Of Thorn and Thread (Daughters of Eville #4) - Chanda Hahn Page 0,27

you saw more than I wanted.”

I shook my head. “No, I think it made it even more special.” I took the package and slipped the ribbon off of it, tucking it into my pocket, and I gently unfolded the paper. His memory was false, for this was not a simple comb, but a pearl one, and the ribbons were brighter than his own memories.

“Thank you, I love it.”

Liam bowed his head, the protector mask back in place. “I’m glad you approve of the gift.” He stepped back, giving me space, and turned to head up the hill toward the transport.

He was so funny because he was stiff and formal when he remembered his duty, but then he would slip and treat me as a friend.

I undid my braid and ran the comb through my hair, expertly braiding and using the ribbons to tie it up off my neck. When I came back up the transport, our driver, Fadal, gave me an approving nod. I grinned and stopped by the steps. I turned toward Liam waiting to see his expression.

He stood by the open door, his hand reaching for me to step up into the transport.

I gave a twirl. “What do you think?” I gushed excitedly.

Liam barely glanced at me. “You look presentable.”

Presentable? I would have settled for nice, or lovely. I wasn’t expecting beautiful. But presentable seemed plain. My smile fell. He was back to being aloof again. I let out a breath of frustration and gathered my skirt to get into the transport, ignoring his outstretched hand. I scooted to the far corner and waited for him to enter and take the seat opposite of me.

“We should reach the capital city of Thressia by nightfall. You said you have family in town. Do you think they could afford to lend us a horse and shelter us for the night? I’ve been gone far too long, and I haven’t heard an update from my troops. Even if they let me sleep in the barn, I would repay them handsomely.”

Liam must be remembering where we kept him when he came to my house. He must think all of my family was poor. I kept my face neutral. “Oh, I think they could spare a horse or two.”

When we came into the city, it was the largest I’d ever seen. Brick houses squashed together, one on top of another. Hundreds of years of heritage rebranded and rebuilt over old structures. It gave the streets a very eclectic look, and I loved it. Or rather, I loved what I saw before I had to drop the shade and stare at the lining on the seat across from me. I glanced out the window once or twice and did my best to hide my discomfort by clenching my jaw so hard it hurt. I was proud that I didn’t curl up into a ball and cry. I was determined to prove to Liam that I was stronger than he thought. I had to be strong. A particularly brutal image came to me, and I let out a gasp.

In a flash, Liam was across the seat and pulled me into his lap, both arms wrapped around me, and instantly the assault stopped.

“Thank you,” I sighed in relief.

“Anytime,” he whispered and nuzzled my head.

We pulled up to the gates, and I stared at the royal palace through the iron fence. Three story white brick with hundreds of windows overlooking the courtyard and fountain. A gold sun on a blue banner hung on either side of the grand entrance. I leaned out the window and spoke to the guards. “Can you please let Eden know that her favorite sister, Aura, is here.”

I moved to sit back in the seat across from Liam, but he wouldn’t have it. He pulled on my arm, tucked into his side again. Our hips touching, his arm draped over the back of the bench. Heat flushed through my cheeks, my heart thrummed in my chest, and I sat up straight.

“Relax, just think of me as your armor bearer. A big shield. It’s hardly a big deal for me to stick close to you if it protects you.”

“I just don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” I blushed.

“And what idea is that?”

“Never mind.” The heat from my cheeks quickly faded.

Liam leaned forward to look out the window. “Your sister works at the palace? I wonder if she knows my old friend, Dorian? It’s a shame what happened with the royal family. I