Page 89 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
We lie quietly for a few moments, catching our breath. He turns his head toward me, and we kiss deeply.
“I’m glad you came over tonight,” I murmur when we pause.
“Me, too.”
One more kiss. I sit up and take his hand. “Let’s clean up.”
And the prince follows me into the shower. Then, once we’re no longer sticky, we put fresh sheets on the bed (my minimalismallows for one set to wash and one to use) and fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Like I’d love to do every night for the rest of my life.
Chapter Twenty-Five
KALLE
The following morning, I bounce into the palace with a light step, whistling through my yawns. I promise Hazel and Martin that I won’t be leaving the castle for a while, and they head off to their quarters. I suspect we all need to rest, though I might be too excited to sleep much. My stomach has been fluttering the whole walk back from Princedelphia.
Last night with Justice was the best night of my life. Neither one of us got much sleep, and he had to be up early … the life of a barista. We both agreed the deprivation was worth it as we sleepily dressed in the predawn dark.
My body’s deliciously sore. How many new things did I experience? And I don’t even mean the sex—although that was phenomenal—or how beautiful Justice looked, all spread out and naked for me.
Besides the overwhelming physical pleasure, I also feltloved, cared for in a way I haven’t otherwise experienced as an adult. My heart hammers as I think about Justice’s kind eyes, soft kisses, and humor. How loyal he is, and how brave.
Could I make a place for him here? Would he want to live in this realm with me, give up his computer art and his barista job?Or should I leave the Northwest Forest? I rub my bottom lip and stride down the hallway, headed toward my chamber.
Not two hours ago, I walked with him to Café Magnifique. I still don’t carry any cash, and now that I’m not working at the hotel, I’m no longer entitled to free drinks. But he made me a coffee anyway, saying he’d put it on his tab. I sat and watched him as I drank it, and then he kissed me goodbye, earning a wolf whistle from his coworker. Justice blushed, but his smile was brighter than the sunrise.
I’m still grinning as I walk into my bedroom … where I almost run into my mother, who appears to be pacing.
“Kalle,” she breathes. “We were worried sick about you. We thought you might have gone to look for Mats again.”
Firecats. My face heats. I left hastily last night. I didn’t think that anyone would miss me.
But gods dammit, I’m a fucking grown-up. For the first time in my life, I suppose I’m doing the walk of shame. And, for the first time, I’m glad Mats isn’t here to listen to what is going on inside my head.
“I’m fine, Mother. I’m sorry you were worried. I didn’t mean any harm.”
“Where were you?”
“I was …” I clear my throat. Might as well say it. “I stayed over with someone.”
She gets an odd look on her face. “Oh. Well.” She fiddles with her hands, seeming flustered. “I know men get urges, and it’s fine if you need to find companionship. Just make sure that you use protection.”
My cheeks burn even hotter. “I know, Mother.” I take off my cloak and hang it up.
Her tone gets stern. “We don’t want any accidental pregnancies.”
I can’t help it. I snort, my back to her as I unstrap my sword and set it on a table. “No need to worry about that.” I turn and face her.
Mother blinks rapidly and glances around as if looking for answers in my bedroom. “Oh?”
“He’s not going to get pregnant.”
She opens and closes her mouth a few times before saying, “Oh. Well. Um. I see.” She taps a fist against her lips. “So you’re gay?”
“I think I’m pansexual.” Or perhaps Justice-sexual.
“Okay, honey. Then maybe we can meet your … boyfriend?”
