Free A Bond of Three by KC Wells Page A

and grabbed his cashor and wrapped it around himself. Tanish did the same, and when they had removed most of the moisture they spread out the robes over the pebbles and lay down, faces upturned toward the sun, which had reappeared from behind the clouds.
    Sorran shielded his eyes and gazed to the west. “What land is that, with its mountains so huge that they can be seen even at this distance? Is it part of Teruna?”
    Tanish fought hard not to look at Sorran’s nudity. He shook his head. “To the west lies the kingdom of Kandor. The border between our two kingdoms is two days’ ride from here.” He scowled at the thought of renewed hostilities between Kandor and Teruna. Let the rumors be false, for all our sakes.
    “What is it, Tanish?” Sorran was frowning. He shivered. “Something troubles you.”
    Tanish straightened his face. “Forgive me. I should not dwell on such matters and spoil our enjoyment of this day. We should leave these things to our fathers and pray that between them they arrive at a solution.”
    Sorran regarded him in a silence that weighed so heavily it was almost tangible. Finally he cleared his throat. “I know this makes me appear foolish, but I know nothing of these matters of which you speak.”
    Tanish arched his eyebrows. “This is, after all, the reason for your father’s presence here in Teruna.”
    Sorran opened his mouth to speak but then closed it. “You are right. We should return to the palace.” He rose to his feet and put on his white robe and sandals.
    Tanish scrambled up off the pebbles and grabbed his clothing. He could not help but think he had missed something vital. Sorran seemed to have lost his exuberance and vitality, as if the sun had been blotted out permanently by dense cloud.
    They dressed in silence and then climbed back onto the horses. Sorran rode behind him, seemingly deep in thought. Tanish missed the sound of his laughter, the little noises that told of his delight. The carefree prince had vanished, replaced by a young man whose shoulders bowed under some unseen weight.
    And I am to blame.
    Tanish knew this beyond a doubt. What dismayed him was how wretched it made him feel to be the cause of Sorran’s mood change.
    Why should it matter to me? He is naught but a visiting dignitary. Once our fathers have forged an alliance, in all probability I will never lay eyes on him again.
    Except something deep within him told Tanish that was not to be the case.
    He pushed his heels into Nerita’s flanks and picked up the pace, knowing Sorran would keep up. Tanish wanted to get back to the palace. He was filled with a deep longing to see Feyar, to connect once more with him. The afternoon, though idyllic at times, had unsettled him, and he yearned to be in his Seruan ’s arms.
    And far from this prince who tempts me.

Chapter 7

     
    “Y OU WERE very quiet last night during the ball,” his father observed.
    Sorran looked up from his breakfast of freshly baked bread, honey, and fruit. “Was I?” He knew his father spoke the truth. His contemplative mood had not left him all evening. He’d made sure to be polite at all times, to smile when greeted and make small talk when the occasion demanded it, but his heart was not in it. All he could think of was Tanish’s words.
    His mother cleared her throat. “I think I will go for a stroll around that beautiful garden I discovered yesterday afternoon. While you were somewhere with Prince Tanish.” Sorran caught her meaningful glance at his father. She rose from the table and left the room.
    Sorran knew the signs. He was in trouble.
    “You do know how much worry you caused us yesterday?”
    He sighed. “I’m sorry, father. All we did was go for a ride down to the sea.”
    His father frowned. “With no bodyguard. Either of you.” Sorran opened his mouth to reply, but his father held up his hand. “And all the while, your mother was frantic with worry.”
    Sorran stared. “So all that talk about discovering a