thought.
Palm trees dotted the oasis, bringing life to the otherwise barren landscape. Jarrett had attempted to explain them to Tressa on their trek, but until she saw the exotic trees she hadn’t realized how different they were from the tall maples and oaks of her home.
The women led her to another tent, this one four times as large as the one she’d left. Gold roping trimmed the blood red silks printed with the design of a camel. At least Tressa assumed it was a camel — another of the strange animals Jarrett had tried to explain to her. Creatures similar to a horse, but with humps on their backs. She hadn’t spied one yet, but he’d promised they’d ride on camels to Risos.
Bowing, the two women parted the silks and gestured for Tressa to enter.
She stepped in, her eyes struggling to adjust from starlight to candlelight. The sharp spicy scent was even stronger, giving her a heady feeling.
“Jarrett?” she asked tentatively, suddenly nervous. Yes, she had definitely fallen asleep on the horse and woken in a land from Granna's tales. Fingers caressed her bare shoulder, startling her, followed by a familiar laugh.
“What do you think of Camel’s Back? I know it’s not much of an improvement over the desert, but it’ll do for a quick rest before we head to the crown city.” Jarrett stepped into view, his broad shoulders illuminated by the flicker of the flames. “Come, sit down. We’ll talk a bit before retiring for the night.”
She followed him to an assortment of brightly colored silken pillows, intricately stitched with tiny repeating patterns. She ran a fingertip over the designs, enthralled by such small, indulgent work. In Hutton’s Bridge, every stitch served a purpose. “It’s beautiful,” she said, unable to suppress a smile. Despite all the tragedy and her desperate need to find her people, Tressa found herself relaxing.
Jarrett handed her a plate filled with exotic food. She watched as he chose a yellow square and tossed it in his mouth. “How I’ve missed the fruit of the Sands. Try some.”
Tressa lifted one from her plate and touched it to her lips, surprised by the mixture of sweet and tart. She took a bite. Juice washed through her mouth, sending her taste buds into shudders of ecstasy. “I’ve never tasted anything so amazing in my life.” She quickly put another piece in her mouth, then another. Her eyes rolled back, her lashes hitting her cheeks. She sank into the delicate fabric of the pillows and ate until she couldn’t stomach another bite.
“Wine?” Jarrett asked, holding up a purple glass carafe with swirling braids of silver on the edge. “It’s one of my favorites. I think you’ll like it.”
Tressa held out her hand, taking a full glass from him. She’d never felt so decadent in her life. She wondered if she was still passed out on the horse, hallucinating.
The wine washed down her throat, a delicate combination of berries and spices. Tressa didn’t know their names, but she wanted to learn.
“We have some things to discuss before retiring for the night,” Jarrett said, setting his plate down on the floor.
“Yes,” Tressa said, sad to break the spell. “First I need to know why those women believe I am your promised. Was that necessary?”
Jarrett’s eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry, but it was. Without that label, it’s likely you wouldn’t make it to Risos alive. The queen can be very jealous.”
“Jealous?” Tressa’s interest was piqued. The queen had sent Jarrett with her youngest son, Henry, to take over the throne of the Blue. But Henry’s youthful arrogance had cost him his life. Jealousy wasn’t the feeling Tressa would have guessed the boy’s mother would feel upon Jarrett's return.
“Yes. I am the First Guard to the Yellow Queen of Risos. I am her lover as well as her guard. If I didn’t give you an official place beside me, she would kill you. Even now, I’m not sure your head is safe, but rumor will spread from oasis to oasis. By the time we arrive at Risos, everyone will know you exist. It will be harder to kill you.”
“Ah,” Tressa said, taking in the information. “Why not just make me your wife?”
Jarrett laughed, but Tressa didn’t understand why it was so funny.
“Wouldn’t I be better protected as your wife?” she asked, irritated.
“We have no proof of marriage. No witnesses.” Jarrett shrugged and sank into the pillows.
Tressa raised her chin, vowing to be strong. “Then I’ll pretend to be your promised, but only as