Page 68 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
“Hello, Felix. This is my companion, Justice Laurel.” I nod, and Justice does an awkward little bow that makes my heart squeeze.
Felix and I are equals. But his parents, unlike mine, are not doing well. The snow queens are getting older, so I think he may be ascending the throne for good pretty soon—changing his title from ice prince to snow king.
“Welcome. I am curious why you are here, after the mishap at your wedding.”
I wince. “We have heard that Princess Eleanor was taken to the Fae Realm, so we want to use Icedonia’s portal to transport ourselves there.”
Felix clucks his tongue, shaking his head. My stomach drops. Is he going to be a dick about this? But what he says is, “Princess Eleanor isn’t in the Fae Realm. She went back to the Fire Realm.”
I frown. The other court members watch us, silent.
“How do you know that?” Justice demands.
Felix swirls the liquid in his goblet. “Because it’s my sister Gabrielle who interrupted the wedding and took her.”
“What?” I gasp. “No, it was a fae sorcerer.”
Felix shakes his head. “Gabrielle. I’m sure of it.”
In a way, that makes sense. Eleanor and Gabrielle are close friends and cousins, so it’s unsurprising Gabrielle would have helped Eleanor. “Why didn’t you stop her?” I demand.
“Because by the time I figured it out, she was already gone. It’s not like Gabby tells me everything,” Felix says.
“Are you positive she—Eleanor—is in the Fire Realm?” I ask.
“Last I heard,” he muses. “I don’t know why she’d be anywhere else.” He gives me a pitying look. “I didn’t think it was such a bad idea to marry you. You’re quite a prize, Kalle.” Next to me, Justice growls, and I almost smile. “But Eleanor wants what she wants, and apparently neither you nor anyone else could stop her.”
Firecats.
I glance at Justice, who is looking at me. I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing: We need to get to the Fire Realm to check that Felix is telling the truth. And it’s late, and we’re tired.
“Well, we will be going, then,” I say, gazing around. It’s freezing outside, but I don’t want to owe Felix anything. It shouldn’t be far to a wood nymph home, although it’s getting quite late.
“I would be willing to let you stay in the palace tonight,” Felix says slowly, “if you give me something in return.”
I roll my eyes. “Typical,” I mutter. At regular volume, I ask, “What is it you would want?”
“Assistance with public relations. Our realm is not known for being hospitable.”
Justice huffs out a laugh. “No wonder, if you extract a price to allow a fellow royal to stay here.”
Felix looks affronted. “But the truth is we are indeed hospitable. I would like to modernize Icedonia. Open our borders to visitors. Have tourists come and stay in our crystal cabins, drinking aquavit and wearing furs.”
“I could spread the word at the Renversé Hotel,” Justice says. “You know, the ‘runaway prince hotel’?”
Felix presses his lips together in thought. If I weren’t so into Justice, I’d think it was very cute. Almost a pout. “That does sound intriguing …”
“And what about an invitation to a ball?” Justice blurts.
My jaw dropped. What the hell is Justice doing asking Felix out? I turn and stare at him. “What ball?”
“The Renversé Hotel is holding a masquerade ball on Labor Day weekend. They’re hoping it will become an annual thing. You can get dressed up, wear a mask. Socialize and schmooze. The tickets are for charity, but I can get you on the list.”
My shoulders relax. So Justice isn’t asking him on a date.
Felix nods haughtily. “That is acceptable.”
“I’ll have Layla, the hotel owner, send you the details.”
