Page 35 of The Night Prince

Chapter Fourteen

Idecide to take Elsie up on her offer to visit the village, and after putting my books in our chambers, I head toward the castle exit. I wonder if there’s anything she can tell me about Blake that might be useful to Callum and me.

More than anything, I’d like to get some fresh air, away from Lowfell. Elsie—despite her horrible brother—seems like she might be nicer than I first assumed.

When I open the door, she is already waiting for me in the courtyard outside. She leans against the wall while Alfie chases a bird across the cobblestones. “I wasn’t sure you’d come,” she says.

My smile falters. “I did wonder if it was wise, after last night. James seems intent on capturing me.”

“You’ll be fine.” She opens her coat, and pats a dagger sheathed in the belt around her waist. “I can take care of anyone who tries anything. It’s only a half-an-hour walk, and we’re notleaving Blake’s territory. Besides, it looks like that big oaf will be protecting us meek ladies, anyway.”

She rolls her eyes, though her cheeks flush slightly. I look over my shoulder, half expecting to see Callum. It’s Arran who strides through the castle doors wearing a black shirt and a kilt of black-and-grey tartan.

“I thought you didn’t want to come,” says Elsie as he approaches.

“Changed my mind.” His voice is hoarse, as if he doesn’t speak much, and his mouth pinches in the corners. He doesn’t sound convincing.

“Had your mind changed, more like.” Elsie arches an eyebrow. Alfie trips on a stone, and wails as he falls onto his knees. Elsie scoffs. “Oh, come here, you!”

She marches toward him, picks him up, and brushes down his little breeches.

I glance up at Arran. “Blake told you to keep an eye on me, didn’t he?”

“Is that supposed to be a joke?” he says. I frown, and he points at his eye patch. “On account of me only having one?”

My cheeks flame. “Oh, goodness! I would never...” I shut my mouth.

Arran is grinning, and Elsie shakes her head as she marches Alfie over. She slaps the burly male’s arm. “Don’t be mean,” she says.

“You’re joking.” I bite my cheek. “You have a sense of humor, then? I wondered.”

Arran lets out a gravelly laugh, and not for the first time, familiarity jolts through me. “Aye, Blake told me to watch you. Something about protecting his assets.”

I exhale and my breath mists in front of my face. “Of course he said that.”

He ruffles Alfie’s messy hair with a big hand. “Come on. Let’s get this over with. I hate shopping.”

With Alfie wittering on about getting a glass of apple juice from the “apply lady” when we arrive, the four of us head through the tunnel in the wall, then cross the grounds.

I must admit, having spent most of my time in castles, so far, I’m curious to visit a village here in the wolf kingdom.

I’m even more curious to know what the people who consider Blake alpha think of him.

Light rain falls as we leave Lowfell behind.

We walk past the mountain path we ascended last night, and soon reach an overgrown track that cuts through a valley. Alfie races ahead. When some sheep grazing on the slope of one of the mountains scatter—afraid of the little menace tearing toward them—Elsie shouts at him to pack it in, then hurries after him.

Arran doesn’t speak to me as our boots squelch through the mud, yet the silence is not entirely uncomfortable. There is something quiet and assured about him. Callum thinks he will have to fight him at some point. I don’t like the thought.

He’s a similar build to Callum—tall, broad, and packed with muscle—but I think he may be a few years older. From the neatness of his dark hair and beard, and the thin scars I catch on his hands and thick neck when the sunlight peeks between the clouds, I have a feeling he may have served as a soldier.

He also seems strangely familiar.

When Arran offers me an inquisitive look, I fight my blush. “Have we met?” I ask.

“I worked for your father.” I stiffen and the corner of his mouth tips up. “I don’t anymore. Obviously. I was in his army.”

“But you’re a wolf.”

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