Page 41 of A City of Emeralds and Envy
“Well… yes.”
“It’s odd, him being in heat that long. Unusual, particularly for an Unseelie Fae. I shall have to ask him some questions about it.”
“But not now. He can barely speak.”
“Later, then. Once the curse is broken.”
Dorothy speaks up, startling me—I didn’t realize she’d come closer. “And we’re certain the Green Wizard will let Alice use her one wish to free you and this beast?”
“He must,” I say simply. “And then, Dorothy, you can wish us back to the mainland of Faerie—preferably to the Court of Delight. We have Seelie friends there.”
Riordan snorts. “‘Friends’ is a strong word.”
“Very well.” I push his shoulder playfully. “Ihave friends there. Friends who can help us. We’ll be safe.”
Dorothy puckers her lips and glances around at the forest, which is slowly lightening as day dawns. “Safe in the Court of Delight. Sounds exciting.”
“Better than this place, where curses abound and nothing makes sense.” I rise, clasping Riordan’s arm and tugging vainly. He’s too heavy for me to move on my own, but he concedes and climbs to his feet.
Jasper is still ruffling Caer’s mane, scratching his ears, and talking quietly to him. Shock and pleasure mingle in the Cat’s purple eyes as he allows the attention. His stiff-legged stance eases the longer he’s petted. But his posture hardens again and his mane ruffles up as Riordan approaches him.
I take the Scarecrow’s hand and pull him gently away, allowing Riordan and Caer to face each other—the huge beast, teeth bared and hackles raised, glaring at the silver suit of armor.
As I watch them, Jasper pulls me against his side, a comforting grip. He looks down at my nude form with appreciation, despite the bruises and blood. “You look beautiful,” he whispers in my ear.
“Shut up.” But I can’t help smirking, even as I refocus my attention on the two cursed males.
They’re staring at each other. Wordless.
Dorothy sighs, leans against a tree as if she’s settling in for a long wait.
“You unutterable fool,” Riordan says at last. “You fucking moron.”
“Oh shit,” whispers Dorothy, clearly expecting those words to start a fight—but I hold up a finger for her to wait.
I’ve seen these two interact. I heard the last words they said to each other, during a violent fight over my fate. I saw Riordan kneeling astride Caer—heard his broken whisper. That he couldn’t watch Caer die. That he would sacrificemebefore he would let that happen.
These two loved each other long before I loved them. They’ve just refused to admit it.
Maybe now—maybe here—
“Follow us on the yellow road, or don’t,” Riordan says caustically. “Alice wants to wish us both free. You can help me protect her on the way there, or you can run back to your den.”
Caer hisses savagely and snaps, his terrifying teeth nearly raking against Riordan’s helmet. When Riordan doesn’t budge, Caer growls thickly, “I will follow.”
“Fine. The road is that way.” And Riordan stalks off through the trees.
Caer slinks after him, head lowered and shoulders tight, as if he’s stalking the suit of armor, ready to pounce.
I stifle a groan. These men—why are they so pig-headed?
“I need something to wear.” I glance around the clearing, my eyes latching on the basket of supplies sitting beside the boulder.
“Why must you wear something?” Jasper blinks innocent blue eyes at me. “I like your naked form. It is enchanting.”
“But I would like to be covered as I travel.”
“I see.” He watches me as I tug the blue-checked cloth out of the basket, leaving the food and napkins behind. The cloth is large enough for me to wrap it around my body and knot it on one shoulder, leaving my other shoulder bare. It’s an odd sort of garment, very drafty—but it’s better than nothing.
