Page 82 of Trust the Fall
“Incredible? I know, right? Welcome home, princess.”
I look up at River, but his eyes are trained on the castle ahead. He looks at peace, and I wonder why, if he loves this place so much, he doesn’t live here. Why choose Earth?
I don’t have time to ask him, as two reaper guards approach.
“River! Glad you’re back, man. You’ve been gone for too long.”
A tall, willowy blond-haired boy, who can’t be older than twenty, steps forward, pounding his fist into his chest three times.
River mimics the act, then pulls the young guard into his chest and claps him on the back.
“Good to see you, Cyrus. How are things around here?”
“Quiet. Almost too quiet. Boring, actually.”
“That’s good. Considering the rest of the world is in a dire state.”
Cyrus nods. “I guess. The queen has been uncharacteristically restless. She’ll be happy to see you’ve returned.”
Something about the way Cyrus says this doesn’t sit right. Add to that the lopsided grin, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he’s insinuating something intimate.
Interesting... and even more so, disturbing.
River’s to be the lost princess’s husband, and the queen is sleeping or has slept with him? Gross!
River turns to look at me and I shake my head, not wanting to know.
“What?” he asks with animatedly wide eyes.
I clear my throat, shaking my head to rid it of the thoughts of him and a woman being intimate. My cheeks burn and I have no way of hiding it.
A slow, smoldering grin spreads across River’s too-perfect face, indicating he sees it.
“Were you just thinking dirty thoughts, princess?”
“What?” I choke out, eyes flying to Cyrus. “No. W-why would you say that?”
He pulls his bottom lip through his teeth, shrugging. “Your face is on fire. You either swallowed a ghost pepper whole or you were thinking something pornographic.”
“Ugh. You ass. A woman turning red doesn’t mean she’s thinking impure thoughts!” I cross my arms indignantly. What is with all you men thinking you know women? You’re an idiot.”
Cyrus bursts into laughter. “Who is this, River? She’s hysterical.”
River sighs. “Cyrus, meet Victoria. Victoria, this is our newest guard, Cyrus Little.”
“Don’t let the name fool you,” he says, puffing out his chest. “I’m fierce.”
I smother a grin with my fist. “Nice to meet you, fierce Cyrus.” I smile.
“You’re not a reaper,” he muses. “What’s she doing here, Riv?”
“All in due time, my friend. For now, just know that she’s my guest.”
Cyrus nods again, smile never fading.
“Hello, Cat,” River calls to the second guard as they approach.
A curvaceous raven-haired beauty stands beside Cyrus, falling only a couple inches shorter. A gust of wind ruffles her hair into her face, shielding her vibrant green eyes. She’s aptly named, considering her features are feline.