Free Hidden Darkness (Hidden Saga Book 4) by Amy Patrick Page A

be.” He extended a hand to Ava. “Come along Angel. Let’s give these two lovebirds their privacy.”
    With a wink, he spun on his heel and led Ava away from us, whispering in her ear. I was still watching them go, mulling over Culley’s strange words, when Lad spoke.
    “I’m glad you grew up in the human world instead of the Dark Court. I don’t think I’ve met a Dark Elf yet I could figure out.”
    “I know what you mean.” I took his hand, enjoying the warmth of his skin. “Are you feeling okay?”
    “Yes. Why? Don’t I look okay?” He dropped his lips to mine, already well aware of how attractive I found him.
    “Of course. You just seem distracted, I guess.”
    He sighed dramatically. “Such is the life of a king. And I’ve never had to entertain an ambassador before. I’m always having to learn something new.”
    Reading his feelings I could tell he was a little overwhelmed and preoccupied. An unexpected cold shiver hit my middle. The last time Lad was preoccupied with kingdom business, he broke things off with me, saying he needed to focus his full attention on his people.
    Tamping down the disturbing feeling, I chastised myself. Trust, Ryann. Based on Lad’s loving expression, it was clear I was his priority. 
    I gave him a happy smile. “What you need is some fun. Want to have a picnic? We could stop by the kitchen and take a basket out to the bluff.”
    He smiled at me and narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. “The bluff? That’s one of my favorite spots. Did I tell you about it?”
    I stared at him, incredulous. How could he have forgotten? He’d taken me there the day he’d finally committed to our relationship and agreed we couldn’t be “just friends.” For him to forget our special picnic and our nap in the hammock there pinched my heart.
    But then I thought about it. That romantic interlude had been followed by a near-death experience for Lad. On the way home from our afternoon at the bluff, he’d been shot by drunken hunters in the woods and lost consciousness—not to mention an astounding amount of blood. No wonder his memories of that day weren’t exactly clear.
    I squeezed his hand in mine. “You showed me. And it was beautiful. It might be just the place to get away and relax.”
    “Sounds perfect.” And he punctuated his agreement with a perfect kiss.
    As it had been the first time, the bluff was beautiful. It offered an expansive view of the meadows and woods below, now a stunning quilt of dappled fall color. Birds chirped busily in the nearby trees, and the afternoon sunshine offered the perfect foil to the fall breeze. But in spite of the peaceful beauty surrounding us, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Lad wasn’t fully present.
    We chatted while we ate. We kissed and snuggled in the hammock. But there was a faraway look in his eye, and several times I caught him studying me with a quizzical expression on his face.
    “What are you thinking?” I scratched my fingers lightly down the inside of Lad’s forearm, watching the spray of chill bumps that raised the silky blond hairs. “You seem like your mind is a million miles away today.”
    His shoulders gave a slight shrug. He kept his eyes trained on the pattern my finger now traced on his palm. “I don’t know. I have a lot to do I guess—a lot on my mind.”
    Something was going on with him—I could feel it—but he obviously didn’t want to share it with me. A little hurt, I made a suggestion I thought might snap him out of it.
    “Well, I have school in the morning, and I know you’re busy , so maybe I should just head home.” I shifted, starting to get out of the hammock.
    He blinked a few times, taken aback by my sudden change of demeanor. “You’re not going to attend the welcome dinner tonight?”
    “You don’t need me to help you welcome Ava. You’re doing fine all by yourself.”
    Lad’s brows drew together, his expression registering concern and confusion. But he sat up and offered a hand to