Page 44 of The Curse Between Us

Zephyr strolled through the grand halls of the palace, the sound of Bianca's paws softly padding against the marble floors echoing in the quiet corridors. The fox trotted closely at his heels, her bright, curious eyes watching everything around them. Every so often, she nipped playfully at his heels, and Zephyr laughed, leaning down to stroke her pointed ears. Her fur was cold to the touch, the coolness of it sending a shiver up his spine as she pushed her small, eager nose into his palm. He chuckled softly, pulling his hand away. Bianca had become his constant companion in the months since Wilfred had suggested they raise the abandoned fox kits discovered at the gates one cold morning. Bianca had barely left Zephyr's side ever since, and her lively presence provided a welcome distraction in a life that often felt weighed down by responsibility.

As he continued down the hallway, Zephyr couldn't help but wonder how Edric would react to Bianca. He had mentioned her in his letters, of course, but they had yet to meet in person. It had been three weeks since Zephyr had left Rafria, and he was beginning to miss Edric more with each passing day. Edric was scheduled to visit Eskarven soon, and though they had established a schedule that allowed them to attend to their royal duties while spending as much time together as possible, it was still never enough. The weeks apart felt long and far too empty.

Zephyr paused at the grand staircase, looking down at the bustling palace below, wondering whether to venture outsidefor a stroll or simply curl up in front of the fire in his chambers with a book. The idea of spending a peaceful, solitary moment seemed tempting, but the sun was shining brightly outside, and the cold air would be invigorating. Bianca, however, had no interest in leaving the comfort of the palace. She had already trotted up a few steps, looking back over her shoulder at Zephyr with an imperious yip, as though urging him to follow. Smiling to himself, Zephyr made his way toward the stairs, but the sound of approaching footsteps caused him to pause.

“Your Majesty.”

Hael, one of the palace attendants, appeared at the bottom of the staircase, her face slightly flushed from the hurried pace. She paused when she reached Zephyr, offering a quick curtsy. “The messenger from Rafria has returned and requests your presence.”

A frown tugged at Zephyr’s brow. Ollie, the messenger, usually preferred to pass on any information and retire quietly until his next trip across the mountains. It was unusual for him to request a personal meeting. Zephyr glanced down at Bianca, who let out a small, discontented noise, her ears drooping. He bent down to scoop her up into his arms, comforting her with a gentle stroke of her fur. “Lead the way,” he told Hael, his voice soft with reassurance.

She led him to one of the small rooms near the main gate, where Ollie was waiting. As the door swung open, Ollie looked up and met Zephyr’s gaze, his expression serious. “I’ll remain here if you require me,” Hael murmured, offering another curtsy before retreating down the hall. Zephyr nodded absently, then stepped inside the room, his eyes immediately locking with Ollie’s.

“We have a problem,” Ollie said without preamble, his tone gruff.

Zephyr tensed, his heart lurching. Still holding Bianca to his chest, he let out a sharp breath, a sudden thought flashing through his mind. “Edric—the king—is he…?”

“No, no, Your Majesty,” Ollie interrupted quickly. “Your Edric is fine.” He scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. “See for yourself.” He gestured toward the table, where a stack of letters sat neatly arranged. “But first—” Ollie leaned against the edge of the table, his brow furrowed in thought. “Something is happening in the mountains.”

Relief flooded Zephyr’s body in a wave, though confusion followed quickly on its heels. He placed Bianca on the ground, watching her dart around the room for a few moments before turning back to Ollie. “What do you mean?” Zephyr asked, his voice laced with curiosity and concern.

Ollie drew out another chair and sank into it, folding his arms across his chest. “I’ve been crossing those mountains longer than you’ve been alive,” he began, looking directly at Zephyr, his voice taking on a serious tone. “This will sound absurd, I know, but you must trust me.”

Zephyr nodded firmly. “I do. I have every confidence in you.”

Ollie sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “There’s a new path through the mountains.”

Zephyr blinked, the words taking a moment to register. “A new path?”

Ollie nodded tightly. “Yes. Right at the top of the pass, just before the descent into Rafria. I noticed it. A trail leading eastwards, descending gradually.”

Zephyr’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Did you follow it?”

“Only for a few minutes,” Ollie admitted. “I didn’t think it wise to go too far alone, and I thought you should hear about this as soon as possible.”

Zephyr leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. If anyone else had brought him this news, he might have written it off as a mistaken observation or a newly uncovered old trail, but Ollie had been traveling these mountains for decades. He knew the routes better than anyone else. If Ollie said it was new, then Zephyr had no reason to doubt it. The very idea that there could be another path through the mountains was both exciting and unsettling.

“The geography of our land has always been simple,” Zephyr said slowly, more to himself than to Ollie. “Rafria to the south, Eskarven to the north, and the mountains in between. There’s nothing else.” He shook his head, trying to absorb the implications of what Ollie was telling him. “There’s only the one pass. Nothing else can be navigated.”

Ollie’s gaze remained steady. “That’s what I thought too, until I saw the new path.”

Zephyr’s thoughts swirled with the possibilities. If there truly was another way through the mountains, it would change everything. The region had been so isolated for so long, and the one pass had always been the only link between the two kingdoms. Could there be something beyond that pass? A hidden land or an unexpected discovery?

“When can you be ready to depart again?” Zephyr asked abruptly, standing up from his chair, his thoughts already forming into action. Bianca, sensing the shift in energy, perked up, her tail twitching.

“Tomorrow?” Ollie shrugged. “There’s no sense in attempting to leave now. Should I assemble a squadron to accompany me?”

“No.” Zephyr shook his head. “This is not just about us. I want you to draw up a map with the exact location of this new path clearly marked. Then, I want you to return to Rafria and tellKing Edric everything you’ve told me. We’ll meet at this place in three days’ time, and we’ll venture east together.”

Ollie raised an eyebrow, a slight frown forming on his face. “You mean to accompany us?”

Zephyr nodded firmly. “Yes. I’ll join you, and I’ll request the High Priestess’ company as well. It may be nothing—a trail revealed by shifting rocks. Or it may be something of greater significance. Either way, it’s worth investigating.”

Ollie studied him for a moment before nodding. “Very well. I’ll get that map to you as soon as possible, and I’ll depart first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you.” Zephyr gave a polite nod. Just as Ollie reached the door, Zephyr called after him. “And please—don’t mention this to anyone else. Not yet, not until we have a better understanding of what’s going on.”

Ollie smirked. “I wasn’t born yesterday, Your Majesty. I can keep a secret.”

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