The Eden Series: The Complete Collection (49 page)

The horse ran full out the whole time. They had made better timing on the way back than they had when they left. She became nervous as she realized what she was doing, but she couldn’t stop herself. His deep chocolate brown eyes filled her mind, the way they sometimes looked so sad, or the way they held humour when she was defiant. And his mouth – its perfect shape, and the way his lips had felt against her own, even though it had only been for a brief moment. It made her heart speed up, and pushed her forward even faster as she rode. When they finally reached the camp again it was empty. The sound of fighting was not far off and raised goose bumps along her arms. It was stupid for her to stay out in the open, so she slid off the horse, tied it to a nearby tree, and quickly found her way back to the tent they shared. Sounds of men yelling filled the air around her, making her sick to her stomach. Lying in the bed, Rose pulled the thick fur blankets over her head, trying to hide herself from the horrors that took place not far from where she was.

Without realizing she was doing it, Rose fell asleep beneath the warmth of the furs, and only awoke when she heard the heavy footsteps of soldiers. Men were yelling orders, and from the sound of it, they were packing up to leave again. Something had happened.
They lost
. Despite her feelings for Callum, she couldn’t help but feel relieved, praying that Felix would be safe now. Trying her best to flatten her red curls, she waited patiently for Callum to return, expecting an immediate departure. It wasn’t long before the flaps of the tent were pulled back, and he came through, dropping bloody weapons down in exhaustion. He was lost in thought, and didn’t notice her at first. Not wanting to startle him, Rose waited silently for him to see her. Slowly, his head lifted, and the dark eyes she had grown to love – yes love, she would have to admit it now, it was the only explanation for her actions – found her sitting in the middle of the bed. An array of emotions flitted through his eyes has he stared at her.

“I know you told me to leave –” she started to explain, but got no further. Without a moment’s hesitation he was across the small space, lifting her off the bed into a strong embrace as if she weighed nothing. She clung to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he buried his face in her long hair. They stayed like that for what seemed like forever, neither saying a word. Then he pulled back, and the most beautiful smile was on his face. She smiled back at him, a wave of relief washing over her. “I didn’t know if you’d be angry.”

“Angry? Why?” he said, the first words out of his mouth.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d want me here,” she replied honestly. It had occurred to her on the way back that she might be a nuisance to him, which would explain why he had let her leave. The fear had made it that much harder to return, but she had to be sure.

Callum chuckled darkly, his eyes looking over her face slowly. “You are the most beautiful creature I have ever met, and the only thing in my life that makes me truly happy. Why, in all of Eden, would I be mad that you came back? It was the one thing I truly hoped for.” Warmth spread in her stomach and tears sprang to her eyes again. “I love you Rose, and I never want to part with you again.” Then he kissed her before she could respond. This kiss was not like the other. It was a deep kiss, one that left her breathless. His mouth was urgent on hers, hungry and full of emotions that made her feel fuller than she had ever felt. Her arms tightened around him, crushing her body against his. His hold tightened in response, making it difficult for either of them to breathe.

Carrying her to the bed, he laid her down gently, his large body hovering carefully above hers. They finally broke apart, each breath coming out fast and hard. Staring into his gentle eyes, Rose knew there would never be anyone else that she loved like she did Callum. She didn’t remember exactly when she said the words, but at some point within that hour she had told him at the height of their passion, and he said them back over and over again. After, they had lain in each other’s arms and he told her they had lost the fight. The whole army was to return to the north to recuperate. It wasn’t over, he said, but for now they would leave.

* * * * *

Although it wasn’t truly her home, Callum had done his best to make her comfortable, and when they found out she would be bearing his first child, he hardly ever left her side. Today was the first day that they were separated. Rose assumed that meant that their army was strong again, and would resume their assault against the High King. She rubbed her stomach again at the thought of Callum going off to fight. They hadn’t talked about it yet, but she was worried he would expect her to stay at the castle. That was something she refused to do. The idea of being away from him for that long made her sick. Regardless of her condition, she would accompany him. Smiling, she knew her best bet was to bring it up in front of Brutus. Despite his reputation of being a cold, ruthless killer, Rose found Brutus charming, kind, and often quite funny. It was odd that she had grown affection for the man, but it seemed to be returned on his end, and he would often pick her side during arguments. She knew he would agree that she should go, simply for the fact that it would get under Callum’s skin.

