The Fairest Beauty

She couldn’t stop staring at his hands as he cared for her arm, the gentle way he touched her.

 

“Our healer studied under Frau Geruscha, who’d trained my mother once. In a way, I guess you could say I’m from Frau Geruscha’s line of apprentices.” He tied the bandage snugly and cut off the extra cloth. “And sometimes the training comes in handy.”

 

When he finished, she whispered, “Thank you.”

 

There was a bit of dried blood on his cheekbone. She remembered the cold, wet cloth in her hand and lifted it toward Gabe’s face. He looked uncertain. “I just want to clean it,” she said.

 

He kept still while she gently dabbed at his scraped skin. It was badly bruised, so she applied only the slightest pressure as she repeatedly touched the cloth to his face. Then she dabbed at it one last time.

 

“Ow.”

 

Perhaps a little too hard. “Sorry. But you will heal. Not much blood at all.” A self-consciousness came over her but she stifled it. There was nothing wrong with her trying to care for his injury.

 

He picked up the bag that had been tied to the back of Gingerbread’s saddle and opened it. “Now let’s see what your cook packed us.”

 

Sophie forgot about awkwardness as they happily perused the contents of Petra’s bundle. Inside lay bread and cheese and some dried fruit. Gabe broke off a piece of bread and handed it to her, then did the same with the large wedge of cheese. They ate silently. Sophie hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and the food made her feel better, but also sleepier.

 

Gabe picked up his crossbow and sat near the horse blanket, bracing himself against the rock. He set the weapon by his leg and handed her a dry, clean blanket. “Let’s try to get some rest.”

 

The blanket was not very large. Sophie hesitated.

 

“I can sleep sitting up.” He demonstrated by leaning his back against the rock. “I’m sorry I only have the one blanket.”

 

It was spring but the night was cold. She was even shivering a bit. Gabe was only being chivalrous by offering her the only blanket. He needed it as much as she did; neither of them was wearing very warm clothes.

 

“We can share it.” Sophie shook out the fabric. It was made of wool and would be very warm. She spread it over Gabe’s lap, then lay down with her feet next to him, her head toward the river. Lying this way, they were both covered.

 

“Good night, Sophie.”

 

She could just make out his smile in the dim light. Then she remembered the apology she wanted to make to him. “I’m very sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you. You were almost killed more than once today, because of me.”

 

“Sophie.” He stopped and sighed.

 

She waited for him to go on. Would he say he was sorry he had ever left his comfortable home to come and find her? That he hadn’t expected this to be so difficult? That he wished he had let his brother come for her?

 

He shook his head. “I want you to stop thinking like that. This is the most adventure I’ve ever had in my life. Can you truly think I wouldn’t want to be right here, slaying wolves and evading evil henchmen?” His perfect white teeth showed in what little light there was. “I’ve enjoyed rescuing you more than anything I’ve ever done. And I can rub it in Valten’s face that I saved his betrothed.” He chuckled softly.

 

It occurred to Sophie that he was only saying these things to put her mind at ease, but since it did ease her mind, she accepted it. Besides, perhaps what he said was true. Men were such strange creatures. Perhaps getting shot at and defending a woman against wild animals and evil archers truly was his idea of enjoyment.

 

Sophie knew she should try to go to sleep, but her mind was churning. “So Valten was betrothed to me when he was very young?”

 

“Yes. Our fathers signed the document.”

 

“But everyone thought I was dead. Why didn’t Valten marry someone else?”

 

Gabe shrugged. “My parents decided to let him choose a wife for himself. Our region is at peace and we have no pressing need to make powerful alliances.”

 

“Are you betrothed as well?”

 

He hesitated for a moment. “No one is as concerned about securing a suitable wife for a second son. But yes, I am considered betrothed, though no ceremony was performed and no documents were signed.”

 

“Who is she?” Sophie suddenly wanted to know all about Gabe’s future bride.

 

“Her name is Brittola. She is the daughter of a count. When she and her father came for a visit, I liked her right away, and so it seemed a suitable match. Our parents agreed.”

 

“When did you last see her?”

 

“Almost a year ago.”

 

“So you like her?”

 

“She is a sweet girl.”

 

Is that what men liked? Sweet? No matter. She was happy that Gabe had someone to love and marry. Sophie would marry Valten, and she intended to be happy with him — she wanted Gabe to be happily married as well. And now she should let him sleep.

 

“Good night, Gabe.”

 

Dickerson, Melanie's books