Page 61 of I Ran Away to Evil
“Every last sordid detail,” Chloe assured her, ensuring Keith could hear every sibilant syllable.
“Then I’d be happy to get my nails done with you, Necromancer Chloe.”
Keith was suddenly wary as Patina shot him a vicious smile over her shoulder. He might come to regret siccing Chloe on his enthusiastic cousin.
Hubert was a good raven. And Keith enjoyed connecting to him for a literal bird’s-eye view of the forest. He’d [Commanded] the raven to keep an eye on Henrietta and guide her should she need it.
The Dark Enchanted Forest liked to play tricks on people sometimes, but he wasn’t too concerned because Henrietta was … Well, she was Henrietta.
She could take care of herself.
What Keith was not expecting to find when he connected with Hubert during his afternoon lunch break was the absence of his wayward princess. Hubert was sitting in a tree overlooking the western bridge, with no Henrietta in sight. He sent the raven flying for a better view of the road.
Keith was just about to panic when a magical enchantment activated under the bridge, and he watched Henrietta climb up from below. The magic was very delicate and intricately put together by someone of incredible craftsmanship. It was only perceptible to Keith because he was an Arcane Sage. This must be the natural [Troll Magic] skill he’d read about.
Henrietta was smiling happily and still carrying her crate full of eggs.
“I’ll see you when I get back!” she called down below the bridge.
“Have fun in Gren’s Keep and tell Olen I said hello,” a voice replied. “And be ready! I’ll have a harder riddle for you when you come back this way.”
Keith sent Hubert swooping down to alight on Henrietta’s shoulders. The princess smiled at him. “Keith?”
“Hello, Ria.”
“How are things back at the castle?” She carefully freed a hand, careful not to jostle the crate in her arms, and ran her fingers through his raven’s feathers.
“Things are going as usual.” Keith sighed, trying not to be distracted by the feeling of her touch. “Though I had some unexpected company.”
Henrietta looked shocked. “Julia arrived already? Is she riding an enchanted horse?”
“No? Wait.” Keith felt a headache coming on that for once had nothing to do with [Mana Burn]. “You don’t meanCountessJulia of North Sumbria? She’s cominghere?Now?”
Henrietta nodded, “I heard it from Gerda. Julia’s on her way to see Chloe.”
“Oh no.” Keith realized Hubert was rubbing his raven temple with a wing, mirroring Keith’s own habit. He let the raven resettle itself. “And Chloe has no idea.”
“We think Julia’s here to propose,” Henrietta exclaimed brightly. “Isn’t that marvelous?!”
“Of course she is.” Keith sighed. Again. “And that battle maniac chosenowto do it for multiple reasons …”
“Is this going to upset our plans?” Henrietta asked.
“You have no idea.” Keith shook himself and continued, “But there’s no rush to come back. You’re stopping by Gren’s Keep after you deposit the eggs?”
“If I have time.” Henrietta hesitated. “You’resureI have time?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry about a thing!” Keith used Hubert to nuzzle Henrietta affectionately. “Take as much time as you need.”
“I’ll still be back before St. Veralyn’s Day,” the princess assured him.
“As long as you’re back the dayafterSt. Veralyn’s Day, that’s all that matters.”
She nodded. “For the war.”
“For something much more important than a war.” Keith poked her cheek with a wing. “It’s your birthday, remember?”
CHAPTER 39
