The Queen's Line (Inheritance of Hunger #1) - Kathryn Moon Page 0,101

from Indiva for you to hold your breath that way," Owen agreed, kissing the crown of my head.

This carriage ride was significantly more comfortable than our last one as a group. I was perched on Owen's lap, my legs hooked over Cosmo's, while Thao and Wendell were cuddled together on the opposite bench. Our knees all bumped together in the center, but no one seemed to mind. Privately, I was finding the closeness a little too comfortable, especially with the rhythm of the carriage. My mind and body couldn't quite make the decision on whether or not it would be all right to fool around on the ride with Thao and Wendell watching, or if I wanted them involved, or if I was still shy of them in that regard. I only knew that there was a simmer of interest that started the moment the carriage door shut with us all inside, and it only grew warmer by the minute.

Cosmo lifted my arm from my own lap, running his fingers up and down the inside of my arm, lips curling as he watched me.

"I'm excited," I said, a little breathlessly.

"I know," Cosmo said, arching an eyebrow.

Oh, he thinks he's very clever, I thought, knowing my observant Chosen was as aware of my growing feelings for Thao and Wendell as I was.

"We're nearly there now," Owen offered. "I used to make trips to Indiva in the summers with my father for extra work."

Owen's arm was banded warmly around my waist, and I settled my hand over his there, feeling the smooth check marks of old scars on his hands. "Did you like farming?" I asked.

"Mm. No," Owen said, laughing a little. "I liked being around the animals, but the days were hot and long, and it always took my hands forever to get my callouses back for the tools."

I turned his hand over and looked down, rubbing my thumb over the raised callouses, rough and stiff even after Owen's time with me.

"Used to have blisters that would bleed after a few days. Mom would wrap me up with rags like I was wearing mittens, but I'd always take them off again by the end of the day after dropping something or getting too hot."

"You went with your father because…"

"We'd get two portions of pay and a midday meal. Mom had four more at home to feed. I was the oldest, I had to help."

"Where is your family now?" I asked, already wondering what I could do for them.

"Three of the older girls are married, and two of my brothers are in the army. Dad died not long after I went into the army, so Mom and the littler ones now are split between my sisters to help bear the load. We might see some today, I bet," Owen said, voice cheerful.

I looked up from his hands, and my eyes met Thao's first, his expression subdued. Wendell was watching me too, and even without words passing between us, I think he understood where my thoughts went. I'd find a way of helping Owen's family. It wasn't really enough, not when there were other families like his, but I didn't care if it was partiality or favoritism. Owen deserved to know that his mother and siblings were as comfortable and safe as he was, and he'd never ask me for it himself.

"I'd like to meet them," I said, simply.

Owen nuzzled against my hair, probably mussing all the effort the maid had gone to. "Mom's not as strong as you, but she's sweet and patient. I think you'd like each other."

I would absolutely give Mistress Dunne very good reason to like me. I already appreciated her immensely.

In my quiet musing over Owen and his family, I caught the first notes of the festival from outside the carriage, down in the valley.

"Oh!" I leaned forward, Owen's arm keeping me from falling right off his lap as I pulled the window of the carriage down to look out. There wasn't much at first, just a few wisps of smoke, but then the breeze turned in our direction and brought with it the soft murmur of voices with a few high notes of music and the smell of meat cooking.

Cresswell Stark rode forward until he was level with the window. "Nearly there," he said, his usually stern expression softening at the sight of my smile.

"Does it sound like people are enjoying themselves?"

Wendell leaned forward, his shoulder brushing against mine as he cocked his head to listen. "Sounds