Page 34 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
“When is payment owed to the fae?”
“It is tied to the wedding, but there is an outside due date of the end of summer. If we cannot resolve this by then,” Mother says, “we are doomed.”
My father looks thoughtful. Then his head swivels to me.
“What do you suggest?” I ask in my most carefully controlled tone. My chest tingles, and despite my best efforts, a nervous laugh escapes my mouth.
“I think you know, Kalle,” my father says.
My mother nods along with him as he speaks. She smooths down her skirt.
Running my hands through my hair, I turn away from my parents. I look down at my palms like I’m going to find answers there. My nostrils flare, and my lips flatten.
Fuck.
Yes, I’ve known a marriage for political purposes was coming from practically the moment I could talk, but that doesn’t mean I like it.
“You must marry Princess Eleanor on behalf of the Northwest Forest,” my mother says. “It is your duty.”
I shift away from her, the back of my throat aching.
Thisismy duty, but I feel like nothing more than currency in a transaction. My parents should never have let me read the books where people get married for love. I knew I was destined for something different. I had hoped, though, that it would not happen so soon.
I don’t want to marry the princess of the Fire Realm. Yet what choice do I have?
Actually, I do have a choice, and that’s a problem. Because I can say no, of course. But that would doom the Northwest Forest. We already suffered so many casualties from the most recent eruption. I’d never hurt any of my subjects further. If the union will save them, then I shall do what is required. My parents can get the fire gold and pay off the fae, the Fire Realm will get their new territory, and our lands will be saved from destruction.
“You told me it would be a diplomatic disaster to tell the Fire Realm that Mats was missing,” I point out, grasping at straws.
“We have scrutinized our written contract with them. It simply says that a prince of the Northwest Forest must marry their princess. It does not specify which one,” Mother says.
I huff a mirthless laugh. “You think they will go for that?”
“They want our land,” Father says.
“And these are desperate times,” my mother adds. She looks at me pleadingly, and I cave.
“Okay,” I say with as much volume as I can muster—hating every word that comes out of my mouth. “I will marry her. Make the arrangements. I will show up.”
“In three days’ time,” my father confirms.
A vein in my forehead throbs, and my pulse accelerates. I flex my fingers. “Yes.”
Firecats.
The next thing that runs through my head is that I have to tell Justice.
Chapter Eight
JUSTICE
Today, Kalle is waiting for me at the trailhead when I get off work. It’s a typical dreary Oregon day, and the forest is misty and gray. He’s accompanied by his security elk and fox. I wish I could talk with them.
The air is fresh, full of the scent of coniferous trees, and it feels good to be outdoors after working inside.
I take a moment to watch Kalle before he sees me. His dark brown hood is over his head, and he’s pacing, the fabric whipping around his boots like he’s some hero from a fantasy—or from my beloved role-playing game. I smile at the thought, but my good humor vanishes when I notice the serious look on his face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, a profound sense of unease coming over me.
