As we walked toward the carriages, chaos erupted.
Old Lady Gertrude threw a HUGE knitted blanket over my shoulders.
"For cold nights, dear! Also, to hide bodies if needed!"
One farmer shoved a basket of tomatoes into Henry's hands. "For courage."
A child tugged my sleeve. "Lady Seraphine, come back after beating the monsters, okay?"
My heart did a small somersault.
But I kept my sunglasses on to hide the emotions. (And because I looked fabulous.)
At least twenty villagers shoved boxes of food at us—
WildberriesFresh breadsSmoked meatVegetablesJars of peanut butterJars of jamJars of questionable picklesA whole sack of potatoes (Joff had to carry it)
The blacksmith brought a shield with my face carved on it.
I didn't ask for it.
But it existed.
And it was glorious.
When Sir Alex stepped out of the clinic carriage, the screaming STARTED.
Not one scream.
Not two.
A CHOIR OF SCREAMS.
"MR. BICEPS!"
"IT'S HIM!"
"LADIES, LOOK AWAY, MY HEART—"
