Page 74 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
“I can see that. But this is the heart of the Fire Realm.”
We step along a gray path made of pumice. “I’m glad I’m not barefoot. This would tear my feet apart. Although I suppose it would also smooth them.”
He reaches out to squeeze my hand. I think he’s getting used to my blurts. Then he eyes the castle and his hand falls back to his side.
My stomach drops out. Will he hold my hand anymore, now that he’s going to find his princess? For the past day or two, we’ve been too tired to flirt much. But I still want him. I think I’ll always want him.
Weird clumps of black rock are placed in decorative piles in front of the castle, making a low wall. Kalle murmurs to me that the plants along the base are fireweed and volcanic edelweiss.
My mouth is dry, and I clear my throat repeatedly as we near the entrance, which is flanked by guards in black uniforms with buckles everywhere.
“Are you all right?” Kalle murmurs.
“Yes. Just nervous. Guess it’s all hitting me.”
“We’ll be fine.” Of course I don’t believe him.
I straighten my clothing, and we approach the nearest guard, who is a human with a stoic expression … and that amazing outfit. Like Edward Scissorhands.
“Prince Kalle of the Northwest Forest. And Justice Laurel,” Kalle says to the guard. “Along with my security.”
“I really need to get a title,” I mumble.
“We are here to see Princess Eleanor,” Kalle continues.
“Yes, Your Highness, Mr. Laurel, and companions,” the guard says. “Please follow me.”
Funny that we’re greeted more politely here than we were in Icedonia, even though this feels like a harsher, meaner place. Also, does the fact that the guard didn’t object to Kalle seeing the princess mean that she actually is here?
Kalle seems to think the same thing. It’s like we submitted a proper password and we’ve begun a computer game that we’ve never played before. So now what do we do? I mean, besides follow our guide.
The guard leads us into the castle. Obsidian is basically opaque black glass, and the light from the many fireplaces and the torches on the walls dances on it in weird ways.
“They have cool boots, too,” I whisper, noticing the black leather and the buckles that go all the way up to their knees.
“Focus,” Kalle says.
I really do like the boots. I’m allowed to be into the way things look. I’m very into the way Kalle looks. Which is unfortunate, becauseno, Justice. Stay away from the pretty man. He’s taken.
I wish that weren’t true. Because Ilikehim, and now I’m going to be saying goodbye to him.
But this is the best thing for his subjects. I will support him as he fulfills his sworn duty.
Even if I hate it.
Chapter Twenty-One
KALLE
My heart thumps faster the deeper we get into this black, flickering castle. We pass by firecats lounging on hearths, licking their huge paws. I touch my sword, and Hazel puffs up her fur and draws closer to me, her body brushing my shins, but she doesn’t start anything. Birds flit around, and iguanas race up the walls, spitting fire. Martin lets out a low bellow. I know he’s hungry. We haven’t had fresh leaves for him since we left our realm. My heart swells at their steadfastness. Even if I can’t talk with them, it’s reassuring to have them here.
And Justice. The man I want by my side is here to support me, even though I’m sure finding Princess Eleanor is the last thing he wants to do. He’s said he likes me, that he wants to kiss me. If I said the word, I’m confident he’d agree to be my lover.
I have spent a lot of time looking at his mouth. His inviting lips that smile so much and then quirk when he says something snarky.
Justice is so familiar, like he’s been a part of me forever. We’ve gotten to know each other very well over the course of our journey.
Except I’ve had to hold him at arm’s length. Because anything else wouldn’t be fair to the woman I’m going to meet here.
