If any man or beast had been out on the green hills around the abandoned keep, they would’ve seen a strange sight—a young woman in the garment of a queen walking between two warriors almost twice as tall as she. Under the beautiful dress, the metal belt did not chafe, though I had to beg to be let out to relieve myself. By the time we reach our destination, my cheeks glowed bright red, and not from too much sun.
We crested a hill, and I gasped. A purple cape spread over the land, as far as the eye could see. Acres and acres of wildflowers.
“The bonnie heather,” Leif murmured. “On the rockiest soil, the goddess grew a carpet fit for a queen.”
Brokk rolled his eyes. “Come, Willow. Time to break in those boots.”
Leif held out his hand. “Let’s run.”
My heart thumped as I put my hand in hi
