Besotted (The Fairest Maidens #3) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,63

and was especially keen in spotting evidence of basilisks and steering us away from their territory.

Jorg and I took up position behind them, while Mikkel, Pearl, Vilmar, and the rest of the men rode closely on our heels. We pushed our horses hard, staying to the coppiced woodlands where the trees weren’t as thick, and the brush didn’t slow us down.

At midday, we stopped to rest at a brook and water our mounts, although I agreed to the break only reluctantly. With every passing hour, our time was running short. I couldn’t bear to dwell on the possibility that we might fail to intercept Aurora before she reached the queen.

“Let us be on our way,” I called as I finished kneeling and drinking from the brook. Noon sunshine slanted through the remaining leaves overhead. Though the woodland wasn’t as thick as other parts of the forest, it was dense and hilly enough that we couldn’t see far ahead, which added to my feeling that we weren’t making enough progress.

“Make haste.” I started to lead my horse forward.

“Everyone quiet.” Ty stood suddenly and narrowed his gaze upon the path we’d just ridden. “Riders are coming and will soon be upon us.”

Chapter

19

Kresten

I studied the landscape, seeing naught but the stillness of the sunlight warming the leaves scattered over the forest floor.

“You’ve heard someone?” Mikkel searched the trees and boulders we’d just passed.

“I feel the rumbling in the ground,” Ty replied. “Someone is following the same path and will soon overtake us.”

Mikkel grabbed his steed’s reins. “We shall take cover until we determine if this newcomer is friend or foe.”

“’Tis only more time wasted,” I countered. “I say we proceed as planned.”

Mikkel frowned, irritation in his eyes. “Do not be naïve, Kresten. Now that the queen has her prey, she will anticipate opposition. She’ll have her forces out to stop anyone who comes after Aurora.”

At the incoming thud of hooves, we had no time to argue. Mikkel and Vilmar pulled me into the shrubs while the rest of our party scattered with the horses.

A moment later, a half dozen horses and riders crested the rocky rise to the north of us. Their beasts kicked up leaves and dirt, pounding down the hill and bearing upon us. In the lead was a man of stocky girth whose outline had become all too familiar over the past weeks.

I relaxed my grip upon my axe and knife and stepped out of the shadows into a patch of sunlight, praying Chester’s wrath toward me had diminished. Without Aurora to stop him, he might decide to finish what he’d started the day I’d left.

From the brush behind me, Mikkel hissed a warning, but I shook my head to silence him.

Chester rode several more paces before he shouted to his companions and slowed his mount. With his knife poised to throw, he’d have no trouble impaling the blade into my neck if he chose to do so.

He was no longer attired as a humble charcoal burner and was instead wearing chain mail and numerous weapons on his belt. He made an imposing knight, one I didn’t want to battle again if I could help it.

I wasn’t surprised he was taking the same route, as he likely knew the forest trails as well as Walter. My only wish was that he was nearer to catching Aurora than we were. But in order to secure reinforcements, he had lost time.

I waited, my back and shoulders rigid. “Chester.”

“Kresten.” He glanced to the woods around me, likely spotting each person where they’d hastily hid. His hand went to the hilt of his sword as though he intended to fight his way through us if need be.

I cocked my head in their direction. “We mean you no harm.”

“What are you doing here?” Anger edged his tone. “Are you in league with the queen?”

“You know I’m not. And you know I’d do anything for Aurora.”

He didn’t blink at my use of her true name. He’d clearly already guessed that I knew her identity.

“I love her.”

“You have no right to love her.” His fingers didn’t leave his sword.

“I know that now. I was selfish.”

His glare was as menacing as always. But the shadows under his eyes were new and deep. When was the last time he’d slept? I could only imagine the agony he was experiencing in knowing he’d failed in his one task, to protect Mercia’s queen.

“I understand I can never have her, but I’m still going after her.” I waved toward the woods. “We