Page 32 of The Wolf King

“Good morning to you, too, Princess.” His voice is rough as he opens his eyes.

My cheeks are flaming, but he doesn’t seem embarrassed. I wonder if he’s used to waking up beside women he has just met. He’s handsome, I suppose, in a bloodthirsty warrior kind of way.

I sit up, pulling my fur cloak closer to me to shield me from the cold.

I focus on the mountains that surround us instead of the crease on the side of Callum’s face where the grass has left a mark, or the soft smile playing on his lips.

As well as illuminating the rugged scenery, the dawn exposes me.

Usually, in the morning, I would bathe, and my hair would be brushed and styled on top of my head. I’d be presented with pretty dresses, and ladies-in-waiting would fuss over me—cinching in my waist, and concealing my flaws.

I would sit in front of the mirror for hours, sometimes, tinting my lips and hiding the shadows beneath my eyes. I was supposed to be perfect before anyone saw me.

Away from all that oppressive finery, I feel naked.

My mouth tastes bad, and my eyelids are puffy, and my muscles ache. I know my skin will be unnaturally pale.

Callum is watching me.

Does he have no manners at all? Does he not know how rude it is to stare at a woman when she has just woken up?

My throat tightens. I need to get away from him.

I scramble to my feet, and wince as I march away from our little camp.

“Going somewhere, Princess?”

For all he knows, I could be running away. If he knew I could ride, perhaps he wouldn’t sound so amused.

“I’m going to wash.” I clamber down the rocks to the loch. “You Wolves may be content to fester in your own filth, butIam not.”

I tiptoe to the water’s edge.

The loch stretches on for miles in either direction, the rippling surface reflecting the mountains and the pink sky above. Just ahead is a small island, covered with evergreen trees. Shallow waves lap the smooth stones by my filthy feet.

The morning air fills my lungs, and, as I exhale, the anxiety leaves my body.

I’m out of my depth, and I just woke up beside an alpha in the Northlands.

But I have never seen such a beautiful landscape. It’s so wild, and peaceful, andfree.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Princess,” says Callum. “The water’s pretty—”

I shriek as I step into the shallow water. The icy temperature jolts through my body and I shudder.

“Cold,” finishes Callum.

He’s rolled onto his stomach to watch me. There’s a wide grin on his face.

“I’d rather be... a little cold...” I begin, trying to hide the violent chatter of my teeth, “than caked in dirt... although you clearly don’t feel... the same.”

“I don’t feel the cold, remember, Princess? Isn’t that why you were snuggling up to me all night?”

“I was not!”

“You know, I could get completely naked right now and jump into the loch and the temperature would have no effect on me whatsoever,” he continues, as though I haven’t spoken. “In fact, you’re right. Iamcaked in dirt. I think that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

“Don’t you dare!” I demand as he gets up and tugs his filthy shirt out of his kilt.

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