Page 130 of Journey to the Elderoak
“To be sure, I’ll alert the guards to be extra watchful of anything suspicious. Go find Thorne,” he said as he walked off.
Ava sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Who was this man? Was she hallucinating? She spotted her brother in a corner speaking enthusiastically with Aelerion and Thalia. Leaving the dance floor, she joined them.
Their words were muddled, conversation not registering as her mind still raced about the stranger. But she feigned interest and tried to participate when possible.
“Ava, are you alright?” Thalia asked, noticing her silence.
“I’m fine. Actually, I think I’m going to go get some air. I’m quite tired.”
“Would you like company?” Thorne asked.
“No. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She headed toward the gardens, passing through an archway,and wandered along a path framed by purple flowering trees. There were guests mingling about, but it was much less crowded than the ballroom.
The steady trill of insects hummed in the bushes as the stars sprinkled the night sky with their diamond lights. Ava continued further, passing a fountain, the flow of water soothing in the quiet space. Reaching the other end of the garden, she found a bench hidden behind a row of shrubs.
Relieved at the privacy, she took a seat and closed her eyes, thinking over what had occurred tonight and readied herself to face the rest of the evening when someone cleared their throat behind her. Startled, she stood and turned around—face to face with the mysterious man.
“I’m sorry I startled you, Your Highness,” he bowed, holding two goblets of wine in his hands.
“It’s alright,” she said. “Do I know you?”
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted to say thank you in person.”
“Thank me for what?”
“I was on the ship that day,” he explained. “May I?” he asked, gesturing to the bench.
“Oh, sure.” She reclaimed her seat and he sat beside her, holding out a goblet. “You seem stressed, I brought you some wine.”
She took the glass and thanked him, but something told her not to take a sip, so she held it in her hand, remaining alert.
“You were one of the sailors?” she asked with hesitation.
“Yes…you saved our lives that day. And I never got a chance to thank you.” He gave her a warm smile, dark eyes admiring her.
“You’re welcome,” she said. “That was a horrible day.”
“It was. How are you handling all the attention tonight?” he asked.
“It’s a lot to take in.”
He sipped his own libations. “I can only imagine the stress you must be under.”
She sat with the stranger and continued speaking with him for a few minutes, but something felt off and she looked for a way to end the conversation and leave. No one could see her behind these shrubs and her instincts were screaming at her to get away.
“I’m so sorry, but I must get back. My brother is probably looking for me.”
“Of course, of course.” He rose from the bench. “I’ll walk you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” she said with feigned kindness.
Get away from him,she urged herself.
She rose and tried to move around the man, but he stepped in front of her, blocking the only way out from behind the shrubs. He pinned her with a hard stare, something vile dancing in the depths of his eyes.
“You should have drunk the wine.”
