“And you agree that this is not me working for you. We are all working together. And I need answers to my questions if I am to help you. We need to be open with each other, to trust each other. Do you think you can get the king to agree to that?” I ask.
“He values my counsel, so yes. I will speak to him.”
“And canyouagree to that?” I narrow my eyes at him. He gives a curt nod.
“Good. And I want to be moved out of that little four-by-four you call a room.”
He sighs again dramatically.
“Fine. That’s three conditions, by the way. Would you also like to add a tutor to your list of contingencies? Your ability to count is seemingly impaired.”
I smack his arm. He doesn’t smile, but there’s a dark glint of amusement in his golden eyes.
I resolve to give this an actual shot. I will stay to find answers. I will stay to be close to this alternate version of my father, even if he doesn’t know me, even if he’s the king and I’m a means to an end for him. I will stay until he can look at me with pride and love in his eyes.
Jack and I fall silent, staring into the fire until my eyelids begin to droop, and I reluctantly drag myself away to sleep.
12
The next day, we start back toward the castle. I explain the change in plan to Zadyn, and I can see the immediate relief wash over him. I ride with him this time, but it doesn’t make for a less awkward dynamic as the three of us slowly make our way back.
One thing Jack and Zadyn at least agree on is that we take the long way back—aroundthe Bone Forest.
A two-day trip.
No bathrooms, no beds, just the fabulous outdoors.
I hate to admit it, but as the shimmering castle appears in view, catching the sunlight with crystalline magnificence, I feel relieved. Soon, so soon, I will be off this damn horse. I just pray that my ovaries haven’t been damaged beyond repair.
We reach the front gates and are relieved of our horses. I can barely feel anything from the waist down. But my thigh seems to be holding up.
“I’ll speak to the king this evening, and we’ll find you alternate sleeping arrangements. Rest today, witch. I’ll come find you,” Jack says as we make our way up the alabaster stairsleading to the massive arched doorway. I stare after him as he goes. Zadyn’s hand on my shoulder snaps me back to reality, and I follow him to Gnorr’s infirmary to have my leg inspected. It takes under five minutes for her to clean the wound with a strong astringent and heal it up completely.
When I hear a knock on my door the next morning, I expect to see a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Igrid on the other side. I swing it open, a bed-headed hot mess, to find Jack waiting there instead. He greets me with a quick once over and a gruff order to follow him.
Back to his grouchy self, I see.
I quickly slip my shoes on and slide my phone into my back pocket while Jack’s back is turned. I doubt it will be of any use to me here, and it’s on ten percent battery, but it’s the only thing I have from home.
Zadyn walks beside me, no longer bothering with the whole cat act.
“I take it the king agreed to my requests?” I ask as we make our way out of the servant’s quarters and into a pristine hallway with marble floors so reflective I can see myself in them. We stop in front of an ornately carved wooden door. Jack steps through and holds his arm out.
“I trust the accommodations will be to your liking.”
“Holy shit,” I breathe, stepping inside. The room is bigger than my whole apartment in Jacksonville.
A canopied four-post bed with a luscious, lilac-colored comforter and matching pillows rests against the wall to my left. My fingers glide over the intricate vines carved into the whitewashed bedpost as I take in the rest of the room. Dazzling sunlight spills through the massive arching windows above a plush, plum-colored nook perfect for reading. As I glance up at the ceiling, my breath hitches at the hand-painted sky of whimsical whorls spattered with diamonds. They look liketwinkling stars swirling around the giant amethyst chandelier in the center of the room. The space is complete with cozy puffs, pillows, and floor cushions scattered about the ornate carpet.
“The washroom is through there.” Jack nods to one of the doors to the right, behind the dining table for four.
“What’s in here?” I ask, making my way to the door beside it.
“It’s an adjoining suite,” he says, glancing at Zadyn. “For you. I didn’t think it wise to keep a familiar too far out of reach.”
“Thank you, that was very considerate,” Zadyn says tightly, begrudging every word of gratitude. I fight a smile, secretly thriving on their little drama.
“It’s lovely, Jack,” I say before I can stop myself. My hand flies to my mouth. “I’m sorry. I meant Captain.”