As she walked past another window, warm rays of sunshine began to peer through the cloud-filled sky. Stopping to look, Rose suddenly had the urge to be out of the stone prison that was her home. It had felt like forever since the last time she went for a ride, and the day was starting to turn into a nice one. There was no point in wasting it inside. Picking up her pace, Rose began the decent down a spiral staircase that led to the main hall. The castle was older than Rose could even imagine. Grey stones made up the inside and outside walls. It was a solid structure, built into the side of a mountain. Soldiers stood on guard along the perimeter wall all day in case of an attack. It hadn’t happened yet, and Rose doubted it ever would. Not only was it well guarded, but the ascent to the castle was long and often treacherous. An army would find it quite difficult to make it without attracting a lot of attention.

As she walked through the main hall, she couldn’t help but wonder how it compared to the palace in the Capital City. Callum had described it once to her, speaking of the gleaming marble floors and beautifully painted ceilings. Gold sconces hung on all the walls, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings. It wasn’t something Rose could easily imagine, but it sounded far superior to this place.

She walked uninterrupted towards the small wooden door behind the main stairs that led outside. When she stepped out, a gust of wind whipped past her face, sending her hair swirling around. The fresh air was welcome after being cooped up inside, despite the fact that it was cool. Walking briskly towards the stable, there were few people about, and those that were didn’t seem to take notice of her. Keeping her head down, she avoided all eye contact.

The stable hand was inside the warm building, brushing out one of the many fine horses. Rose smiled at the elderly man as she approached, praying he wouldn’t give her any trouble.

“Ah, my lady Rose,” he greeted warmly. “How can I help you this afternoon?” She couldn’t remember his name, but there was something about the grey haired, blue-eyed man that had always made her feel comfortable. His face was lined and wind burnt from the harsh weather in the mountains, but he always wore a friendly smile.

“I was hoping to go for a ride,” she replied. “Could you get a horse prepared for me?” The man hesitated for a moment. “Please,” she added, trying to keep the desperation from her voice. He looked at her thoughtfully, but didn’t move.

“I’m not sure if that is a good idea,” he said slowly. A sigh escaped her lips. Someone, she reasoned, would have told him not to let her out. “I wouldn’t want to get in trouble my lady. However, there is a horse already saddled over there, and if you were to take it on your own, when I’m not looking…” A thankful smile flashed on her face as he turned back to his work. Rose walked to the back of the stable. Sure enough there was a large black horse eating in a stall, a saddle secured on its back. Greeting it softly, she entered the stall and took the reins gently. The horse’s tail swished in anticipation as she led it out of the stable into the open yard. Before she could get further, however, Astrid, her head maid, crossed her path, with a small boy that Rose had seen on the way over.

“Where are you going?” she barked.

Rose cast an annoyed look at the young boy who kept his head down. “I wanted to go for a ride since the sun has come out this afternoon.”

“That is not allowed, miss,” she snapped. “A lady in your condition should not be outside like this, let alone on a horse. Go back to the library and I will send someone to get you tea.”

“I don’t want tea,” Rose argued, stopping Astrid as she had turned to leave. Everyone was used to Rose doing as they said, but enough was enough. “I want to go for a ride,” Rose said in a firmer voice.

“I already told you that is not allowed,” she replied sharply, her eyes narrowing.

“Callum has no issues with me riding, and quite frankly, I don’t care what you have to say about it.” Rose quickly placed a foot in the stirrup and swung herself up onto the waiting horse. Astrid sputtered in disbelief, her face turning an unattractive shade of purple. Rose took off, leaving Astrid and the boy staring after her. A triumphant smile graced her face as she rode, even though she knew she would be in all sorts of trouble when she got back. It was safe to assume she would be getting cold meals for the next while, but it was worth it.

