Page 36 of Veil of Shadows

Several times in the previous two days, I’d been cornered when I’d been alone. All of them had found a way to talk to me privately in one form or another. Some had asked incessant questions about the prince to learn what he liked or ways to entrance him. Others had dropped subtle passive-aggressive comments about how inept I was or found ways to remind me that I would never be anything but an enslaved lorafin.

Regardless, I couldn’t wait to never see any of them again.

But despite whatever was growing between Jax and me, I also knew that ultimately, he would still have to wed one of them, and if not someone on this ship, then another.

My stomach tightened, so I hastily inhaled the salty air to distract myself. Clearing my throat, I tried to dispel the ridiculous course of lightning that sped through my veins every time I thought of Jax’s future.

We finally reached the wharf, and the ship’s crew threw long, thick ropes to the workers on the docks. Salty air whipped around us, and the nobles who accompanied us on the trip were already gushing over what they planned to see.

Jax gripped the side of the ship and scanned the crowd on shore. Fae had formed into small groups, watching us from below. It wasn’t every day that a royal from another kingdom visited, and the ship’s elegant sails shining with Stonewild’s crest could be seen for miles from the coast.

A crew member bowed to Jax, then gestured toward two enchanted carpets that flew to us from land. “Your carpets shall be here momentarily, Your Highness.”

The carpets reached the ship and lowered themselves to a comfortable height on the deck. Crew members took all of our luggage and began piling it onto the second, smaller carpet until everything was secured. I couldn’t help but wonder if some of those trunks carried more dresses for me to wear during my time in Faewood Kingdom.

But unlike when Guardian Alleron demanded that I wear such finery, I didn’t feel forced to with Jax. He’d said I had a choice, and some might think me stupid for believing him, but I knew his words had rung true.

Captain Mezzerack hurried forward once the crew finished the task. “Your Highness, your luggage is ready, so you may be off whenever you desire. And might I say that it was my honor to transport you to Faewood for this momentous occasion.” The captain bowed, and the sunlight caught on the tips of his pointed ears.

Jax inclined his head. “Thank you for the safe passage. I’ll be sure to mention to my father how accommodating you were.”

The captain beamed. “You’re too kind.”

Jax stepped onto the awaiting carpet, Phillen and Lars following closely at his sides. Trivan hopped on next, followed by Alec.

When all of the males were on board, Alec leaned down and offered me his hand. “Elowen, may I do the honor of assisting you.”

Since everyone was watching, I automatically fell into the role I’d been groomed to play my entire life. Smiling, I took his hand and made a show of stepping onto the carpet.

I felt, rather than saw, Jax watching. When I glanced at the prince, his lips were pressed together, his gaze glued to where Alec and I held hands.

My throat grew dry, and I licked my lips.

The other noble Houses watched on, all of them waving and calling to their prince to enjoy the Matches. More than a few of the females stared at me enviously or spitefully. Throughout it all, Alec stayed close to my side, but I didn’t mind. The ocean breeze was cool, my dress thin, and the large male sheltered me from any further scornful looks.

Jax eyed us briefly again, then turned stoically. The crown prince of Stonewild stood before me. Regal. Resolute. And entirely foreboding. His public mask had fallen into place again, and he whispered a command to the carpet.

The enchanted carpet lifted beneath us and glided over the ship’s railing. We sailed effortlessly over the docks, and all of the spectators below cheered.

Jax waved to them, his lips curving in a stiff smile. The cheers grew. He kept up the act until we passed the spectators and began flying over the port’s shops and homes, then he dropped his hand.

“How are the other nobles getting to the Matches?” I whispered to Alec.

He shrugged. “Probably a carpet or carriage, but that’s not our concern now. We only have one purpose for this visit.”

To find Bastian.

Jax’s aura swelled, no doubt overhearing us, but his attention fixated on the distant Wood, growing closer with every second that passed. Rolling hills waited just behind it, and the vast distance to Leafton spread out before us.

Jax stood tall, his shoulders back. Tension radiated from him, and I had a feeling his entire focus was now pinpointed on finding his brother.

“It’s best if everyone has a seat,” he called over his shoulder.

We all sat down on the carpet, and the crown prince kneeled on his haunches, then whispered another command. The carpet took off, leaving the small seaside city behind us in a blur ofspeed. Despite the capital being over a hundred miles inland from the coast, from how fast we were traveling, we would be there within the hour.

Wind rushed over my cheeks, and the familiar sights and sounds of the Wood ahead made my heart soar.

When we reached the Wood, instead of the enchanted carpet dipping down to the Wood’s road, Jax commanded it to stay aloft, and we grazed the tops of the trees.

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