Page 21 of Their Princess

And I really did. In fact …

Closing my eyes, I focused on my shifter powers and immediately, scales covered my body. “Oh, thank goodness.”

“Lily,” Mason growled, “were you unable to shift this whole time?”

Smiling as I opened my eyes, I laughed nervously. “Maybe.”

Kayden squatted down with his head in his hands, groaning.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Trey demanded.

“Because I knew you’d react this way!” I snapped and shook my head. “I’m fine. Now, stop babying me.”

Talrinir watched our interaction curiously and silently.

“Anyway, I’m fine. I feel great now.”

Dhun pushed his head against the back of my legs, whining.

“Oh, he’s in a rush,” Talrinir said with a soft laugh. “King Jolmach has been waiting for you. He’s got a surprise.”

“Another surprise?” I whispered.

“Come,” she turned and skipped down the hill, her dog-like ears flopping with each skip. “You’re going to be so happy with how much we’ve already accomplished!”

“Apparently, Queen Jolie took your plans and started instituting them over the past few days,” Trey whispered in my ear.

“My plans?”

He nodded. “You’ll see.”

I narrowed my eyes. How did he know things I didn’t? Was he withholding anything else from me?

Following the excited Dhun, I gasped when we entered the castle’s garden to find it full of green plants, blooming flowers, and trees. My hands flew to my mouth as tears built and my legs wobbled.

Jol and Great Uncle Silverowl turned at my gasp, both smiling when they saw me.

“Welcome back, Goddess,” Jol greeted. “What do you think of our garden now?”

“How?” I asked.

Great Uncle Silverowl explained, “Several elves volunteered to come help with the demon world and they’ve found great success. It seems you started the healing of the land when you were here previously.”

Right, the flowers I’d helped. I hadn’t realized that that would also help now, though.

“We’ve got crops growing to help feed us for the next decade,” Jol said proudly.

“They set up fields near the village,” Azgon announced as she perched atop the garden wall.

Jol sighed. “Azgon, what have I told you about jumping over the wall?”

“Hello, Princess Lily,” she greeted me, completely ignoring him and earning another sigh from the king.

“Hello, Princess Azgon,” I greeted and curtsied.

She tittered and jumped down to come hug me. “Should I call youGoddessnow as well?”

“No,” I said and turned to Jol. “You’ve got to stop calling me that, too. I’m not a goddess.”

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