She rode for the rest of the afternoon, taking the horse down into a valley nestled between two mountains. A wide lake sat in the middle, now frozen for the winter. The horse ran around the perimeter, completely ignoring his rider’s condition, which made Rose feel normal again. For once no one was there to tell her what to do or treat her like a fragile child. Rose couldn’t help but laugh out loud in happiness as they rode at full speed, the wind whipping through her hair. She didn’t even notice the cold, adrenaline pumping hot through her veins. They ran the perimeter of lake three times before she noticed him standing by the road that led up to the castle. Slowing down, she rode over to him, stopping just in front.

“Having fun?” he asked, his eyes amused, but the thin line of his mouth gave away his anger.

“Yes, actually, I am,” she replied defiantly, sitting up straighter in the saddle.

Callum shook his head slowly, looking down at the ground. “Rose, you can’t just come out here by yourself. You know that.”

“I know everyone here treats me like a prisoner, which I
thought
I no longer was.”

His eyes widened. “Of course you’re not, but you are
mine
, and carry
my
child, which means it is dangerous for you out here. It is safer for you in the castle, unless I am with you.”

There was more than a hint of truth in what he said, but she was stubborn and he knew that. “I don’t want to always be looked after, or accompanied everywhere I go. I like being by myself sometimes. And I like to be outdoors.”

Sighing, he walked closer to her, absently patting the neck of the large horse. “I know, but right now it is not a good time for you to be doing this. Not to mention that Astrid is furious with you.”

“I don’t care about that miserable old woman.”

He chuckled. “Trust me when I say it is better to just stay on her good side. She controls a lot of things around here.”

The thought worried her, but she didn’t want to back down. “Why are you here? I thought you were in a meeting with Brutus.” Her voice sounded harsh, which she hadn’t meant, but she was frustrated with him and everyone else, so she couldn’t help it.

“I was,” Callum replied, running his hand down his face. As Rose looked closely at him, she could see the bags under his eyes and the weary way he held his shoulders. He looked exhausted. “Astrid came barging in yelling that you had run off against her orders. What else was I to do but come and get you? Brutus would have had me leave you, of course, but I worry.” The last words finally softened her up a little as she looked down at him. It wasn’t Callum who kept her locked away – he was always willing to take her out when they were together – and it wasn’t fair for her to take out her anger on him when he didn’t deserve it. All he ever wanted was to make sure she was happy. It was everyone else that treated her poorly, and now she was punishing him for their actions. Rose suddenly felt stupid and childish.

“I’m sorry,” she said finally, smiling slightly at him. “I was just – angry. I wanted to go out and enjoy the day.”

“I know,” he smiled back. “Tomorrow we can spend the day doing whatever you want, I promise. For now, I need you to come back and find something to do until I’m finished with Brutus.” Nodding her head, she let him take the reins of the horse, leading them back up towards the stables. The horse snorted in displeasure, but didn’t struggle against Callum’s authority.

“Is everything alright?” she asked, interrupting the silence that had formed between them. He looked back at her, an odd look in his eyes.

“Things are moving forward, but I don’t want to get into it until we’ve figured out all the details. To be honest,” he continued with a sigh, “it is difficult to decide what we should do when Aziz refuses to tell us his plan. Brutus trusts him completely, but I have my reservations.” Ever since the last battle, Aziz hadn’t been the same. Rose hadn’t seen him for a long time, but everyone who had said he didn’t look right. The power he used to create his beasts had taken its toll on him, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever recuperate. According to Callum and Brutus, he was still creating his army, but Rose wondered if his obsession would end his life. Aziz created terrifying beasts, and rumour had it that in order to make them loyal and connected to him, he had to put little bits of himself in each one. The spells had left him pale and gaunt when he had once been a good looking man. It was sickening to think of someone ruining themselves the way he had, but no one could stop him, and Brutus knew that his beasts would help tilt the scales to their side in the end. There had been a warrior the last time that was able to beat them, but he was gone now, and nothing could stand in their way.