Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 20)

(Good to know!)

She looked over at him, then back at the Keep spires. “Can I?” She shook herself, glancing at him sheepishly. “I mean… … no? I mean… uh… I… uh…” she blushed and glanced away.

"Go ahead; you'll get there one way or another." He gestured for her to go. "We'll catch up, don't worry."

Ky grinned and tensed her legs, urging her horse forward faster. Then she was struck with the memory of the first time Tomhas had ever brought her here, back when she was the sickly, injured one. The way he’d hooped and hollered and made a run for it.

And now look at him.

It wasn’t right for her to get home first.

It was his home. His family. And Lyra’s. She needed to remember her place. She forced herself to rein the horse back into a walk, blushing profusely and actively refusing to look at her father. She needed to be patient. Be good.

Tomhas noticed her hesitation immediately and frowned. "What, you're not looking forward to dinner? I bet they're cooking up venison right now."

“What?” She looked at him in alarm, eyes wide and guilty. “No, of course not. I-uh-um…uh…” she flushed more.

"What are you waiting for, then? You seemed so eager before." Tomhas waved a hand at the gates. "They'll recognize you, if that's what you're worried about. I promise you haven't aged much these past few months." He offered a half-hearted smile.

Ky tried to reciprocate, but it was clearly forced. “I… but… uh…” of course that’s not what she was worried about. She glanced away. “Last time…”

"What?" His brow furrowed.

She blushed profusely and shook her head, looking away. “Nevermind. Sorry.”

He studied her, then looked ahead. "Race you?" he asked after a long pause.

Ky perked up instantly, giving one of her genuine smiles that were few and far between these days, looking thoroughly delighted. She immediately urged her horse into a canter.

He returned the smile briefly, then sent his horse into a full gallop, bending low against its neck.

Ky felt more alive than she’d felt since they’d left here. The crisp wind chapping her face and burning her lungs somehow seemed less bitter than usual. She tore down the road giggling manically with excitement.

Tomhas was quickly growing short of breath as he rode, but he allowed the horse to carry him ahead. He let himself slow subtly to give Ky the lead, hoping she wouldn't notice.

She didn’t, and quickly found herself nearing the gate.