Page 131 of Court of the Fae Princes

“Help me?” I’m honestly surprised.

Her grin widens. “Why did you think I was here? I’m from the House of War. There’s nothing we like better than a dangerous quest.”

It’s weird. I think this woman might be insane, but she’s also the only person who might help me with this crazy plan. Plus, it’d be good to have a House of War fae at my side.

Her expression turns serious. “We can’t tell anyone else the plan. You’re the future queen, and they wouldn’t let you go if they find out. Or, worse, they’ll assemble another huge party to go with you and it’ll slow us down.”

Wow. She’s right. I’m not just Cassia the maid any longer. I don’t have the freedom to just disappear into the morning light. I just hope no one thinks I’ve gone missing again.

“Got it. We’ll do this quietly,” I say.

“Finish getting ready. I’ll get us more supplies and have the horses ready.” She heads out of my room, and I stand there, calming my breathing and mentally preparing for the journey ahead.

Princes, hold on, I’m coming for you. You saved me once, it’s my turn now.

FOUR

Cassia

It’s hard to think about anything except the pain radiating through my body, but I try to focus on the sun. The sun is everything. When it sets, it’ll be time to rest. It’ll be a break from the pain.

The sun is all that matters.

As Nova and I keep riding, the heat slowly dissipates with the setting sun leaving behind a chill that’s soul-deep. I fight back tears as my body bangs against the horse with each move it makes. My thighs, my hips, my legs, and even my ass ache. Whoever invented riding by horseback was an ass.

One thing about being poor is that I don’t have a lot of experience with horses. I didn’t realize how much that mattered until today. Maybe a person has to develop a certain… layer of scar tissue to enjoy riding the animals. Or they enjoy pain. I don’t know. But I might hate horses. I might desperately wish I had certain princes here to teleport us slowly down the road.

I haven’t said a word. Not a single complaint. Not just because Lady Nova would no doubt see that as yet another sign that I’m not meant to be queen, but because somewhere at the end of this journey are four men who I think I could love one day. And if they’re in danger, I’m going to be there to save them.

The guys need me. I can endure this. I can do this.

But if they’re just off somewhere yanking each other’s dicks, I’m going to stare for a few minutes, then be really pissed.

Lady Nova slows her horse until she’s at my side, and then I slow too, staring at her, trying not to get my hopes up. “Let’s stop here and make camp.”

A squeal of joy escapes before I can contain it. I bring my horse to a stop, and swing my leg over to get off. I expect to land on my feet, but I land on my ass instead. It’s like every muscle in my lower body has decided to give up on me at one of the worst possible moments.

“Ouch.” I start to rub my legs, hoping to wake them back up, but they practically burn with pain.

Lady Nova doesn’t say a word, but I swear I can hear her eyes roll. I guess that’s better than laughing. Squatting down, she kindly puts her arm around my waist, hoists me to a standing position, and helps me onto a rock. This fae is as strong as she looks. Stronger, maybe.

“Not used to riding?” she asks, squatting, looking at my legs.

“Honestly? I’ve only ridden them three or four times. In town when I was a kid and one of the farmers would let me.”

She looks shocked. “Really?”

I nod. “Horses are for the wealthy.”

“Wealthy?” She rubs the back of her neck. “Not wealthy. Warriors. Travelers.”

Now, I do roll my eyes. “I should go back and tell my old self that I don’t need money to buy a horse, I just need to start swinging my sword around and soon my very own horse will appear.”

She sighs and shakes her head. “Regardless, you really need to toughen up. We have a long journey. If you’re already doing this poorly, you’ll only slow us down.” She’s not unkind in how she says it. She’s matter of fact. Which might be worse.

“Got it.” I look down at my butt. “So help me gods, if you do not toughen up, I will kick my ass myself.”

Snorting, she begins to unload both of our horses. I want to help. I really do. But I feel like sitting on this rock all prim and proper is better than crawling around on legs that don’t want to work, or managing to walk but crying like a baby with each painful movement.

---