I wiped the Fae damned tear away. It had slipped over.
Tree Man started to turn, and I gripped the branch tight around me. The wind whipped my hair, and the sun shone brighter. Tree Man walked on his root feet higher and higher up the mountain, the branches swaying back and forth—with us in them—on his long trek. It didn’t turn my stomach, though. I was too busy viewing all I could still, my eyes stuck down below on the mountain range.
The peak neared. And Tree Man stopped.
He leaned forward on his roots and pushed his branches out to the top, taking us closer to our designation. My feet touched the ground again, and the branch uncoiled from my body and slid away.
I turned to say goodbye to him, but he was already walking back down the mountain. I sighed and looked at the five rulers.
They were staring after Tree Man.
That ride in his branches had been worth this whole Fae damned trip. It was possible I would miss him a little. I had genuinely liked Tree Man.
King Athon cleared his throat, and rumbled, “We’ve made it here. Let us now see if the Fae are in a generous mood today.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Confession of a princess:
Misfits, oh Misfits, how cruel you are.
The prize dazzles the eye; you’ve gone too far.
Louie, Louie, Louie, Louie, I beg your pardon, but I think you’re bizarre.
Yes, I was talking to even you, Louie. You stole Father’s cigar.
(shame on you)
I turned in a slow circle. “Where do we go?”
“I would think straight to the center,” King Elon murmured, glancing in that direction. “I’d say we’re almost there. It may be right after those trees.”
“Just so,” King Traevon stated. “I agree.”
We pulled into a tight group and walked toward the very center of the mountain. No one spoke. We simply looked at everything, trying to find a clue as to what we were walking into.
King Athon grunted quietly and rubbed his hands together, his solid black eyes narrowing to thin slits. “Now that is arealbeast we might get to play with.”
“I can’t see it,” I grumbled. I jumped up and down, attempting to get a glimpse. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh my Fae, quit doing that.” Queen Alora shoved her left hand down right on top of my head to keep me from bouncing. “I am embarrassed for you, Princess Trixie. Try not to do that again in front of…well, in front of anyone.”
I snorted and brushed her hand off my head. “I just saved all of our Fae damned asses. A little respect would be appreciated.”
Queen Mikko offered softly, “I am shorter than you, Princess Trixie. I can’t see it either. I’m sure we’ll see it soon enough, and, more than likely, wish we never had.”
King Elon hissed, “No, she is quite fetching. I think you’ll want to see this.”
My eyebrows lifted in surprise. “King Athon, this might be right up your alley. Make sure to give her your best smile—if you have one.”
My head snapped forward from a hard smack. I grabbed the back of my head and glared over my shoulder at the shifter king. “Ow! That was uncalled for.”
“Shut up, elf,” King Athon sneered.
“Don’t touch my daughter again,” Father said softly.
That was hisscaryvoice.
