Page 46 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
What do I tell her? What I’m doing doesn’t make sense. Might as well just say it. “Kalle was supposed to get married today, and there was a big hubbub. A sorcerer kidnapped his bride, and now he wants me to go on a quest with him to find her. Like it’s part of King Arthur or another legend. Can I use my time off to do it?”
To Layla’s credit, she doesn’t seem even the slightest bit fazed by my vacation plans. “Of course. You can use your time off for whatever purpose you want. And we should be fine on staffing. We have a few new people who can help. How long do you think you’ll need?”
“I don’t know. I hope it’s not more than a few days. A week?” I pause. “God, what if it’s two? And I think, where we’re going, there aren’t many cell phones. At least, Kalle doesn’t have one. I’ll bring mine and use it when I can.”
Layla waves a hand. “A week is easy. Go forth and quest. I hate to lose both you and Daryl at the same time for your respective royal adventures. But I also want to avoid any more international incidents, so … sure! If you need more time, see if you can figure out a way to get in touch.” She grins. “It sounds like fun. I’ve seen the way Kalle looks at you. Maybe this quest will give you the chance to get to know him better.”
I scoff. “Did you hear the part about where we’re trying to find his bride? That means he’s taken.”
She nods, but she looks skeptical. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought she was hiding some kind of inner wisdom. Like she knows what’s going to happen before it does. I just wish she’d share with the rest of us.
“Okay, thank you. I’ll pick up the slack when I return.”
Layla presses her lips together and shoves her hands in her pockets. She cocks her head while raising her eyebrows.
“What?” I protest. “I work hard.”
“You do, that’s true. And you’ve earned plenty of time off. I can still foresee you getting truly enchanted with the Northwest Forest.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Then we look forward to seeing you. Be sure to talk with the kitchen about taking some food with you. You’re welcome to whatever you need.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
She waves a hand again. “Far be it from me to hold someone back from aquest.”
I smile at her. “Thanks, you’re amazing.”
“Just try to be back in time for the ball.”
“Oh my gosh, I forgot about that. It’s more than a month away, though. I should be fine.”
Layla and her wife, Sheena, decided to host a masquerade ball on Labor Day weekend. People will dress up and dance, drink, and be merry. All the proceeds will go to the Princedelphia Vocational Center. An image flashes through my mind of me dancing with Prince Kalle.
Nope. That will never happen.
I thank her again and race off.
After a quick trip home, where I pack a hasty bag, I take off back to the trailhead where Prince Kalle is waiting for me. He’s changed out of his wedding finery and into his usual dark pants, loose tunic top, and a long, forest green cloak.
He smiles at me, and it takes my breath away.That smile.
Also:Kalle is straight, Justice.
But oh, that shoulder-length dark hair. It looks soft. And he’s so dashing. All broody and amazing.
Typical me. I like the unavailable ones.
Kalle’s security elk and fox are with him.
But. Shit. He can communicate with them about as much as I can. In other words, not at all. A sharp pain hits my heart in sympathy for him. He must be hurting.
We need to reverse his curse as soon as possible.
“We should get going,” I say. “How are we getting to the Fae Realm?” My heart skips. That’s a huge step toward getting back my memory.
“The nearest portal is in Icedonia.”
