![]() Winter’s Captive
-- EXCERPT: “Someone has to warn them, but there isn’t anyone we can trust.” My nausea began to fade as the plan took shape in my mind. “Then how?” Isla stopped pacing. How, indeed. Logan and Finn could be danger. Oli was in actual danger. What would become of our makeshift family by the time this was all over? Can I truly do this? Fifteen years of training to lead at Oliver’s side told me the answer was no. That I should stay in the castle where I was safe, helping to ease the tensions of our people with my mere presence. That I had no business gallivanting off to do a man’s work. But there was another part of me, smaller, buried — but no less real — saying, If not me, then who? “I know that face.” Hope shone from Isla’s eyes. “I haven’t seen that look in years, but I know that face. Tell me what you’re plotting.” “I’m not sure yet. Maybe nothing. My father would kill me.” Isla’s lips tightened in determination. She got to her knees and took both of my hands in hers, piercing me with an unwavering gaze. “Charlie, I know as well as anyone what’s expected of you. But just this once, I’m going to ask you. What do you think we should do?” I paused before answering, working out the last of the details in my mind until I was certain there was no other option. A hesitant smile crept onto my lips as I returned her look. “I have a plan.” Excerpt three: “Blasted woman. I told her to stay put.” I narrowed my eyes, though he couldn’t see me. “Blasted woman did stay put, and requires a towel at your convenience.” There was a lengthy pause before something came sailing over the screen. I caught it before it hit the water. “Thanks ever so much.” I stood up, wrapping the small cloth around myself and trying not to shiver. My hair was piled on my head and still mostly dry. I opened my mouth to ask for my clothes when a bundle of fabric was delivered in the same manner as the towel. I bit back a sharp response. “These aren’t mine,” I told him, though that should have been obvious. My filthy trousers bore no resemblance to the rustic woolen dress I was holding. “We don’t have time for yer whining, Highness. Just put it on and let’s be on our way.” Anger chased away the little bit of relaxation the bath had lent me. I had only been stating the obvious, but he had been damned and determined for years to think the very worst of me. “There was a time when you were kind, Logan.” Last night’s memories simmered at the forefront of my mind. There was a beat of silence, and I wondered if he had even heard me. Then, his voice came clearly through the screen. “And there was a time when you aspired to more than mediocrity. So, I suppose we’ve both changed.” ![]()
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