Gloria didn’t recognize the ceiling. She blinked and tried to remember what happened, but it was fuzzy and fragmented. She could remember the snow and Seth carrying her. She remembered voices, howling wind, and her voice.

  Panic set in. Where’s Seth? Gloria tried to sit up, but she fell back, weak. “Seth?” she cried. “Seth!”

  Footsteps raced over and Seth came into view. He dropped to the floor and scrambled over to her. “You’re awake!” he beamed. “I was wondering when you’d wake up! How do you feel?”

  Gloria clutched at her blankets and her eyes darted around her. “Where are we? What happened? What’s-”

  Seth put out a hand to calm her. “Hey…hey, slow down,” he said trying to soothe her. “Everything’s alright. We’re safe.”

  Over his shoulder, Gloria saw a woman come into view holding a steaming bowl. She smiled warmly at her. “I’m so glad you’re awake!”

  Gloria eyed her cautiously. “Who’s that?” she whispered to Seth.

  Seth looked back then smiled at Gloria. “This is Kayla. She and her husband have been taking care of us for the last two days.”

  Two days? Gloria’s mouth dropped.

  Kayla slowly sat down beside Gloria and held up the bowl. “I have some broth here. Do you feel up to eating?”

  Gloria looked at Seth who nodded encouragingly. She glanced back at Kayla. “I suppose…” she said nervously.

  Kayla put the bowl down then looked at Seth. “Seth, would you help me lift Gloria?”

  “Sure,” Seth answered, reaching his hand under Gloria to lift her up.

  Gloria blushed – His hand was warm, strong, and comforting. Gloria met Kayla’s twinkling eyes, and the woman smiled knowingly. Gloria’s face felt hot and she tried to think of something else.

  “Hold her steady,” Kayla said, picking up the bowl from the floor and putting it to Gloria’s lips. “Drink it slowly,” she warned.

  Gloria slowly took a sip. The broth was delicious and warmed her down to her toes. She slowly reached up and held the bowl.

  “Do you have it?” Kayla asked. Gloria nodded and Kayla slowly let go and watched her closely.

  From behind the bowl, Gloria saw Kayla look from her to Seth then she nodded to herself and rose. “I’ll come back in a bit to check on you two,” she winked at Gloria who blushed again.

  Seth nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Kayla, I’ll keep an eye on her.”

  Gloria gripped the bowl anxiously and listened to Kayla shoo some people out of the room. “Let them be, they need a moment.”

  The room was quiet, except for the crackling fire. Gloria stared down at her bowl. Her cheeks burned when she felt Seth’s eyes on her. She swallowed awkwardly and lifted her bowl to take another sip.

  “Do you still want to come with me?” Gloria paused and looked at Seth, he dropped his eyes and fidgeted with a stray thread on her blanket. “I won’t be upset if you say no.”

  She put her bowl down and tried to find his eyes. “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “What I want doesn’t matter,” Seth answered still playing with the thread. “What matters is if you still want to come now that you know what kind of danger you’ll be in.”

  Gloria put a hand on his fidgeting fingers. He finally looked up and met her eyes. “I will come if you want me to come,” she smiled at him. “Besides, where will I go?”

  A shadow covered Seth’s face, and he looked at the floor. “Are you sure you don’t want to settle down somewhere closer? I…I could help you get there.”

  Gloria shook her head. “You’re my friend, I’m seeing this through to the end, and until then…” she bent and caught Seth’s eyes again. “…You’re stuck with me.” Gloria smiled softly at him and squeezed his shaking hand. “I’m not leaving you to deal with her on your own.”

  There was a long silence between the two. Floorboards creaked as Kayla and her children busied themselves in the kitchen and logs snapped in the fireplace.

  Seth swallowed and looked down at the floor. “Weatherridge,” he whispered.

  Gloria blinked and furrowed her brows “What?”

  He looked up at her and took a deep breath. “I’m from Weatherridge. It’s a small village a day’s journey from Autumnport, the capital of Fenguar – a kingdom a long way south from here.”

  Gloria’s jaw dropped. Did he… finally share something substantial about himself? She shook her head and stared at him. “You’re…Fenguarian?”

  Seth nodded slowly and watched her pensively. “Is that okay?”

  Gloria blinked, trying to process the information. Fenguar… She shook her head. It didn’t any make sense. Why would a lord chase Seth this far north? Why was he so desperate for Seth to be dead?

