Page 150 of Blood of the Fairest

I look over at Beowulf, who is, of course, waiting where I told him to. One of the guards is apparently a big fan of the stories about the Huntsman of the North and is trying to ask how he slayed Grendel, but Wulf ignores him.

I can't help studying the blue runes covering his impressive arms.

I don't want to endanger him while we're here in Aurefeld.

"I can give him a comfortable place in the knights' barracks, during your stay," Lief quietly offers. "It is near enough that he can meet you in secret, if you wish. At my request, the knights will not say a word to my parents about him. In fact, I rather think the men will be pleased for any chance to spar with such a legendary warrior."

If it comes down to having Wulf kicked out by the king and queen, or making sure he has somewhere to bunk during this three-day festival…

I know Wulf can handle himself better than I can in this world, but I still glance at Eris, wondering if he thinks this is a good idea.

His shrug looks strange in the warped gold reflection of the sconce. "I'd much rather Wulf stay at your side to protect you, but it's better to pick our battles."

Prince Leif follows where I'm looking, curious when he clearly sees nothing strange.

"Your Majesty?"

"What exactly do you want in exchange for stashing my sexy Viking?" I ask.

"I only ask that you please do not tell my parents that the Bellevyrs are in attendance. They invited a great deal of nobles this year, and have been so busy with preparations that I am certain they don't yet know they're among your guests. Gilda willing, my father won't know of their presence until the third night of the masquerade, when everyone unmasks. That should at least give me time to…speak to Anika. Catch up with her, after all these years."

Clearly, he knew Anika before the king and her father had their falling out. I suddenly recall her words in the courtyard days ago.

I won't jump into bed with Mikkel when my heart is still held by someone in my past. It's complicated.

Did the falling out have something to do with Anika and this prince getting too close for the king's liking?

I just love it when the plot thickens.

Except…

Does this mean Anika is in love with Cinderella's prince? That sounds messy, but I'd rather Anika get the chance to at least talk to her childhood love, if that's the case.

"You've got a deal, loverboy," I grin through the veil. Then I tip my head. "But I don't get it. Why not tell them how you feel about Anika? Didn't the king and queen make the festival special this year because they want you to pick a wife?"

Prince Leif shakes his head. "I have been betrothed to the second eldest princess of Turnstadt for years—though she cares nothing for me, nor I for her. It is a nonsensical union that I will resist until our parents see reason. No, this festival is really for my brother."

"Brother?"

"Well…stepbrother," he clarifies with a quick smile. "But we have never called each other that. I am certain you already know my father, King Roderik, married Gisela when I was a child, after my mother passed. She already had a son, whom my father happily accepted as the spare prince of Aurefeld."

"Oh, sure. I knew that," I lie.

"I'm afraid our parents are both fed up with his utter disinterest in romancing anyone. They're hoping that gathering every eligible maiden from Aurefeld and noble ladies from the other kingdoms will make him finally show an interest."

"It'll definitely make him interested in shoes," I muse aloud, realizing Anika isn't in love with Cinderella's boo thang.

So, Cinderella ends up with the second prince. That's good to know.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing. Like I said, you've got a deal."

I start to turn back toward Wulf, but Prince Leif clears his throat.

"Wait. Your Majesty, is…is Anika well? Was she harmed on the journey, by the bandits you spoke of?"

Oh, he likes her, likes her.