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“Almost as amazing as last night.”

She rolls her eyes but doesn’t disagree. Win.

“Do you think your father will give us the Marfik stone tonight?”

The bean brew goes down slowly as the realization hits me for the infinite time since being back here. The Prince has returned. I took back my claim to the throne for this. Returned to this gilded cage I had just stopped having nightmares about. Whether or not I was actually free, I had started getting used to the way my decisions were my own in the Human Territory. Enrolling at the Watch was my choice. Now, I’m not even sure they will welcome me back.

I risked everything for this. “He better.”

I snatch a few pastries off the tray because sweet treats always make me feel better.

Ramona senses my mood and stays quiet for a while. I love how she understands me. Years of a friendship first may have been the best decision I made, even if it meant watching her fall for Selene for a summer. She was happy, and I would always be there for her. Never force her into a relationship or something more if it wasn’t mutual.

No matter what.

I love her as a friend, and I love her as… as something more. The only time my territorial instincts were tested to their fucking limits was when that shit of a River Prince, Ladon, with his shitty blue hair chose Ramona as his champion. My glamour almost shifted that night. He acted like he didn’t know me his whole life. Like we weren’t compared since birth as to who would be the stronger leader one day. They all pretended so well. That was the deal. Only when I return to the land of the Ancient Forest will my claim be renewed and my true identity accepted.

Raspberry bursts into my mouth as I tear off a bite rather viciously.

Ramona clears her throat. “So, what’s the plan today then?”

The corners of my mouth turn up. “There is one place I have left to show you.

The Aviary is a massive oasis for the rocs and their riders. Nestled along the Northern side of the Forest, the entire middle section opens to the sky above. Sunlight pours through the trees to the forest floor hundreds of feet below.

Ramona’s hand is turning white from gripping the ropes on either side of the walkway. “I know we are in the trees and everything, but I didn’t realize how high up we are.”

I smirk and turn around, walking backward with my arms wide. “Welcome to the Aviary.”

A giant, dark shadow whips past, wingbeats so fierce it sounds like thunder. The entire wooden plank walkway swings. I bend my knees and lean to brace.

“Fucking Hel.” Ramona is on her knees, arms above her head still holding onto the ropes like her life depends on it. Her dark curls are tousled about her face, cheeks pink.

She looks adorable.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She pulls herself back up to standing.

“Like what?”

Her green eyes squint. “Like I’m a stupid new recruit at the Watch getting lost in the castle.”

“But that really did hap—” My arm stings with her punch.

This time, she smirks, and I’m overcome with the sudden urge to kiss the corners of those soft lips. Instead, I reach forward and help her up. “You have to brace your legs.”

More wingbeats sound from below. This time, when a large orange and red roc and rider fly, Ramona is ready: legs bent slightly, one hand on the ropes and another in mine. “Better.”

She harrumphs like it’s obvious that she is a quick learner and doesn’t need my praise.

I take her down a few levels where the nests get a little larger and darker. Where the older, more experienced rocs claim. Each nest is the size of a small house, complete with a section for the roc to rest and a fully equipped suite for the rider. We stop at the lowest nest, where the largest roc of the fleet resides.

I tut my tongue a few times, calling forward the massive bird.

A shadow rises at the back of the dark enclosure. As it steps forward, the entire wooden structure bends.

“Um, Leaf?” Ramona grabs my arm and steps in front of me protectively, dagger unsheathed.

“Put that away right now.”