Page 162 of Enchanted Kingdom
Her eyes went from looking wide, to looking like they were trying to leave her head.
“Stop it,” I demanded from over the top of my teacup.
Owen turned to me innocently, both hands in the air.
I squinted. “Stop your scheming and plotting, Owen Raikes.” I looked at my mother. “And you, too.” I stole a quick glance at Krew, hoping he didn’t catch onto the fact that Owen and my mother were trying to read something more into his presence at the bakery. Despite the fact that Owen knew exactly why Krew was here.
Unfortunately, he had caught it and was looking quite amused, his grayishly blue eyes staring into mine. “Let them.”
I cocked my head and gave it a shake. He was ridiculous. And also way too easily flattered.
My mother set the tea down before Krew. “Here you are, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Eleanor,” he smiled. “Sorry to intrude.” He switched his attention to me as he lifted his cup. “Have you been gloating about touching the wolf the whole time?”
My mother gasped. “The wolf in the forest? You touched him?”
I nodded. My eyes went to Krew’s. “No, I hadn’t gotten that far.”
And then we retold the story from that morning, my mother gasping and clapping for joy with me. Compared to the previous trip, the mood was entirely different. Night and day different.
By the time we left, I couldn’t remember a happier day. I hugged my mother goodbye with tears of happiness this time.
I put on my coat and walked with Krew, Owen and Krew’s two guards following behind us. The carriage was waiting a street over, the bakery street too busy this time of day for it to park right outside, apparently.
“Did you deliver my letters?” I had written them on the way, just like the last time. Except this time, I wrote five and not three, busying myself for most of the trip here.
“Of course.” He paused. “Your mother is great.”
“I know,” I agreed. “I am very fortunate.”
He shook his head. “Ishouldbe telling you these trips cannot keep happening. That this trip should be the last. But now I have met her, and I just cannot make myself say the words.”
I laughed.
He slowed and turned toward me, crossing his arms. “Though for the record, these trips should probably not keep happening. You were attacked last time.”
“I was also attacked inside the castle walls,” I argued, crossing my arms also. “So it seems that I should probably keep living my life while I am still alive to enjoy it.”
His lips twitched. “Must you always be so obstinate?”
I felt my own smile tugging at the corners. “Is there another way, My Prince?”
Now he did smile. Likely because it was the first time I had called him that without it being dipped in mockery.
“Jorah!”
I spun to the sound of my name, realizing at once who it must be.
“Seriously!” Owen groaned from behind me.
Krew and I both turned toward Will. “This is the ex-lover?” Krew whispered, arms still crossed as he sized him up.
“Yes,” I whispered back.
“Do I get to assist Owen in rearranging his face?” he again whispered.
“Do not!” I snapped. “Be nice.”
