Retreat Read online

  RETREAT

  Copyright © 2018 Sarah Addison-Fox

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission in writing from the author, except brief quotations in critical articles, news articles and reviews.

  Cover by Savannah Jezowski www.dragonpenpress.com

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  RETREAT

  Thank you

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  About the Author

  Thank you

  Savannah Jezowski, Kandi Wyatt, and Claire Banschbach. You guys rock.

  Chapter One

  Kade sagged in the cushioned chair, heat from the fire barely penetrating his damp clothing. His ribs were starting to ache again, and he was eager to get to the healer to confirm they were setting well enough.

  His eyes watered as he suppressed a yawn, barely listening to the earl before him. For half an hour now, he’d been stuck entertaining the blow hard currently sucking down food like it was going out of fashion.

  If Cester hadn’t charged him with watching the podgy Earl of Sussen, Kade would have punched the pompous man’s lights out, if only so he could finally get some sleep. But, no, for some reason his captain wanted to keep the deception that Hadley was the princess going a little longer.

  Sooner or later he’d have to talk to Cester about not being able to return to Amaria under penalty of death. But that and everything else he wanted to talk to his captain about had been shoved aside the minute the earl showed up, spoiling his plans to recuperate.

  Kade bit back an irritated sigh at being abandoned to host the earl, feigning interest as the man spouted off the many ways he was indispensable to the king, obviously unaware that Kade and most of the Northern Stormers gathered in the valley retreat loathed the king and by association all noblemen with a passion.

  The earl graced him with a sneering smile. “So, you see, Stormer Kade, His Majesty would be most appreciative to see his daughter returned; there will be a ceremony in eight weeks’ time, and she mustn’t miss it.”

  The King’s emissary shifted his gaze to where Hadley sat with Meg, both keeping impassive expressions, as per Cester’s hurried instructions, although they occasionally cast Kade furtive glances.

  The fire sputtered as a gust of wind blew down the chimney and sent a stray spark into the copper fireguard. Kade shifted slightly in his chair, weariness eating at him, despite the possible problem the emissary might cause. Despite the inevitability of the conversation he and Cester had yet to finish. What’s taking them so bloody long? How hard was it to find a new cabin for Kade and his cousin Carl to share?

  Kade aimed a scowl at the earl. “Let me guess you’ll be wanting to leave as soon as possible and with a Stormer for an escort?

  The man raised a thin eyebrow and his smile dissipated. “Your captain assured me it wouldn’t be a problem?”

  Kade didn’t bother to hide his contempt or to keep the sarcasm from leaching out. “Sure. Why would that be a problem for him? It’s not like he rode two weeks with no break to get here before winter.”

  A dark look crossed the earl’s saggy face. He straightened slightly, covering the bluster. “Well, I don’t know who will be accompanying us, but Cester did promise one of his best; it was part of the price we negotiated.”

  Kade snorted. Did Cester really think he’d head back out again so soon? “Right. Sure. Guess we’ll wait for him then.”

  He slumped even further in his chair as the man took another of the tea cakes Cester’s elderly mother and Martha the Stormers’ cook had baked. He took the opportunity to risk a sidelong look at Hadley. Meg still wasn’t clued in, but she was smart enough to know something was up, and she was playing along.

  He squinted at the two girls. Though only a few years apart, that was where the similarity ended. Hadley’s hair was fairer than his sister’s, and though she’d hacked it off to disguise her identity, it was straight compared to his sister’s crazy curls.

  Meg was taller, skin bronzed with a smattering of freckles he and Carl teased her about and shoulders broader like his. Where Hadley’s features were delicate, Meg’s were decidedly less so.

  Maybe Meg was considered pretty; if she was, he couldn’t see it. Until Meg had started making eyes at Cester, Kade had never really considered his sister might find someone to make a life with. She’d been seventeen, starving, terrified and grieving the loss of their parents when he and Carl joined the Stormers. Survival had been the only thing they’d all been thinking about.

  Two years of doing this job, and it seemed the plague that had decimated Azetaria was finally burning out. It would take time to recover completely, but with rumours of the corrupt king stealing some of the strongest men and boys from villages, it would take even longer.

  And if Hadley’s brother Thomas had been among those taken, Kade was just the person to find out. Even if he hadn’t been charged to deliver a message to the king, a message neither the emissary or Cester knew about, he would have gone investigating the moment spring’s thaw came. Now he had double the reason to search. But not now. Not in the dead of winter. And most definitely not with Hadley.

  Hadley met his gaze as Meg refilled her teacup. Her hand came to her mouth as she covered a yawn. She looked even more exhausted than he felt. Dark shadows beneath her eyes highlighted by the subtle lighting in the room.

  Kade’s lips quirked as the door to the formal sitting room opened and a snow-covered Cester stepped inside.

  His eyes flew to Meg immediately, and Kade pulled himself upright at the way Cester’s gaze softened. He suppressed a groan as Cester stepped to her and bent to whisper in her ear.

  As soon as this was sorted out, he’d have a long conversation about where the relationship was headed. But something told him tonight would not be the night to broach the subject.