  “Gloria?” Gloria looked up at Seth’s anxious face. “Is that okay…?”

  She smiled at him. “Of course it is,” she answered. “I’m just surprised is all.” Seth let out a pent-up sigh of relief and sank back.

  Gloria opened her mouth to probe him further, but then Seth sighed and lay back on the floor with his hands behind his head. “Weatherridge is a beautiful place,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of wistful longing. “She’s by the sea, so there’s lots of great places to fish.” He smiled and glanced at Gloria, gauging her desire to listen.

  She desperately wanted to know what was hounding him. Patience Gloria, she told herself. He’s not ready to share yet. Gloria smiled back at him and leaned forward on her hands. “I’ve never seen the ocean. What’s it like?”

  “Stunning,” Seth murmured, his eyes brightening as he stared at the ceiling. “Every day, the sun glistens on the water like diamonds, the air is filled with the song of seagulls and pelicans, and the wind always tastes like salt,” he paused and chuckled a little. “…and sometimes seaweed.” He closed his eyes and for the first time, Gloria saw him at peace.

  “Sometimes,” he said wistfully. “When the wind blows through the grass here, it almost sounds like the waves crashing on the shore back home.”

  His words tugged at Gloria’s heart. “Do you miss it?”

  Seth’s jaw clenched slightly at her question. “Very much…” he answered quietly. He sighed and Gloria watched him quietly as he stared off into the distance. She waited, afraid to speak and break the spell.

  “My…” he frowned a little to himself, then continued. “My dad is the village blacksmith. I learned a lot from him, but I decided to specialize in locksmithing.”

  “Why?” Gloria asked, putting her chin in her hands.

  A smile spread across Seth’s face. “Locks are like puzzles. I like building them. But I love solving them...” he grinned. “Hearing that click when all the pins are in place,” he let out a satisfied sigh. “Nothing quite like that sound.”

  Gloria giggled. “Really? Did you feel that way about my-?” she stopped before she mentioned the jewelry box. That was close!

  “Feel about what?” Seth asked looking towards her.

  She panicked. Change the subject! Gloria shook her head. “Nothing! Tell me about your mother. Is she still around?”

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  A shadow passed over his face again and Seth gave a sad smile. “Yeah. She’s a good mom. A bit overprotective, but…” he hesitated and looked away, “she has good reason to be.” Seth trailed off and lay for another moment before sighing and looking up at Gloria with a soft smile. “Does that satisfy your qualification that I have to tell you about me?”

  A grin spread across Gloria’s face, and she felt her cheeks grow warm. “It does…” she said tucking some hair behind her ear.

  Seth gave her a teasing smile. “In that case,” he said sitting up and putting his head in his hands. “I do believe it is your turn to share something about you.”

  Gloria laughed nervously and bit her lip. “I did say that…” What could she say about herself? “Well… I wasn’t born in Northhorn, but I’ve lived there my entire life, until now that is.” Gloria picked at the same thread as Seth on her blanket. “You probably guessed, but Shareen, the woman you saw with my father isn’t my mother.”

  “I had a feeling when we were at your father’s house,” Seth answered quietly.

  “My mother…” Gloria’s heart pounded anxiously, “she…she had me out of wedlock with my father,” Gloria looked down and glared at the blanket. “One night of passion and I was the result.”

  She opened her mouth to say more, but she couldn’t. It hurt too much to bring up. Years of degradation and insults echoed in her ears – The mistake; the accident; a burden, the…. Gloria’s vision swam with the tears building in her eyes. Would he leave me if he knew? She gripped her blanket to hold them back.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Seth sit up and hesitantly reach out to touch her, but he pulled his hand away. “You don’t have to say anymore,” he said quietly.

  Gloria nodded, then she turned and leaned in for a hug, resting her head on his chest. She felt Seth stiffen for a moment, his arms frozen by his side. Then his hands slowly rose and hovered awkwardly in the air before stiffly wrapping around her.

  Gloria sniffled and stayed in his arms for a long time, savoring the warmth, comfort, and safety. She wished she could stay there forever, but then Seth cleared his throat and broke the hug. He put his hands on her shoulders and gently pulled away his face bright red.

