Page 12 of North Queen
“I’ve searched every forest this kingdom over,” he said, “well into Aleon and south into the lands of the Horsemen tribes. The Wild was the only place I’d stayed clear of. Until now.”
She gave him a small smile. “Because of the faeries?”
“Because men don’t return from there.”
Norah bit her lip, feeling her jest poorly placed.
“It was the last place I thought I’d find you,” he added.
Well, itwasthe last place he found her, but she kept that joke to herself. This wasn’t a joking matter. She’d seen firsthand the dangers of this land of no return. She pulled herself free of the shackles of his eyes and finished the last of her meal. “I still doubt that I’m the person you say.”
He offered her his meat and bread.
She shook her head. “I’ve had enough, thank you. You eat.” He hadn’t eaten his food the evening prior. She suspected he’d saved it for her.
“YouareNorah Andell. I wouldn’t mistake you, no matter how much time had passed.” He settled back, finally taking some of his own food. “Wait until you return home. You’ll see.”
Home. That word seemed so distant right now.
“Speaking of, we should go.” He smiled. “Your grandmother has no idea she’s going to see you today. And Catherine Andell is not an easy woman to surprise. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Norah couldn’t help but smile at the sense of his genuine excitement. But inside, her stomach twisted at the thought of meeting her grandmother.
Catherine.The name held no recollection. Yes, she expected the woman to be surprised, but this might not be the surprise she was hoping for—her lost granddaughter with no memory of herself or those who knew her. Norah turned her thoughts to their arrival, and the weight grew heavier in her stomach. People had been waiting a long time for her return; she wouldn’t be what any of them were expecting, and likely not what they hoped for. There would be people she’d be expected to know, expected to care about. People that cared about her.
They left the warmth of the homestead and continued on their way, with her riding and Alexander again leading the horse. They’d make better time both riding, but the suggestion seemed too forward, and she couldn’t muster the courage. They traveled mostly without conversation, but he glanced back to check on her often, as he had the day before.
At midday, they stopped for a meal of salted meat and more bread. Norah looked over the powdered hills of snow and wondered how much farther until they reached the castle.
“Mercia is just beyond those hills,” Alexander said, pointing in the distance, as if reading her mind. His eyes met hers, and he smiled. “It’s beautiful.”
Norah forced a smile, but her stomach sat heavy. She tried to imagine her arrival. What would she say when she saw her grandmother? Would she recognize the woman? Would Norah be a disappointment to her?
“Here,” he said, handing her a wineskin. “This will help calm your nerves.”
She raised a brow. “Is it that obvious?”
He tipped his head to the side with a smirk. “A little. But you should be excited. You’ll be surrounded by people who love you and have waited for this day.”
“Alexander,” she said, looking into his eyes, “I’m trusting you.” It wasn’t a statement; it was a plea.
His face grew serious. “I’ll be by your side,” he promised. He offered his hand, and this time she took it. He lifted her to the saddle and then took up the reins and led the horse forward. They continued on, and Norah sipped from the wineskin as they went.
As they reached the final peak, she gasped. A large city sprawled from the base of the hills to the northern coast in the distance. On an island off the mainland, a castle stood with its turrets and spires sharp against the sun-filled sky.
“Mercia,” Alexander said as he looked back at her, his eyes shining. “Home.”
“Itisbeautiful,” she whispered.
“People will know who you are the moment they see you. Are you ready?”
She was nowhere near ready. She shifted in the saddle. “Do I look ready? No dirt on my face or sticks in my hair?”
He smiled. “No dirt or sticks. You’re beautiful.”
She couldn’t help but smile back.
Alexander led his horse down and through the city. People gathered along the sides of the streets as they saw them, murmuring to each other with increasing excitement. As she and Alexander passed, the crowd followed them. Shouts rang out, and Alexander looked back at her with his eyes bright.
