King Athon cut the slack on the rope with a claw, and resumed pulling the others up. This practice repeated over and over again as rulers cautiously topped the side of the cliff. All securely lying on their backs, blinking up at the sky, and heaving much needed oxygen into their lungs.
I quickly marched to stand above my father’s head and dropped to my knees. I stared down into his emerald eyes, my love for him making my hands shake. I pulled the scarves down from my face, leaned over, and kissed his cheek softly. I whispered, “I am glad you made it in one piece.”
His lips twitched into an amused smile, even though he could barely breathe still. He panted, “I love you, too, my daughter. But what in the Fairy are you wearing?”
I shook my head, highly entertained by his first question—out of all the questions he could have asked. “I snuck into a shifter’s home and stole his clothes.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Trixie…”
“What? What I was wearing was not warm enough.”
A tired chuckle rumbled inside his chest. “It is a good thing I brought clothes for you, too, just in case.”
My eyes rounded, entirely pleased to hear that. “Thank the Fae. I don’t believe he’s washed these in some time. They stink like manure.”
“Yes, they do. I’m breathing the stench in with you acting the mother hen over me.”
I rolled my eyes and snorted, leaning back up to sit squarely on my knees, the shivering from the cold not stopping. My gaze traveled over the exhausted rulers lying side by side. I wondered if they ever thought they would be in this exact situation and the outrage that would have inspired in them before.
I asked candidly, “So what now? I believe there is an inn inside the city.” I’d noticed it while I’d been lurking through the early morning streets, searching for a house to rob. “You all need your rest.”
“We are not sleeping yet. I am starving,” King Athon rumbled, pushing to sit up on his butt. He started untying the rope around his waist and arching his back in a much needed stretch. “I suggest we eat first at the local bakery. Then seek our rest at the inn.”
I blinked in confusion. “I am sure the inn has food. They can cook you something there.”
King Athon flashed his blunt teeth in a hungry smile. “I am ravenous for mutton pie. They don’t serve that at the inn.”
Father instantly sat up and began untying himself, much more enthusiastic than he was before. “I agree. Mutton pie sounds splendid.”
My brows puckered. “I am missing something here. I am positive of that. And why is no one yelling at me for being in Trumbalay in the first place?” I was entirely confounded. All of the rulers should be highly upset.
“Oh, my heir, I will yell at you later.” Father stood and brushed the snow off his climbing attire. His emerald eyes captured mine, explaining gently, “Penelope flew to Javon after she was hurt, finding us at King Athon’s castle. She is being tended to by his royal stable master. I believe she will be all right.”
I closed my eyes. I breathed in and out to calm myself.
My beautiful girl would be fine. Shewouldbe.
“Furthermore, King Athon scented mutton pie on her gashes.” King Traevon smirked when my eyes flew open. “I believe the dragon likes to dine at the local bakery.”
My jaw gaped open. “That dragon was much too big to fit inside any building inside Trumbalay.” I shuddered with the remembrance of its sheer size and strength.
King Athon’s head tipped back as he rose to his immense height, laughing brutally. “Is it so far-fetched that a dragon can shift into a person, Princess Trixie?” He waved a hand in front of himself for emphasis.
I snapped my mouth shut. “Oh.”
The King of Shifters snorted at my obliviousness.
I stared as the other rulers made their way to their feet. “So we’re going hunting then.” It was not a question. “We’re tracking down a sparkling dragon that likes to eat mutton pie in its free time when it is not tormenting royals. I am sure there is a jest to be had in there somewhere.”
Queen Mikko snickered under her breath.
Father pulled two bags off his back and handed me one—it was mine. I stared in wonderment at how he had procured it but silently hooked the strap over my right shoulder without demanding answers from him.
He opened his own bag, rifling through his belongings. “We should get changed, everyone. Look as inconspicuous as possible.”
I caught the clothing he tossed in my direction. I stated bluntly, “I know where the cave is that the dragon uses. Wouldn’t it be much easier going there in search of the Fae?”
King Elon hissed, “Was the dragon there? I am thinking not since you managed to escape.”
