Page 113 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

And now I’m seeing why Zahra told me to adjust my schedule when I try to visit Kieran. This is getting trickier by the minute, and I want to go back in time so it can be easy again.

Prince Archie looks thoughtful as he hums. “But you go into the forest every day for your walk?”

“The past several days, yes, but it is likely to change again. I don’t know I’m going to be able to go until just before,” I honestly reply.

Even though I can guarantee I will be able to go on a walk every day for the rest of the week, I don’t want to say something that will bind me to it.

The prince just looks at me for several seconds, searching my face. I keep it neutral, not wanting to give anything away.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” I ask, briefly looking at the bucket.

“Yes, your lessons are going to start again next week. A guard will be outside your house to collect you. In a few weeks, I am going to ask for a progress report to see if you are able to have dinner with me and my father,” Prince Archie explains.

My lungs seize as I stare at him, hearing his awful words. Lessons are starting up, which wouldn’t throw me for a loop, but it’s the dinner with him and his father that is. How am I going to postpone it? How am I going to get out of it?

“Right,” I mumble, not knowing what else to say. “I’ll be there unless I get sick.”

Which is a total possibility, given that snow is still on the ground and the amount of time I spend out here. I’m surprised I haven’t gotten sick yet.

“You are not to get sick again,” he orders.

“I will try my hardest, but I can’t promise anything,” I gently reply.

How can he order me not to get sick? Does he know everything I have to do outside or in a day? How exhausted I am and how my sleep has been terrible lately. Those are all things that can lead up to me getting sick.

Prince Archie eyes me, a look of disgust painted across his face. “If you do sick, you will let me know immediately.”

I slightly bow. “Of course.”

Prince Archie turns and leaves, his guards following, leaving me shocked by the exchange and his ultimatum.

CHAPTER 33

Two days have passed since I last saw Kieran and since Prince Archie’s visit, and it’s put me on edge. I can’t help but wonder if he has someone watching me now. I need to be even more careful when walking into the forest for anything, not just meeting up with Kieran.

“I’m going to get more ice from the stream,” I inform Mother. “I won’t be long. Unless the prince stops me on the way.”

And everything inside of me wishes that he isn’t out in town today. He’s not the one I want to see. I don’t like going this long without seeing Kieran, which is wild to think about. A couple of months ago I was seeing him maybe once a month and the past week I’ve been seeing him almost every single day.

I want more of that.

I want to talk freely to Kieran. To be able to hug him whenever I want and behave like true mates.

But I can’t until the curse is broken and the prince, king, and witch are dead. I have no clue when that will be but I can’t wait for the day.

“You should marry him,” Mother says as I touch the door handle.

“Sorry?” I ask, turning around to look at her.

“You should marry him. You never know when another guy will come and ask for your hand.” She briefly looks at me.

“I would rather die alone than marry the prince,” I state and walk out of the house, without giving her time to reply to me.

Mother knows I want nothing to do with the prince, yet she just said I should marry him. Is she all right? Did the prince come by and say something to her the other day when he was looking for me?

I quickly grab the bucket by the front door and make my way through the town, looking at my surroundings as I get closer to the forest. Skylar is standing outside her workplace, talking to a customer, not paying me any mind. My shoulders relax as I step into the forest, feeling home once again.

It’s funny how the house I grew up in doesn’t feel like a home. But the forest does with the trees surrounding me and the birds singing. Maybe it’s because the universe always knew I was going to end up with Kieran and the forest is his home.