“Follow me.”
We move through the forest, staying off the main path. Sebastian seems to know exactly where he’s going, navigating by moonlight.
After what feels like a long time, we reach a river.
In the far distance, the bells continue to clang, but of the shadowfae guards, there is no sign.
We walk along the riverbank. My feet are dirty and sore, but I ignore my minor aches and pains.
We’re alive. We’re free. That’s what matters.
It doesn’t take long before a cabin appears through the trees. The scent of fire clings to the air. Sebastian approaches the door and knocks twice.
Within heartbeats, a human lady opens. She smiles, her eyes crinkling around the edges. She’s tall and lean, wearing men’s clothing.
I like her on sight.
“Your Majesty.” She drops into a deep curtsy. “My name is Julienne. I am at your service. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Please, there’s no need for that, Julienne,” Sebastian says. “I’m grateful for your help.”
The woman rises, her eyes moving to me. She looks confused. “I see you brought a friend. Come in, both of you. Quickly.”
We step inside. The cabin is warm and cozy, with a fire burning in the hearth. There’s something bubbling in a pot. It smells so good that my mouth waters.
I hadn’t even realized that I was so hungry. I’m thirsty too.
The woman closes the door, bolting it securely. “You made it. Kakara be thanked.” She touches her heart before running her hand through graying hair. She looks to be around fifty, maybe older.
“That was close.” Sebastian turns to me as we walk inside. “We got lucky. I got lucky. You saved me,” he tells me, looking unsure.
“You saved me a few times as well,” I tell him, smiling.
He turns to Julienne. “Are we safe here, or do we need to hide? There were guards not one click from here.”
“Belen will advise them to keep their search away from here. I have bells that will alert us if anyone comes close. You can relax,” she tells us, looking from Sebastian to me and back again. “What is your name?” Julienne asks me.
“Yes, what is your name?” he asks, frowning. “I am Sebastian. We haven’t formally met.”
“Oh.” Julienne looks unsure.
“Hi.” I wave my hand, quickly dropping it, feeling foolish. “Um…” I clear my throat. “It’s Isla,” I tell them. “Glad I could help you.” I smile at Sebastian, but it’s hesitant because I’m unsure of why he’s looking at me with such intensity.
“That was some impressive magic-wielding. What are you exactly?” His words are hard; they hold accusation.
“Um…shadowfae…” I let my words die when his eyes narrow.
“I can understand that when I asked you earlier, it wasn’t the right time, but…I need to know. You’re not purely shadowfae.” When I don’t answer, he asks, “Why did you rescue me? Who sent you?” His voice turns gruff.
I swallow thickly. “Why are you acting this way? You were quite happy to let me rescue you not so long ago. You even held my hand, and now you’re looking at me likeI’mthe enemy. I’m not.”
“I let you rescue me because it was that or face recapture. You turned out to be the lesser of two evils. I held your hand because I didn’t want to accidentally step out of your shadows. We’re not suddenly going to be lovers just because I held your hand.”
I gasp. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
“No matter. I need to know why you risked life and limb to save me.”
I feel blood rush to my face. “I don’t know why I did it.” I shrug. “I felt like I had to. You are the king, after all. I heard that Queen Snow was on her way. They’re saying she’s planning on putting you to death.” I lick my lips. “No one sent me. I came of my own accord.”
