Page 125 of The Princesses of Ruin
“Me? Apology accepted,” Lily says, and we all chuckle again.
“Mostly Scarlett, but yeah, you too.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” Scarlett says. “Especially not an apology for your very appropriate behavior. I was a stranger you used to know, one who abandoned you. Your reaction was warranted.”
“Yes, but then my continued…shittiness,” I mumble. “That could’ve been better.”
“Were you shitty?”
“I was jealous.”
She snorts. “Of what?”
I lick my lips, worrying the bottom one as I really think it through. “You didn’t seem to want or need anyone’s approval. You did whatever you wanted. You controlled my power better than me…”
She hums in amusement. “Of course I was seeking your approval. I’ve just become very adept at appearing aloof.”
Adrik clears his throat beside me. “Ladies, I’m sorry to interrupt, but if you’re not going to help…”
“Get the fuck out?” Lily finishes for him.
He rubs the back of his neck. “There’s not a lot of space to move, and the air is stuffy.”
Scarlett retracts her spindles, releasing us. “Fine. We’ll go express our womanly feelings somewhere else.”
Kazimir grabs Alyse and pulls her out of our group, hugging her close. The bandages over the left side of his face scrunch as he furrows his brow. He kisses her cheek, and then her lips, as they exchange silent words. He nods and kisses her again, then returns to the table.
Jasper stands at the table with the other men, each of them eyeing their loves with fondness. An overwhelming sense of belonging radiates off them, and my heart swells. They’ve become family.
My family.
It doesn’t matter how many more sacrifices are necessary to protect it. I’ll gladly make them with blood on my hands and no regrets in my heart.
Chapter forty-four
Jasper
Snow gathers on the shoulders of the children before me. I grab another wrapped package of fish and seaweed and hand it off to the oldest. She has dirty cheeks, fiery eyes, and two little boys hanging off her sides.
“Your brothers?” I ask.
She nods, reaching up for the pack of goods. I grab a bundle of simple clothes and a blanket, then tuck another package of fish into it with a quick “shush” motion. The girl’s eyes gleam with hunger as she accepts the extra gift.
“Make sure you eat the heads,” I say. “They’re good for you.”
“We wouldn’t waste, my lord,” the girl says.
“What wrong with your words?” asks one of the young boys.
I chuckle. “I’m not from here.”
“You’re the sea man, aren’t you?”
Lily snorts and covers her mouth beside me. Reina is trying not to laugh, too.
“I’m a selkie,” I say as I grab a satchel of basic first aid.
I give it to the young boy and he examines my hand as he takes the bag.
