Page 64 of Ash and Roses
I point to another. “Human or wolf?”
He laughs, seemingly enjoying this new game. “Wolf.”
“Show me a human one.”
He tilts his head back and points to a spot just below his chin. There’s a small, white scar there that I likely would have never noticed if he didn’t point it out to me. “When I was five, I tripped and fell while out on a walk with my mother. I landed on a branch or a rock and split my chin wide open. There was blood everywhere, and I just remember her being so worried because it was the first time I’d really hurt myself.” His gaze grows distant as he loses himself in the memory. “What I remember most is her tearing a piece of her dress and holding it to stop the bleeding. She held me, humming to herself, for as long as it took for me to stop crying. She’d promised me it wouldn’t scar, but I’m glad it did.”
“I like that story.” When his expression grows pained, I lay a hand atop his. “What’s wrong?”
“I was just wondering what she would say if she saw what that little boy turned into.”
I don’t want his mind going there, so I reach for the first thing I can think of to distract him. “What were their names? You’ve never told me.”
“My parents? Roald and Sierra.” His face relaxes and his lips twist up into a wicked grin. “You know, if you meant to distract me, there are better ways.”
He slides the tray out of his way and crawls across the distance between us and my insides ignite. “If we do this, then you’re the one asking Tess for more tea.”
He laughs. “Deal.” Just before he reaches me, a much louder knock sounds on the door and I have to press a pillow against my face to stifle my laugh. Quinn lets out a frustrated groan. “Go away!” His lips find the sweet spot on my neck.
The knock sounds again. “Quinn? I’m sorry to disturb you, but it’s urgent.”
“What can be more urgent than my need to get inside you?” Quinn whispers in my ear before turning his head towards the door and speaking much louder. “What do you want, Ruben?”
“Someone has arrived from Lunae. He says he’s come for Abby.”
Quinn leaps off the bed and moves for the door. “Stay here,” he warns, pointing a finger at me.
“I will not!” I follow him, searching for anything suitable to wear. It seems he’s brought a lot of his own clothes into this room now, which is not something I’m going to complain about as I slip on a too-big shirt and pair of pants.
He gets dressed faster than I would have thought possible, and I don’t miss the fact that he straps his belt of knives around his waist. “I don’t want you to have to see the things I’ll do to your father if—”
“It’s not him,” I cut him off, hoping to calm him. Where is this anger coming from? “If anything, it’s an envoy making sure I’m dead.” I snatch a black cloak and sling it over myself, letting the hood drop low over my head. I won’t be recognized dressed like this. “Let’s not keep him waiting.”
Quinn groans, but doesn’t argue. “Stay with Ruben and do not draw attention to yourself.”
“I won’t. I swear.” It’s a fair deal. I have no intention of revealing myself to anyone from Lunae. I’m never going back there.
* * *
I follow Ruben down while Quinn leaves to take his own way. He doesn’t want us to arrive together, which makes sense. His entrance will be noticed, but mine shouldn’t be. When we enter the throne room, we find it packed with people all lined around the edges of the room—save for a single man waiting before the empty set of thrones. He wears a cloak not unlike mine and has his back turned to me.
Before I can even wonder who could have been sent here for me, a door on the other side of the room opens with a thunderous bang and Quinn storms in, dressed in something too regal for him. Flowing fabrics of red and green silk and velvet engulf him. He can’t be comfortable, but this is about making a statement. Lunae shouldn’t know about this place, and if my father is going to find out, he needs to believe that the ruler here is strong. Once again, it all comes down to appearances.
“Welcome to Rosewood,” Quinn says to the stranger. He’s putting on an air of pompousness to mask the anger boiling within him, but I can see it there all too clearly. “I am the crowned prince and ruler of this land. Why have you come?”
‘Calm down,’I think to him, not sure if he heard me. If he did, he doesn’t show it.
The stranger bows. “Your Highness, the King of Lunae has sent me in search of his daughter, Abilene. She was travelling through your forest and went missing some weeks ago.”
That voice… It can’t be.
Quinn’s jaw tightens. “I’m afraid most who venture these woods do not make it this far. You were lucky, but I’m afraid we have not seen your princess.”
I’m at the back of the room with Ruben, but I need to see this stranger’s face. I need to be sure. I slip away, knowing Ruben won’t risk calling after me, and move through the crowd as slowly as I can. The goal is to see, not tobe seen.
“I know she lives, and I know what stalks these woods. I saw the monster take her.”
There are gasps from the crowd, but there’s no telling if they’re genuine. I don’t care enough to wonder. I can almost see his face now. If he just turns his head towards me—