  Meg’s face remained remarkably passive as Kade strained to hear Cester’s murmurings and, despite his concern, he nearly chuckled. She’d always been an excellent poker player. Neither he nor Carl had ever been able to see past her bluff.

  If they ever played for money, they’d be in trouble, but thankfully Meg had been more than happy to set the stakes at washing duties, or if she was feeling wrathful, she’d make them dig new holes for the long drops at camp.

  A camp they’d not see for another two months if all went to plan. Kade’s lips pressed together as Meg and Hadley rose. Hadley kept up the pretence by striking a rigid posture and slight uplift to her nose. Does it ever go to plan?

  The emissary was on his feet immediately, bowing low as Hadley swept past. Her mask slipped, and he caught a glimpse of panic.

  Cester opened the door. “We’ll see you both in the morning. Meg lock the door.”

  Meg pursed her lips, and for a horrible moment Kade thought she might try to kiss Cester as he leaned in the doorway, but she merely sent him an amused look and followed Hadley out into the snow.

  Kade found himself staring for a few beats after the door closed. Meg would keep Hadley safe, Carl was probably roaming around, and the village was secluded, so he shouldn’t be worried. Then why am I?

  He pushed the errant though
t aside and concentrated on the overly polite conversation Cester was having. Kade scratched at the beard he’d allowed to grow and eyed the two men as they spoke.

  Muted conversations and the slight crashing around of a household settling down for a night’s sleep came from across the hall. Kade smothered another yawn, and another pang of annoyance he was still here while everyone else had been sent off to their cabins.

  “The princess will be secure with your lady this evening?” the earl asked.

  Cester’s gaze shot to Kade, and he frowned a little. “Yes, the princess will be safe with Meg, but one of my Stormers will remain close by all night.”

  Kade narrowed his eyes at the promise to guard Hadley. No one would be happy to be tasked with the job. They’d likely slack off, leaving Hadley with Meg to look after her. It would come down to Cester or himself. And with Cester’s blossoming relationship with Meg, there was no way Kade would let him camp on the floor. Just great.

  The earl nodded, and he laced his fingers over his rotund belly. “How soon can we set out?”

  Kade cocked his head, incredulous his muscled captain was even considering breaking his promise to not work the Stormers over the winter months.

  Cester’s brow creased as he poured more tea into his long cold cup. “The weather is growing more treacherous. I understand the haste, but to travel in winter would be foolish.”

  Kade’s lip twitched at the flush of anger crossing the earl’s flabby cheeks. “There is a matter of urgency we addressed. I’m afraid I must insist we leave immediately.”

  He nearly groaned at the stupidity. The man must be desperate to even consider travelling. What was he up to? His mouth opened to ask a question when Cester sent him a warning look.

  Cester released a breath before answering. “You misunderstand. I’ll do everything in my power to see the princess returned home. We’ll speak more tomorrow, but right now I need to debrief my Stormer.”

  Kade shifted in his chair but held his tongue, his eyes flicking between the two men. The earl’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, and a smug smile appeared on his face. “I’m pleased we understand each other, captain. His Majesty will most certainly hear of your willingness to help.”

  Cester gave him a shallow smile. “There are arrangements to be made, and I’ll need to find the most suitable Stormer to accompany you both.”

  Kade winced inwardly, a single thought driving away the exhaustion as Cester accompanied the earl to the door. Hadley isn’t safe here after all.

  Hadley eased herself into the chair, heart thudding unevenly in her chest, eyes on Meg as she rummaged through her belongings. Meg tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and frowned at the open chest before her.

  “I’m sorry: I just don’t have any clothes that will fit you,” she muttered.

  Hadley swallowed thickly, guilt building in her middle at the deception Cester and Kade were both encouraging her to continue. Why? It was bad enough she’d returned and not been able to find out her fate, but now she was having to lie to Meg who had been kind to her even when she thought of her as a stray boy.

  A shiver ran down her spine, anxiety curling around her as she waited for Kade’s return. What could they possibly be discussing? Her? The fact she’d hidden away as a boy was now something Cester was aware of, but she’d not had time to mention she needed Kade’s help to search for her brother.

  There had been no time when Cester had given them clipped orders to say nothing to anyone, and for her to simply pretend she was who the emissary thought she was. The princess who’d run away to marry the man she loved. A man who just happened to be a Numachi warrior who’d spared their lives.

  Hadley wrapped her arms around herself. Any warmth she’d managed to gain from the hour spent inside was fast dissipating. Tiredness seeped in, and she found it harder and harder to keep her eyes open. But she didn’t dare ask Meg if she could lie down. Not just yet. Not until Kade arrived and told her what she was supposed to do.

  Meg settled in beside her and gave her a warm smile. “You’ve been in our prayers.”

  Hadley blinked, unsure of what to say. “Thank you,” she guessed.

  Meg smiled again, her cheeks curving into the slightest of dimples. “I hope Kade wasn’t too awful to travel with?”

  Hadley’s eyes widened as she considered all they’d been through. What was she supposed to say? That Kade had saved her life? Then she his? Instead, she managed a weak smile. “Your brother was a complete gentleman.”

