Page 63 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
He doesn’t need the help, but he takes my hand anyway and doesn’t let go as we walk along a wider section of the trail.
I don’t say anything about it, and neither does he.
That simple act feels like defiance, though. Kalle’s hand is rougher than I’d expect for a prince, but then I remember his sword training. The calluses on his palm are consistent with that type of practice.
We have to let go when the trail narrows again. After hiking for most of the day and finishing off most of the food I brought, I start getting worried about dinner. Our provisions are getting low—and boring. “How do we call a wood nymph? Are they far away?” I ask.
“Not at all. And you got the pronoun right. All nymphs are nonbinary.”
“Cool. Do you think your curse will affect your ability to call them?”
He looks startled. “Gods, I hope not. They aren’t animals. Let me see.”
Kalle starts singing in a low, musical voice. It sounds like the words are all strung together. And before I know what’s happening, a little person—nymph, I guess—pops up out of the woods, smiling and bowing. The nymph is about four feet tall and is wearing layers of tunics and either wide pants or a long skirt, all of which look comfortable and warm. They have green hair and eyes and dark green-brown skin, and they seem like they might be part tree.
“Prince Kalle!” they cry. “How are you this fine evening?”
“I am doing well, Yinok. And you?”
“Well, thank you.”
“How is your family?” Kalle asks, his eyes intent and focused on them. He listens as they respond and asks further questions that show he’s familiar with not only this nymph but their entire social circle.
That makes me respect him more. I knew that his subjects seemed to matter to him, but I hadn’t seen him in action previously—at least, not in a language I could understand.
“This is my traveling companion, Justice Laurel,” Kalle says after Yinok has filled him in on all the latest wood nymph news.
Yinok bows deeply to me. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Justice Laurel.”
“Likewise,” I say. Do I shake hands? Return their bow?
Yinok saves me the trouble of worrying and clasps both of my hands warmly, then drops them and turns back to Kalle, who adds, “Justice is accompanying me on my quest to find Princess Eleanor.”
Yinok’s face drops. “I am grieved at the kidnapping.”
“You heard?” Kalle asks.
They nod. “Word has spread.”
Kalle’s face is troubled. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”
“If it makes Your Highness feel any better,” Yinok says, “I have heard that she is safe and unharmed and was last seen in the Fae Realm. My cousin Huron, a river fairy, told me.”
Kalle nods. “I am relieved to hear that. Let’s talk about it some more. But first, could you do us the favor of kings and spare us some food?”
“Of course, Your Highness. Would you like me to bring it outside for you to take with you, or would you and Justice Laurel like to come inside to dine?”
Kalle looks at me. “Whatever Justice would prefer.”
“I’m in the mood for adventure,” I say with a wink. I was tired just a moment ago, but now I’m reinvigorated. How many opportunities will I get to hang with a wood nymph and enjoy their hospitality?
The nymph holds out their hands. “Join me, then.”
I follow Kalle’s lead and take one of his hands after Kalle takes one of Yinok’s. The elk and fox touch us, too.
There’s a weird, sickening feeling—and then we are all standing in what seems like the middle of a tree. It’s a tree that’s a home, though, with a kitchen and a seating area with couches by a fireplace. A staircase circles up the curving wooden walls. But when I look out the windows, I can see leaves swaying, and yes, we are inside a tree.
“I have so many questions,” I murmur.
