Page 15 of The Mirror in the Mountain

“Come on,” I said, reaching out my hand. “My turn to take you somewhere.”

Estelle eyed my hand like it was an asp waiting to strike. “Just because you’re myanimadoesn’t mean I can trust you.”

“I’m pretty sure that’sexactlywhat it’s supposed to mean,” I retorted wryly, even as something twisted in my chest.

Her eyes flared, then fell to where my hand was still reaching for her.

“Come on, Princess,” I chided, trying to fall back into that easy rhythm from before. “It’s only fair. But if you get there and want to turn around, I’ll return you to your self-proclaimed spot and then leave you be. I promise.”

Estelle stared at me appraisingly, the silence so long I was sure she was about to say no, until…

“Fine.”

She ignored my outstretched palm but took one step toward me, that fire in her eyes making my blood heat. I swallowed against my dry mouth, not even daring to smile should it scare her off.

Dropping my hand to my side, I discreetly rubbed my damp palm against my thigh as I turned toward the exterior stairwell that I had noticed earlier. Before she could change her mind, I started walking down to the gardens, silently praying she wouldfollow. I was grateful she couldn’t see my face as I heard her footsteps behind me, or hear my soft, shuddering sigh of relief as she hurried to keep up.

“I thought we’d take a walk, Princess,” I drawled, only turning to look at her when we reached the bottom. “Get to know each other a bit.”

She followed as I stepped onto the cobblestone trail. Night blooming jasmine lined the path, and I took in a deep inhale, letting its sweet scent calm my nerves.

“Why?”

“We’re bonded until eternity, and you don’t wish to learn more about me?”

Estelle paused. “And if I don’t want to accept the bond?”

My stomach dropped, but I forced myself to keep walking, trying not to make it obvious how much that question terrified me as I carefully asked, “Is there some reason you’re so against finding your soul bonded?”

She flinched away from my gaze, then threw her hands up in exasperation. “I don’t need another person to control me. And maybe there are a few things I want to do before being tied down in matrimony.”

“Do you think I plan to stop you?” I came to a stop so quickly I put my arm out to steady her as she almost crashed into me. She stiffened at my touch, and I knew she felt the crackle of energy that passed between us before I let go of the bare skin of her arm. “Perhaps you’ll even allow me the honor of tagging along.”

She stared at me, a bit dumbfounded, and I found myself lost in those ethereal eyes—hazel with flecks of gold that encircled her pupils like a crown. I drank in the sight of her, forcing myself to drop my hand back to my side, even as I ached to touch the chestnut curl that perfectly framed her heart-shaped face.

“I’m not sure where you got the idea that ananimabond was a prison sentence, but I happen to be quite happy about the thought of accepting it with you,” I said, acutely aware of how vulnerable I was making myself. “Or Iwas.”

“Of course you are,” Estelle sniffed, brushing past me to continue down the trail.

It took a second for her words to register, having been distracted by the view of her sauntering away.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I caught up to her in a few long strides, resisting the urge to spin her around and make her look at me. “Of course I’m happy about finding the person who I get to spend my life with. Doesn’t everyone dream about getting to know the other half of their soul?”

So why aren’t you?I bit the words back, knowing my hurt feelings wouldn’t help me here. But if she meant what she said, and she didn’t accept our bond…it was unthinkable.

She stopped walking, warily crossing her arms as she looked downward. “And the fact that I’m the Solearan heir has nothing to do with it?”

There was something heartbreakingly soft behind her question. An uncertainty she was failing to hide.

Gently, I lifted her chin with my forefinger, bringing her eyes to mine. “What exactly are you implying? Because you seem to forget I wanted you before I knew anything about that.” I swallowed hard. “Or do you find me so unfit to rule at your side?”

Estelle blinked, looking at me strangely. “That’s not—It’s not about…”

“Then what’s it about, Princess?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Where shall we live? Do you plan on taking me back to Esterra?”

I laughed. “I’m the second son of the Eastern King, and you’re the Northern heir. I’ll take you home with me if you wish,but it’s entirely up to you.” I took a small step toward her, closing the distance between us, just as she took a matching step back. “If it means spending our lives together, I’ll follow you wherever you want to go.”

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