Page 19 of The Dragon King's Curse
“My grandmother used to tell me stories. She said her grandmother told them to her. Once the realms were one. There was peace among all of us. We shared our resources. Took care of one another. Of course that was before the vampires. Before the division between the fae and the elves. I don’t know if her stories were true, but I’d like to think so.” Feryn looked up to find me watching her closely. Her cheeks pinkened, and she averted her gaze.
I considered her story, thinking that perhaps her grandmothers were wishful thinkers. “Sounds like a nice story.I doubt that it’s true. I’m sure you’ve been led to believe your people have always been good and pure. I happen to know better than that.”
Feryn stiffened. She hacked off a tree limb as it reached for her, unruffled by its attack. “Oh, do you? Why don’t you enlighten me then, King Noxx? Seeing as my people felt they needed to curse you, I’m sure you know all about them.”
I chuckled. A princess with a sassy streak who wielded a blade like a pro. I kind of liked her.
“I’m just saying that I happen to know for a fact the elves are more than capable of being as wicked and vicious as the fae. They’re in the business of handing out curses after all.” I tilted my head to one side, observing her.
“To those who deserve it. Can you honestly say that you didn’t deserve it?” She shot me a pointed look, daring me to deny it.
I shrugged, knocking a tree limb aside before it smacked me in the head. “I suppose it’s a matter of perspective. I won’t deny that I may have done something to anger the elves. But they played their own role. They’re not the innocents they pretend to be.”
It seemed that the princess here didn’t know the entire story. I found it odd that her people hadn’t shared with her the reason behind my curse. Maybe they were ashamed. How could one pretend to be justified in such an act when they’d instigated the entire ordeal?
Feryn’s lips pursed, her brow furrowed. I expected her to ask, to seek out the truth. Instead, she pointed to a thick patch of trees ahead. “Maybe we can hide behind those trees for a while. If we continue to move, we might run into the fae. They must be everywhere by now.
“Let’s check it out.” I wasn’t opposed to stopping for a while. She was likely right. Those who hunted us may possibly beanywhere by now. There was a good chance we would run right into them if we kept going.
When we reached the trees, shoving in between them, it became apparent they were blocking the opening to a small cave in the side of a hill. Judging by the placement of the moon, we’d made it through half the night. There were still hours to go.
Since I didn’t want to take any risks, I tore a small strip from the hem of my shirt. I strung it over a tree branch, making it look like the tree had torn it from my clothing. It also made it look like I’d gone back toward the stream. Hopefully, if anybody came along, they would find it and keep moving.
“Atlas and his asshole son might know about this cave,” I pointed out.
Feryn nodded, her silver blonde braid moving like a snake down her back. “Maybe. There’s a lot of land out here though. They seem like the type to sit on their asses in the castle being pricks all day. I doubt they’ve scoured every inch of this land.”
Her flippant remark amused me. I reminded myself that she was the enemy. She’d been born into the family that cursed me. Her feisty attitude and ethereal beauty meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.
“Let me go first.” Sweeping aside the heavy bough blocking the cave opening, I ventured inside. If some ferocious animal had made this its home, I didn’t want to be surprised.
Since I had no use of my magick, I was unable to create a fireball to help me see in the darkness. Eventually my eyes would adjust. Fire of any kind would only announce our location.
The cave was relatively small, stretching back only twenty feet or so. The moonlight lit up the entryway. Everything beyond that was bathed in shadows.
Returning to the opening, I said, “It’s safe. It’s dark as hell though. I thought about starting a fire, but that might give us away. I think we’ll have to sit tight and wait out the night.”
“Fine with me. I want this night to be over.” Feryn shoved past the trees and into the cave. “Damn, it’s kind of cold in here.”
There was a chill to the air within the cave. We were between seasons. Spring verging on summer. The fae realm seemed to always carry a chill even during its hottest time. Everything here had been tainted.
We made our way to the back of the cave, sitting so we faced the opening. If anyone appeared, we would see them before they saw us. That would give us time to grab our weapons and prepare for a fight.
Silence descended between us. Just as well. What did we possibly have to say to one another?
Even with keen night vision, I made out only her silhouette in the dark. She carried an air of mystery about her. I don’t think she even realized it. I couldn’t help but wonder about the elf princess.
Who was she really? What set her apart, making her choose a life of risk and pain when she could’ve been a spoiled, pampered princess?
She kept several feet between us, wary of being close to me. Smart. I was not a good man. I’d earned my curse, even if the elves had forced my hand. If I didn’t need her alive so desperately, I might just kill her right here and now.
Slight movement of her body alerted me to her intense shivering. Inwardly, I sighed. I was going to regret this.
“Are you cold?” I asked grudgingly, already knowing the answer.
“Somewhat. Now that I’m not moving, I’m a little chilled. Nothing I won’t survive.”
Being a dragon meant that I always ran a little hot. Fire lived within my veins. Against my better judgment, I said, “Let me warm you. I can help.”
