The Fall Of Snow: Guard Your Heart

26. Twenty-Six

Twenty-Six

Fucking Huntsmen

T raining is harder in the winter, with the cold stiffening my joints and the layers of clothing limiting my range of motion. But it will only serve to make me stronger when I have to leave here and once again be on my own.

"Better," Huck's voice bellows shortly after my arrow hits its target, the crimson feathers a stark contrast amidst the white snow. We've gone from hitting standing objects to moving ones. The pine cone Huck tossed into the air is now skewered into the birch tree up ahead, parts of it crumbling into the blanket of snow beneath like cookie crumbs.

When we get back that night, the cabin is silent as we enter. Everyone is huddled around the crackling fire, heads bowed. I walk in first eyeing Coy for some kind of tell, feeling the deepest connection to him amongst the group. He was the first one who showed me kindness and the one whom I'd consider the closest thing I have to a best friend, which I won't because it will just make it that much harder to leave come spring. His cheeks are pink with worry as I analyze his face. The others match his gaze.

"Who died?" I ask although I'm not entirely sure I want the answer. Despite my dark attempt at lightening the mood, part of me fears someone will actually provide me with a name. I count the number of people sitting near the fire again to ensure no one's missing.

"What's going on?" Huck's deep growl breaks the group from their silence, commanding an order, as we find a seat near the fire. Archer speaks first.

"Word came from the northern camp that command has agreed to have the Royal Guard inspect our camps for any criminals that may be hiding in our midst. Someone tipped them off about the camps harboring fugitives for money."

"What!" Huck's voice booms through the space. "Why wasn't I made aware of this?"

"Makes no sense! The king never involves his Royal Guard with Arion unless there is a threat to the crown," Bear points out disconcertingly. She's getting closer.

"Fucking huntsmen," I mutter to myself.

"Snow?" Terran's eyes are filled with concern for me, which only makes me feel worse for putting everyone in this position.

"It's my mother," I explain. "For as long as I can remember, she's had close ties with everyone in the royal circle she could, and now she's cashing in her debts. She's always been close with the Crown, but far enough away to keep her freedom. She did this. I know it." My blood boils beneath my skin at the thought that there is nothing I can do to stop her actions against me. Nothing I say or do will amount to anything when it comes to her. I'm in a losing battle with no tricks up my sleeves. I've always felt backed into a corner where my mother is concerned, but now she's even involved the Crown. The lengths this woman will go to get to me is bone-chilling.

"I don't think you'll find anyone who'll argue that point with you." Archer nods. The others mutter in agreement.

"Your mother . . . she's something else," Bear chimes in, gnawing on a venison stick, a nervous habit.

"No shit, Bear. That's why she's here in the first place," Aspen chides.

My eyes slide to Huck's for just a moment. He's said nothing since his outburst, no doubt already hammering out a plan to offer me up for slaughter. But when I look to him, he seems genuinely scared. He stares intently into the fire. Maybe he's trying to figure out how to not have the entire cabin punished for keeping me safe.

"When are they coming?" He finally asks, eyes snapping up from the fire.

"They're already here." My stomach drops to the floor and I suddenly feel queasy. "Three of them are to thoroughly inspect each housing unit as well as our supplies, infirmary, and meeting quarters in the morning." Archer hands Huck the parchment with edges curling in on itself. As Huck reads the letter hungrily, Archer continues.

"We are to be hospitable and forthcoming in cooperation." Archer's words are monotoned, like he's reciting it word for word from the letter.

"How did you get your hands on this?" Huck's voice is rough and the look in his eyes is almost frightening.

"I've still got friends at intake who owe me a few favors." Archer leans back in his chair, crossing his arms.

There is no way I am letting these warriors go down for something that has nothing to do with them. My mother’s obsession will not touch them. I will not have them punished for finding it in their hearts to open up their home to me. They have sacrificed enough to protect our lands. They shouldn't be punished for protecting one person from the wrath of her mother.

There is only one choice to make here. I need to leave. Being here when the cabin is searched is not an option, and I am not going to risk hiding in the closet again. If someone was sent to check the camps, they will most certainly do a thorough job. Maybe it’s time to leave for good. Spring is nearly here. I could make it.

"Well then it's settled," I say to no one in particular, "I'll pack a bag and head out."

"What?"

"No."

"Absolutely not."

Their protests shoot out like cannons and I'm not even sure what comments come from where. I fill my lungs until I fear they might burst, before letting the air out slowly, giving myself a moment of calm before explaining to them that this is the best course of action.

"It's the only solution. I will not allow you to go down for harboring me, and I refuse to be captured." I look around at each of them, trying to settle their nerves and my own. "It will only be until they have finished their rounds. Once they leave, I'll come back to the cabin." I’m not entirely sure I’m telling the truth about this last part, but it’s for their own protection.

"Then I'm going with you," Coy shoots to his feet, heading over to his things but before he can get there, Huck stops him.

"Coy, no. It’s too dangerous. The violet moon is said to be upon us. It’s too much of a risk." Huck's words are quiet, only meant for Coy, but I hear them all the same. The violet moon is something that only comes a few times a year, separate from the traditional moon that greets us each night. From his comment, I’m sure Huck and Coy are unsure of how Coy’s curse will react to it if he’s outside.

The others avert their eyes, not wanting to draw attention to the silent issue in the room. Coy's shoulders drop, head hanging low and he plumps back down into the seat. My chest aches as I watch Coy's curse weigh so heavily on him. His own body restructures every bone, every cell until he can no longer recognize himself. His own mind becomes a foreign entity, with no control, no grasp on his very self. It’s unbearable .

Whoever cursed Coy with this horror couldn't have truly known him, for who would curse such a kind and gentle soul? Who would darken someone who blushes at the smallest of affections?

"I'll go with her. I know a secluded place that’s safe. It’s far enough away but still close enough that I won’t be missed," Huck announces to the group, jarring me from my own rambling mind.

Anyone else. Literally, anyone else could join me, but Huck jumped to it before the others had the chance. Why? Why would he want to volunteer to spend an entire night with just me when he can barely stand to speak to me lately? It doesn't make any sense. Not to mention, that throws my plan to not come back out the window. He will most certainly bring me back here when the coast is clear, even if it’s not the safest choice.

But he's already up and moving towards his bed, filling a canvas sack for the trip.

"You all seem to be forgetting that I was living on my own in the forest before I met you. It's really okay. I can go on my own. I survived on my own for months." As my voice fills the room, I know I'm wasting my breath. I have no hope at all to change the course of my fate right now. The captain has set it in stone at his very proclamation.

"Uh, no. I don't feel comfortable with you out there alone in the dead of winter. Huck is a well-trained captain. He's the safest person you can be with tonight. Plus, he can keep you from freezing to death without a fire." Terran eyes me kindly, but the challenge is there. He's right, and I hate it.

"I 've survived worse," is my only retort, already knowing I've lost the battle.

"Listen, we would all feel more comfortable about this if Huck went along with you. It's too risky and too cold for you to go alone." Archer's words are like a nail in the coffin of my fate. He is the oldest of the cabin and the wisest, having been the captain for years himself. His voice holds a command to them that I envy.

"Yeah, just do it for us, Snow." Bear pipes in and I nearly roll my eyes as a smile creeps onto my face at his goofy wide grin. I look over at Huck but he is already closing up his pack, slinging it over one shoulder. Not once since we've gotten the news has he said a single word to me, and now we are to spend an entire night together. Just the two of us. In utter silence.

You've got to be kidding me.