide for such a large family in a small village, then of his decision to serve for a king he despised. Knowing of her charge of treason, he feared not to share his true feelings for King Rymond.

"Why are you charged with treason?" he asked when he finished his story.

She looked at him, but did not reply at first. Then she nodded as though accepting whatever answer she was about to give, whether truth or falsehood. "I suppose it is because I have always been faithful to the true crown of Berryann."

The answer did not satisfy him. He felt she held the whole truth back. "There are many who feel that way," he said. "But we are not hunted by the king's soldiers."

She twiddled her thumbs but did not respond.

"You said King Rymond murdered the true king. That is a serious accusation. Have you told others of your suspicion? If you have, I understand why they chase you."

Her thumbs stopped twirling and she shot him a piercing glare. "It is not a suspicion, but the truth! I have only told my aunt; however King Rymond is well aware of my knowledge."

Kenric considered her words. She seemed so confident, as though she did not fear the retaliation of the king for her claim. What a naïve little girl! If the king caught her, he would not allow her to live to besmirch his name.

He swallowed the last bite of his meal. "You have no idea the dangerous path you trod. The king will not be mocked and he is not a generous man."

Ivy met his gaze with her crystal eyes. "I believe I know exactly the path I trod."

He stood and shook his head. All the more reason for him to get far away from her. "If you are so sure of your path, then tell me, what do you plan to do now?"

She shivered and looked away from him. "I suppose I must travel to the palace."

"The palace! Why, in the name of all the kings who have ever sat upon that throne, would you go to the palace?" Had she lost her mind when she fell in the lake? She spoke utter nonsense!

She stood to meet his fury. "I must go there to return something that is missing."

Kenric cursed. "Must? Who is making you? You may do whatever you desire. Flee to some quiet village and stop your foolish talk of murder and rightful kings. I did not save you and risk my own life, for you to prance off to the palace to get your pretty little neck hung by the very people I saved you from! Forget about whatever personal crusade you think you are on and go home! That is where I am going. Now!"

He stormed away from her to gather his belongings. Coins jingled within one pouch and he grabbed a handful of them, then returned to where she stood.

"Here." He took her hand, opened her palm, and placed the coins within. "Purchase food and perhaps a new dress in case you lose that one again. Do not speak of King Rymond or King George any more. I must be on my way."

He walked away from her. Guilt tugged at his stomach and maded him feel rather ill at ease. Perhaps he shouldn't have yelled, or cursed, or belittled her, but her thoughts and actions were preposterous! If she chose to go to the palace, he wanted nothing to do with it, even though Tolarre, his home town, lay no more than one day's journey from the palace along the same path she would travel.

"Come along, Sweetie." The mare snorted and followed after him with his supplies on its back.

He looked back once and saw that Ivy hadn't moved. Their gazes met, and he thought he saw moisture sparkling within the blue crystals of her eyes.