Page 20 of The Bones of the Cursed

I silently pray he makes it to get help. He might be our only hope.

9

- ALANIS -

THE ISLE OF RIMOLDI

The sun wakes me before I’m ready. As much as Kailu pissed me off last night—or was it this morning?—he was right. We all needed to get some sleep.

Slipping quietly from the tent so I don’t wake Hannah, I walk over to the wash basin and quickly splash water on my face and neck before the soldiers awaken. I take a bit of mint leaf that Hannah packed from her garden, running it over my teeth before chewing it up. Pulling my hair back, I turn, only to find myself colliding with a brick wall.

A brick wall that smells too good for someone who rode on horseback all day yesterday. I self-consciously move back, knowing I don’t smell as great.

“Not a morning person, sunshine?” he says, tone far too chipper.

I grit my teeth. I know for a fact he took the remainder of the watch. Shouldn’t he be tired and quiet? Emphasis on the quiet. “Don’t you have something better to do than start your morning with annoying nicknames for me?”

“You like those, do you?” He smirks at me, looking even more handsome unshaven. “I think I especially like sunshine; it fitsthat charming personality of yours so well.”

When I don’t speak, he says, “We will be leaving camp within the hour. Make sure you and Hannah are ready to leave. Get some breakfast, too.” He winks and strides toward the soldiers stoking the embers in the campfire back to life to cook breakfast.

“Bossy bastard,” I whisper under my breath. I hear him laugh. Groaning, I roll my eyes, which only makes him laugh harder. Damn him and his stupid Fae hearing. It’s also extremely rude of him to have a laugh that sounds like that. He shouldn’t have a laugh that makes my toes curl.

I march over to the tent just as Hannah is making her way out.

“Slow down, Alanis. What’s got you all worked up so early in the morning?” She looks over my shoulder and rolls her eyes at whatever she sees. “Kailu again?”

“When isn’t he the cause of my annoyance?” I huff out a breath and duck into the tent to start packing. “I swear he has made it his mission to get under my skin every chance he gets.”

“At least he’s pretty to look at while he annoys you.” Hannah smirks, and I’ve never wanted to smack her upside the head more than I do in that second.

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.” I avoid all eye contact while I finish packing my satchel. I hear her giggle before leaving the tent.

When I emerge, most of the soldiers are going about their daily perimeter checks. I hurry to grab some breakfast, which consists of some sort of oatmeal. Kailu sits by his tent, talking in hushed tones with Siveral. I walk over to stand in front of the two Fae.

“I believe you males have some things to tell us before we continue on our journey.” I cross my arms and purse my lips.

“Didn’t anyone ever teach you it’s rude to interrupt while people are talking, sunshine?” Kailu gives me one of hisaggravating smirks and I use every ounce of strength I have to not claw his face.

“Oh, no. They did. I just don’t really care about manners when it comes to you.” I give him my most charming smile. “Come now, lollipop, we have things to do.”

I hear him growl as I walk away and I can’t control the giggle that leaves my body. “You’re right, nicknames are so much fun!” I call over my shoulder.

Siveral barks out a laugh. I am quite content as I walk back towards where Hannah sits by the fire.

“You really know how to put Kailu in his place.”

I glance towards Hendrix as he sidles up next to me, smiling at the amusement on his face. “It is pretty amusing,” I admit. “Is he always this much fun?”

He runs his fingers through his golden-brown hair and gives me a charming smile. His deep brown eyes sparkle in the sun. “Kailu is a difficult one. He’s been through a lot and takes his job seriously. He’s the reason I’m in the King’s Guard. He really helped me out when I needed it. He’s a good guy; don’t let his rough exterior fool you.”

I watch as the male in question approaches us, Siveral right behind.

“So, what is the deal with the Isle of Rimoldi?” Hannah asks as soon as they’re close enough.

Siveral and Kailu exchange a glance and some sort of silent exchange ensues. It must have been decided that Siveral be the message bearer because he clears his throat and plops a book down onto the table.

I look at the old history book of the realm with a longing to sift through its pages. “I never saw that book in the library.”

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