  “You should get more rest.” His voice was strained, and he couldn’t meet her eyes. “I’m…I’m…I should…I should go to see if William needs any help,” he climbed to his feet as quickly as his wounded leg would let him.

  Gloria felt stung but let Seth leave. She held herself and watched Seth quickly limp away. As soon as he was out of sight, Gloria berated herself.

  What were you thinking, Gloria? she scolded. Stupid! Stupid, selfish Gloria! It’s hard enough to get him to talk about himself. What makes you think he’d be comfortable with a hug?

  “Give him time.” Gloria looked up and saw Kayla leaning in the doorway. She entered and collected Gloria’s empty bowl. “He’ll come around. I can feel it. He just needs time to cope with whatever is on his mind.”

  Gloria fidgeted with her hair and looked in the direction Seth had gone. “You think so?”

  Kayla smiled. “He carried you through a blizzard with an arrow in his leg and has been working himself ragged with William just so he doesn’t carve a hole into our floor from pacing.” she giggled. “Yes, he’ll come around. Just be patient.”

  Gloria stared after him, conflicted. But he doesn’t know…. Gloria bit her lip and looked down at her hands. I guess I never really thought I’d make it this far… she clasped her hands together. I can’t tell him…

  Kayla put a hand on Gloria’s shoulder. “His love is not ripe yet. If you pluck it too soon, the love will be bitter and short. But if you wait until it blossoms,” she smiled. “It will be sweet and a wonder to enjoy.”

  Something about Kayla’s optimism encouraged Gloria. She glanced back towards the kitchen, hoping blossoming in her chest. Maybe he doesn’t need to know. Maybe I can make this work!

  She smiled softly at Kayla. “Alright, I’ll…I’ll try.”

  Kayla smiled. “Now, you need some rest. You’ll need your strength for the final leg to Westfjord.”

  Seth quickly limped along behind William towards a broken fence carrying a toolbox. William looked back at him. “Slow down, son,” he said with a grimace. “Your leg will never heal if you move yourself at that pace.”

  Seth winced but continued after William. “I’m alright.”

  William put down the wood for the fence, then strode back to Seth. “Go inside and take a break. My wife will kill me if I permanently cripple you,” he took the toolbox from Seth. “You’ve done enough.”

  Seth glanced back at the farmhouse. He didn’t really want to go inside. After the hug last night, he felt incredibly awkward around Gloria.

  Seth swallowed as the memory of the hug came back to him: Gloria leaning on his chest, her warmth radiating through him, her… Seth’s face burned, and he tried to stop the thought before it went any further.

  His throat tightened, and he felt like he had eaten a butterfly. What’s going on? he worried, trying to calm his racing heart – these feelings terrified him.

  William tapped Seth’s shoulder. He started and returned to the present. “Seth,” William said sternly. “Go take a break.”

  Seth gaped in protest for a moment, then bowed his head in defeat. “Yes sir,” he said, then he turned and limped back to the farmhouse.

  The smell of baking bread and drying meat greeted Seth as he stepped inside. He made his way to the kitchen, his mind still far off. He sat down at the table, put his leg up, and sighed.

  “Taking a break?” Seth blinked and looked up to see Kayla kneading some bread while Gloria salted some goat meat. His eyes were drawn to Gloria and before he could look away, she looked up and made eye contact.

  He quickly looked away, embarrassed. “Yes,” he answered and snuck at glance at Gloria who stared down at the table quietly cutting strips of meat.

  “Good, you need the rest,” Kayla smiled, shaping the dough.

  “Do you need any help?” Seth started to rise.

  “No, no,” Kayla answered holding out flour-caked hands. She smiled at him. “We’re fine, you focus on resting.”

  “Alright,” Seth awkwardly sat down again.

  Stiff silence filled the room. Kayla hummed for a minute or two, glancing back and forth between Seth and Gloria. When neither one talked, she tapped Gloria’s arm. “You know what? I forgot something in the other room. I’ll be right back.”

  Both Seth and Gloria’s heads snapped up to her, silently begging her not to leave, but Kayla winked at them. “I’ll be back soon. You’ll be fine for a few minutes.” Then she left the room.

  The kitchen was utterly silent, and the tension so thick, that a saw would’ve been needed to cut through it. Seth and Gloria met eyes a few times, before awkwardly looking away, the memory of their hug burning in their minds.

