Noble Falling by Sara Gaines Read Free Book Online Page B

rather find a table in a tavern to avoid this weather if at all possible.”
    I suddenly realized we couldn’t be sure the town was even safe for us to enter. If there were signs of Dakmorans, or even my own men, we would be stuck in the rain, praying that we would go unnoticed. The look in Ori’s eyes begged me not to get too hopeful that we would actually be able to find comfort. Still, refusing to believe the Dakmorans would bother with such a small town, I kicked dirt on the sizzling embers of our fire and urged Ori on.
    It was obvious we were both tired. Even Ori seemed to finally be suffering the effects of traveling without proper gear and sleeping on rough ground. We were afraid to say it, but we both knew how much we wanted the town to be clear. If we didn’t have enough money to buy warm beds, we would at least be able to find a place to sleep in the stables. It would be a situation far from what constituted acceptable for a future queen, but unable to call upon my station, I was willing to take anything that might pass as a warm bed.
    We had walked for a couple of hours before either of us spoke. With our clothes completely soaked and clinging to our bodies, we were too busy focusing on our own discomfort to exchange pleasantries. Eventually, the sight of smoke billowing from chimneys in the distance forced us to break our silence.
    “Milady, fortune might just shine on us today.” Ori’s smile betrayed his excitement at the thought of a comfortable place to rest.
    I returned his smile, but issued a warning simply to remind us both that things might still turn away from our favor. “Let’s just hope we are the only visitors here.”
    The guard’s smile faltered slightly, an effect I almost felt guilty for.
    “Of course, Your Grace, of course.”
    I looked at Ori, his blond hair plastered to his forehead, and the honorific falling from his lips suddenly felt wrong.
    “Ori, will you do me a favor?”
    “Milady, you are fully aware I am at your service. You need not ask.” The guard’s attention remained focused on the town in the distance.
    “Will you call me Aleana?”
    Ori’s eyes connected with mine, and I could clearly see the surprise on his face. He tried to compose himself before he spoke.
    “As you wish—” The corner of the guard’s mouth twitched into a small smile. “—Aleana.”

Chapter 7

     
     
    T HE rain finally stopped, allowing us to leave the dark corner we had found in the town’s tavern. Although we had no coin, the innkeeper had let us sit there while our clothes dried and the late summer storm passed. By the time we stepped out into the muddy streets, it was well past noon. Both Ori and I were happy to exchange a delay in our flight for a slight reprieve from the stress of traveling through the forest, unsure each night of our safety.
    The clouds were breaking up when we finally found a shop that seemed likely to buy most of what Ori had. Hopefully, the money his armor and anything marked as belonging to a Meloran guard brought would be enough to give us a chance to buy horses.
    “How do you feel about splitting up for a few minutes? I can go try and sell everything, if you want to head to the stables and see if there are any horses that will do?” Ori pointed to the decrepit-looking building we could only hope contained horses cheap enough, yet capable of travel.
    “If there are any available, I’ll let you know. However, I think it is more likely we will be continuing on foot.” I eyed the stables suspiciously.
    “Even if we can get one, it will be better than nothing.” Ori shrugged.
    The guard started to walk away, but turned back once more.
    “Aleana, if someone were to ask, it might be best to say I am your husband. Hopefully we won’t even draw enough attention for someone to ask, but just in case. People will be less suspicious of a husband and wife traveling together.”
    Ori looked uncomfortable at his suggestion, and I fought the urge to laugh.
    “You