Page 9 of The Poison Within

I kissed the delicate skin on the inside of his wrist. That easy-to-access, yet intimate spot on his body had always fascinated me.

I loved the fact that he trusted me.

I loved his spirited disposition.

I loved him.

“Let me get my coat,” was all he said.

I never thought my first time in a four-in-hand would include one grim, tightly wound Furia, a white-faced Nymph writhing in pain and the bemused but calm love of my life. The four of us fit comfortably in the spacious interior of the old Countess’s carriage. The women took the front-facing seat, while Elly and I sat opposite them. Caylii stretched out across the leather bench and rested her head in Eryssa’s lap. Much to my relief, Elly informed me that the driver had spent years in his service and occupied a position of confidence within the family.

Our pace remained slow yet steady inside the city walls, but even the gentle rocking of the vehicle on the stone-paved road elicited groans from the Nymph.

After a time, the carriage slowed down and then came to a halt. Elly drew back the curtain and opened the door a crack.

I peered over his shoulder.

Fuck and double fuck.

The town gate loomed some twenty paces ahead. Shut. The place crawled with soldiers carrying oil lamps and inspecting every cart and carriage in the queue ahead of us.

“I’ll give them carnage if they try touching her,” the Furia hissed. Her eyes glinted crimson for an instant.

I believed her.

“I’ll handle this. Don’t do anything hasty,” Elly said with emphasis. Before I had a chance to ask what he planned, the door swung open and he marched down the street, heels clicking on the cobbles.

“Are you in charge here, soldier?” his voice, crisp and commanding, carried to us. I strained to hear the soldier’s response.

“Yes, your lordship. I’m Lieutenant Ropp.”

“What’s the holdup, Lieutenant? I’m taking my mother back to the Radvadur Manor. She’s not pleased with all this wait.”

“We’re under order to search every vehicle leaving town, my lord. The perpetrator of a vicious attack against His Majesty Emperor’s forces is at large.”

“I assure you, Lieutenant, we’re not harbouring any wrongdoers. There’s no one in the carriage but my mother and her pug. And however offensive the smells that creature produces, I’m certain he’s not the culprit you’re after.”

“My lord, my orders explicitly state—”

I heard Elly laugh. “Go ahead then, Lieutenant. But prepare to get an earful. She’s cranky tonight.”

The old Countess’s mood swings were infamous across the region. I almost snickered.

Clever little bugger.

“I mean… Err, perhaps I could just… I wouldn’t like to intrude on her ladyship’s leisure.”

“Marvellous. I’d be obliged if you could get us back on the road as soon as possible, Lieutenant Ropp. It’s late.”

“Yes, your lordship. Right away.”

A few minutes later, Elly climbed back into the carriage and took his seat next to me. In the dark, I squeezed his hand and grinned to myself when he reciprocated.

Soon the carriage was on the move. I let out a long breath when we passed through the gates.

We spent the next hour travelling in silence broken only by several bouts of Elly’s cough and Caylii’s whimpers. I didn’t relax until we reached the crossroads. As previously instructed, the driver stopped the carriage there, pulling off to the side of the road.

Elly leant forward to reach for the door. I twitched at the sudden, quick move of the Furia. Frozen, I watched her grab Elly by the front of his clothes and pull him towards her, much like a ragdoll. Before I could get my knife out, the weak, heavily accented voice of the Nymph pleaded, “Please. Don’t be afraid. Let her.”