King Athon’s brows lowered deep over his black, forbidding gaze, snapping out of his gloom, and narrowed his eyes in my direction. “Trumbalay is only a two hour flight from here. Why would you think four days wouldn’t be enough?”
I choked on my words. “I’m sure as Fairy not flying my Fae-gift to the top of that mountain. One royal death is enough there.”
King Elon played with one of his shamrock green braids. “I am positive other royals have flown there before, including the current shifter king.”
King Athon nodded, acknowledging he’d done it before.
“You’re overlooking what Louie stated. He said ‘where death flies.’ That means it still does. I am with Princess Trixie on this.” Queen Mikko stared pointedly with her captivating mist eyes at each royal—including me even though I was on her side. “The artifact is hidden where the original shifter fell to his death from pride, an artifact the Fae will be gifting us. It is not a coincidence that it is there. I believe this is a test, just as recovering the Key of Kingdoms was a test. It would be wise not to make the same mistake of being too prideful while we search for it. We should travel there with caution.”
“I also agree with Princess Trixie.” King Traevon’s emerald eyes turned to the shifter king. “How long will it take to travel if we don’t fly directly to Trumbalay.”
King Athon’s forehead wrinkled, stating gruffly, “There are no easy roads. Most shifters traveling there use their shifted forms—it is that dangerous. From the nearest city, it will be at least a two day, hard walk. That will only give us two days to search for the artifact.”
“So my heir is right. There won’t be enough time to search properly.” Father rubbed at his forehead. “We will have to manage, though. It must be done.”
I asked hopefully—begging, “Louie, are you sure the book didn’t say five days, and not four?”
“I am sure,” Black Louie responded, uncaring. “It is four days. No more than that.”
My chest deflated of hope. “Well, that’s that, I suppose. Two days of pain and two days of scrambling. It sounds like it’s going to be an amazing time.”
King Athon’s forehead hadn’t unwrinkled yet, his next words slow in forming. “There may be a way to cut one day off traveling, but it would be even more treacherous than the other route.”
“What way would that be?” King Elon probed.
“A day’s worth of climbing up ice.” My cracked soul mate’s head teetered with his delusional thoughts. “If I lead the group, it might be feasible.”
“What do you mean by ‘lead?’” There was something wrong with the way he had said that word. It didn’t sit right with me. “Explain your intent.”
The shifter king snorted. “If I tied a rope around my stomach, and attached it to all of you—just in case you fell—I might be able to do it. With my claws and strength, I could take it until you were able to recover yourselves.”
My blink was gradual. “No.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “You’re not a ruler yet, Princess Trixie. You don’t get a vote.”
“On these quests, I bloody well do.” I raised my chin high into the air, not breaking eye contact with him. “It sounds far too reckless.”
“I agree with King Athon.” King Elon smirked in my direction. “You may not be able to handle the climb, but those stronger will make up for the weak link. Don’t worry your little elf head over it.”
I simmered where I stood, glowering fiercely.
Queen Alora tightened her ponytail. “I agree with King Athon, as well. We need that extra day to search.”
“I’ll climb.” Queen Mikko shrugged her tiny shoulders.
Father didn’t need to vote. The majority had already won.
But King Traevon stated, “I agree with King Athon, too.”
Thank you so much, my king.I glared.
Red Louie winked at me. “That was embarrassing for you.”
I shuddered, and snapped, “Quit bloody winking at me!”
All five rulers stared at me with admonishment in their eyes.
“What?” I growled, still upset about the vote and not thinking straight. “It makes his face even uglier. It creeps me out.”
