PRINCE OF THE WIND

PRINCE OF THE WIND by Charlotte Boyet-Compo Page A

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Authors: Charlotte Boyet-Compo
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been able to read her thoughts since they were toddlers.
    "Oh, all right!" she snapped and placed her hand in his. She allowed him to lever her to her feet, then vigorously brushed the leaves from her skirt. "You are such a tease, Raven Saur."
    He smiled, knowing her fit of pique was no more than nervousness. "How am I a tease?"
    "You know full well I expected you to take advantage of me during the night."
    "I was too tired."
    "Aye, well you are rested this morn! What excuse now, Milord?"
    "You prefer a bed of leaves in the forest to silken sheets in an inn?"
    "I’d take you anyway I could get you."
    "You’ll not have me ’til the priest has sanctioned the Joining, so stop fussing!"
    "Humpf…"
    "Be good," he admonished as he walked to their horse.
    Because Raven had not wanted to leave any more of a trail than was necessary, he had decided on riding double, leaving her horse in the care of a farmer. He had kept to the forest so the hoofprints would not be so easily seen amongst the thick pine needles and the maple leaves. Though he knew an experienced tracker could determine by the depth of the indention that one horse was carrying two riders, he still hoped the men coming after them would miss their trail.
    He saddled the mount, then walked to the stream to fill their water bag. "Don’t leave anything behind," he cautioned.
    Miyoshi brought him the blanket upon which they’d passed the night. "You realize, of course, I am much better when I am wicked, Milord."
    Raven took the blanket, shook it out, then folded it into a roll, which he strapped to the saddle. "I’ve evidence of that," he said dryly. "Whose arse got caned when you broke your mother’s prize urn?" When she was silent, he nodded. "Aye, Sweeting, it wasn’t yours!"
    "But you got your first kiss that day when you told them it was you!"
    "That’s not all I got that day, if I remember correctly." He chuckled, thinking of the tongue she had slipped into his mouth, shocking him beyond speech.
    "I’ve heard there are things one can do—"
    He cast her a warning look.
    She grinned. "I intend to—"
    Raven held up his hand. "I’ve no desire to hear what you intend until we are safely Joined, then you can do with me what you will, wicked woman."
    Miyoshi laughed, then covered her mouth with her hand, as if realizing her father’s men or other ears might be listening in the forest glade.
    With a shake of his head at her wide eyes and embarrassment-stained face, Raven threaded his fingers together and held them below the stirrup for her to mount. As she placed her booted foot in his hands, he was amazed at her insignificant weight as he propelled her into the saddle. Once she was settled, he mounted behind her, bracing her back against his chest so she would be comfortable.
    "I am hungry," she sighed.
    "Aye, so am I."
    Not daring to light a fire the evening before, for fear the smoke would lead unwanted guests to their campsite, they had eaten dried meat and stale biscuits. Between them, they had only two strips of mutton and half of a hard biscuit to last until they reached Serenia. What little food they’d managed to steal before riding out to meet they had pilfered from their respective homes—his from the apartments of state where he lived with his father—the Ambassador from Serenia—and hers from the palace.
    "I may spend every coin in my possession on food once we reach Crandellton." She twisted in the saddle as he kicked their mount into motion. "We may have to temporarily postpone the Joining until I have had my fill of meat, Saur."
    He looked into her playful eyes. "I’ll give you plenty meat, Lady," he replied wickedly, wagging his brows. "More than you may be able to handle with ease!" With that, he kicked the horse into a slow trot, expertly maneuvering the chestnut through the forest stand.
    "Evil man," she commented before they passed close to a roaring waterfall, where all sound was extinguished, save the tumble of the water.
    Around them,

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