  Seth tapped the table with his finger. Come on, Seth. You can’t avoid her forever. He glanced around the room, trying to find something to talk about. His gaze landed on the meat Gloria was drying. “Is… that for us or William’s family?”

  Gloria flinched and her hand froze in the air with a handful of salt. “For us…”

  Seth’s finger tapping quickened, and he felt his throat tightening. “It’ll be nice to have something more to eat than cheese to eat.”

  Gloria nodded and continued salting the meat.

  “Cheese is good,” Seth said anxiously, “but I also like bread, salted goat…and apples.” Apples?

  Gloria smiled a little. “I like apples too. Especially apple pie.”

  Seth latched onto Gloria’s words like a lifeline. “I love pie too. Pie is good. Especially rhubarb pie…” Seth realized what he’d said and looked up at Gloria, whose face turned red.

  Too much, Seth! Too much! Change the subject!

  Seth’s finger now tapped the table furiously. He stared at the grains on the table. “William said if it doesn’t snow, Westfjord should be another two days on foot.”

  Gloria salted the meat liberally. “That’s good,” she answered, her voice strained.

  Seth pursed his lips. He was running into a corner, and nothing had gotten better. Maybe a funny story will help?

  Seth cleared his throat. “When I was about eight, I used to visit my friend, Mateo. His dad was the owner of the general goods store back home. One time, we were playing, and Mateo said he wanted to go sledding.”

  Seth peeked at Gloria. There was a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes and a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth – he had her attention.

  “I laughed at him,” Seth continued. “We don’t have snow back home, but even if we did, it was the middle of summer.” He smiled. “That’s when he showed me an old wooden crate and said that we could sled down the stairs instead.”

  Gloria looked up at Seth with wide eyes. “You didn’t…”

  He grinned. “We did.”

  Gloria closed her eyes and shook her head. “Oh dear…”

  Seth laughed. “I sat in the back and Mateo sat in the front. Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump,” he bounced his hand, “down we went the flight of stairs and into the store below. We crashed through a couple of shelves, then smashed into the wall on the other side.”

  Gloria gasped. “Did you get hurt?”

  “Oh yeah, Mateo and I clocked heads.” Seth rubbed his head, remembering the old ache. “I don’t remember too much after that. What I was told later is that when we landed, Mateo looked back at his dad and said, ‘Does Mom have any cocoa?’ Our fathers whipped our backsides and the two of us learned a lot about building shelves over the next few weeks.”

  Gloria laughed. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Boys,” she said. “They can get into so much trouble.”

  Seth brightened. She’s talking! “Oh? Care to share?”

  Gloria smiled and her eyes glittered. “One time, Kelva found a frog in a nearby pond and brought it home to show me, but since I was out running errands, he put it in the tea kettle to keep it safe until I got back.”

  “Uh oh…” Seth said, beginning to see where the story was going.

  Gloria’s eyes twinkled mischievously at him and her voice wavered as she struggled not to laugh. “When I came home, Shareen wanted me to make some tea, so I put the kettle on the hearth, but when I did…” a snort left her.

  “Yeah?” Seth said leaning forward.

  “The frog croaked so loud that she thought the kettle was cursed!” Gloria bit her lip and kept going. “I still remember her leaping into the air and making holy signs over herself.”

  “And then?” Seth grinned and leaned on the table.

  Gloria couldn’t hold it back any longer. She burst out laughing and salt granules spilled from her hands onto the table. “Kelva came running into the kitchen screaming, ‘My frog! You’re boiling my frog!” She shook her head and wiped a tear from her eye. “Oh, Shareen was furious. She made me heal the frog, then gave Kelva a good swat and told him to put the frog back.” Then she made a face. “But I had to scrub the kettle clean.”

  Seth rolled his eyes. Now you don’t have to scrub for her anymore. He shook the thought away. “I have to ask,” he beamed at Gloria. “Did the kettle ever taste the same after that?”

  Gloria giggled. “I think so, but Shareen swore that it still tasted like pond water no matter how hard I scrubbed it.”

  Seth laughed along with her then around the corner, he saw Kayla watching them. He caught her gaze and Kayla’s eyes twinkled. She smiled, lifted a finger to her lips, then slowly stepped away.

  Seth watched her leave and furrowed his brows in confusion. Something about the gesture felt significant, but he couldn’t put a name to it. He shook the feeling away, then turned back to continue talking to Gloria.