Everand nodded and rose. He took Hugo’s hand and helped him to his feet. Together, they walked for more than two hours through the dark forest with a lavender mist popping in and out from behind trees. Sometimes the wisp would wander off to chase a rabbit or a mouse, but it would return to make sure they were still on the proper path.
As they walked, they talked about this and that. Everand told tales of growing up with two younger brothers and adjusting to life in a new, smaller, ramshackle house at the edge of Shaggy Butternut woods. Even Everand had admonished him not to climb onto the roof to fix it. Meanwhile, Everand told him aboutwhat life was like in the palace and the endless lessons he had to take as a prince. Hugo did not envy him in the slightest.
Their conversation just proved to Hugo even more that the man he’d met in the palace hadn’t been the real Everand. The man at his side now was thoughtful, intelligent, and introspective. He was keenly aware of his duty to the kingdom and was willing to do whatever he must to protect his people. While playful, he wasn’t frivolous.
When Hugo finally felt the worn dirt road under his feet again, he breathed a heavy sigh of relief. The will-o’-the-wisp flew a couple of circles around them and disappeared, leaving them to find their way.
They paused at a crossroads, the bright moon shining on them. From there, Hugo could easily see the lights from the buildings in Buckleford down the left fork. Yet, it was the right fork that would lead him home.
“My home is this way.” Hugo motioned toward the right. “If you’d like to rest, you’re welcome to stay at my home for a bit.” He had no idea how he would control his mother’s antics at the sudden presence of the prince. His only option would be to sneak him into the house. “We don’t have our own carriage, but we have a horse you could borrow. I would just need some time to saddle?—”
Everand cut off his rambling with a kiss that curled Hugo’s toes in his boots.
“You’re sweet,” Everand murmured against his lips as he ended the kiss.
“Or I can walk you to town before I head home. I really should make sure that one of the city guards discovers you,” Hugo offered, earning yet another kiss. “Or we could stand here and do this until the sun rises.”
Everand chuckled deeply. “It’s completely understandable if you reject me, but I would very much like to see you again.”
“As a friend…whom you kiss?”
“Always as a friend,” Everand said with a wistful sigh. “This day has been a disaster, and yet it feels like the best day of my life. You make me laugh like no one ever has. We’ve talked so much, and still there’s so much I want to tell you. You make me want…things, but my life is not entirely my own. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep. I don’t want to hurt you. Ever.”
This time, Hugo leaned in and quickly kissed Everand, silencing him so he couldn’t say any more heartbreakingly sweet words.
Hugo knew what he’d found with Everand was impossible. All he could do was enjoy the time they had together, and when it was finished, he would cherish the memories.
“I would be happy to see you, but I mean the charming rogue from the woods. Not the lazy lout from lunch.”
The pounding of racing horses drawing closer cut Everand’s laughter off. They both looked toward the town to see a group of riders approaching. Just as they were retreating from the path, they discovered the riders were actually soldiers from the palace.
“Your Highness!” the lead guard gasped as he reined in his steed.
Everand smirked over his shoulder at Hugo. “It appears I’ve found my ride. Would you like me to deliver you home first?”
Hugo retreated a couple of steps, suddenly aware of several sets of eyes locked on him. “Oh, no. It’s a short walk from here. You hurry to the palace. I’m sure the king and queen are worried sick.”
Lines of concern cut across Everand’s face, and it seemed as if he were about to argue, but Hugo backpedaled some more. “Go, Your Highness! I need to sleep for two days and then figure out how to deal with a fox.”
The prince smiled and nodded. “Fine. Go. You’ll hear from me soon enough.”
Hugo hoped that was true. But even if it wasn’t, he’d received enough memories from spending one day with Prince Everand to last him through many years of daydreams.
Thirteen
Hugo groaned and rolled over, pressing his face deeper into his pillows. Some inconsiderate soul with a death wish was knocking on his door, and all he wanted to do was sleep.
Arriving home last night after being missing for the entire day had resulted in much hand-wringing, tears, and stern words. And most of that was from Dorian. Now that he was away from Everand and the potential for more kisses, exhaustion consumed him. When he’d spoken with his family, he’d kept his explanations vague, mentioning something about escaping some bandits while glossing over the meeting up with Prince Everand part. No reason to give his mother any unrealistic hopes. He was merelyfriendswith the prince now.
Friends who kissed.
Passionately.
Yes, friends who kissed passionately.
That sounded lovely.
But it wouldn’t lead anywhere beyond that.