  Meg snorted, and her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, I doubt that! But I’m pleased to hear you say it.”

  Hadley shuffled uncomfortably as Meg scanned her face, her eyes narrowing as she met her eye. “What happened to the boy? Hadley?”

  Hadley froze, and her gaze fell away at the question.

  Meg chuckled and patted her knee. “Oh relax: I know you’re Hadley. I’m not completely blind; I was teasing.”

  Hadley sucked in a breath, and Meg laughed even louder. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I do trust my brother and Cester. Neither of them want that man out there to know who you really are, so that’s good enough reason for me.”

  Hadley forced a weak smile in response. “You aren’t angry then?”

  Meg frowned then shook her head. “You were just doing what you had to. I guess if I’d been on my own I might have been forced to try something like that too; thank the Ancient, I wasn’t.”

  Hadley broke eye contact and laced her hands together to fight the chill edging into them. “What am I supposed to do now?”

  Meg yawned. “I’d get ready to sleep if I were you. Nothing is going to happen tonight. Cester’s been acting jittery since the earl arrived. He hasn’t said why, but a real emissary wouldn’t have shown up alone, no matter what story he concocted about being attacked by bandits or whatnot.”

  Hadley raised an eyebrow. “Bandits?”

  Meg nodded and moved off the chair and gestured to the twin bedrooms. “We were expecting him a month ago. But he said he barely made it here with his life. I’ve got a spare nightdress, and a dressing gown if you want to borrow it? I’ll stay up until someone arrives.”

  Alarm sparked in her belly. “Arrives?”

  Meg nodded. “Probably Kade, none of the older Stormers would ever guard royalty, and Cester will probably be watching over the earl.”

  Hadley was considering the offer of night clothes when a light tap at the door caused her to jump. Kade, drizzled in snow, stepped inside and sent a blast of wind towards her.

  He pulled the door shut, twisting the lock Meg hadn’t bothered to secure. “Figured it out yet, sis?’

  Meg rolled her eyes and shoved Kade’s shoulder. “Of course, I did. You better have behaved yourself? I suppose it’s a blessing the Ancient sent you with Hadley? Imagine if Carl had gone?”

  Kade pulled off his coat to hang on a peg beside the door. “He’s supposed to be getting married in summer.”

  Meg huffed out a breath. “When has that stopped him? Rose seems to be a glutton for punishment where Carl’s concerned. I suppose that’s what happens when the ratio of eligible men to women is depleted.”

  Kade shrugged, then scanned the cabin, his eyes landing on Hadley as she shivered. “You two should get some sleep; we can talk in the morning.”

  Hadley frowned at him. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

  Meg folded her arms across her chest and gave Kade a glare. “I think the princess deserves to hear what’s going on.”

  Kade blew out a breath and slouched into the nearest chair. “Fine, but I’m tired so I’ll keep it brief. Cester thinks the ‘Earl’ is hiding something; after meeting him, I’d have to agree.”

  Meg nodded. “What else?”

  Kade smothered a yawn. “He thinks we should play along and see what he’s up to.”

  Hadley gaped at him. “For how long?”

  “A few days? We need to stall him a little. He’s twitchy about leaving as soon as pos
sible. We need to see if we can’t force him to act. Plus, I need a rest, and so do you. That’s the best we can do right now.”

  Meg straightened slightly. “I suppose so. If that’s what Cester thinks best.”

  Kade muttered under his breath as he toyed with the hilt of one of the knives strapped to his chest.

  Meg ignored him and turned on her heel. “I’ll go get those nightclothes ready.”

  Hadley waited until Meg was out of earshot before asking the first of many questions. She sat alongside him as he leaned his head back on the wall and closed his eyes. Hadley cleared her throat. “What did Cester say about me pretending to be a boy so I could join the Stormers camp?”

  Kade sighed and opened one eye just a fraction. “He said you’ve proved yourself a valuable member of the team. He also said, ‘don’t ever lie to him again.’”

  Hadley gulped, nodding though his eye had closed again. “So, he meant it? I’m allowed to stay here?”

  Kade’s eyes opened and he leaned forward so he was an inch away from her. Her heart rate seemed to triple at the intensity of his gaze. “He said you’re welcome to stay, but you need to help me until we figure out if this guy is going to cause trouble.”

  Hadley sucked in a breath. “Trouble? How?”

  “The only reason Cester hasn’t questioned him is that’s he’s not sure if the earl is alone. This is his family home. He needs to protect them. If this earl makes trouble, Cester is risking everyone here.”

  Hadley stared at him, heat creeping over her cheeks, her stomach twisting the more he held her gaze. “What do I need to do?”

  Kade exhaled slowly. His forehead knotted. “The plan is to send out a few scouts, make sure we aren’t heading into an ambush; then if we have the all clear, you, I and the earl head out and see what his game is.”

  Hadley’s heart sunk at the grim look etched on his face. “I don’t understand. You said the Stormers don’t work winters?”

  His jaw clenched. “Normally we don’t. But apparently Cester can change his mind when his family is involved.”