Chapter 47: Cenric

Chapter

Forty-Seven

CENRIC

I swear to the gods, I'm going to need at least five icy dips in the lake to cool my frustration with Everly.

Why does she have to be so damn irritating?

Her stubbornness rivals mine, and that's saying something. Every time I think I've got her figured out, she throws me another curve, leaving me more perplexed than before. It's maddening, really, how she can get under my skin so easily.

I run a hand through my hair, tugging at the roots in exasperation. Perhaps I should go for that swim now and be done with it.

The missive she thrust into my hands crinkles as I clench my fist. Damn her. Damn her and her infuriating ability to leave me feeling like I've been trampled by a herd of wild bulls.

Turning back to the corral, I rest my arms on the wooden fence. The dark brown gelding I'd been tending nickers. I reach out, running my hand along his muzzle.

At least horses are simple. They don't lie. They don't spy. They don't make me question every decision I've ever made.

"What am I supposed to do with her?"

He stares at me, unimpressed by my question.

The sun beats down on my neck as I unfold the missive from Hawke and read the coded words, the contents giving me clarity on my next move.

As I fold it and place it inside my cloak, my thoughts turn back to Everly. It would be so easy to forget about the lies and the spying.

But I can't.

I'm responsible for more than my desires, and I can't afford to be swayed by a pair of striking blue eyes and a sharp tongue.