Page 97 of Hidden Kingdoms

“I hear you’re the one making demands of princes these days, surely you already know.” Alouette teased, picking up a croissant from the plate with long fingers, which for a second looked as if they were tipped with sharp claws, but with the next blink they were normal once again.

“I’m hardly in a position to be making demands now, am I?” I replied, gesturing to the room I was held in and remembering how much I had gotten out of any request I had made. That would equal ‘not a lot’.

“Did you, or did you not, ask for books?” She took a bite from the cooling pastry, and I could have sworn I caught a glimpse of pointed teeth.

“Yes,” I answered, heart skipping in hope at where she was headed with this. “But it doesn’t look like you’ve brought any with you.”

“Thought you might like to pick your own, since I doubt we have the same tastes.” She shrugged, taking another bite, eyes shining with mischief as excitement bubbled within me.

“You’re serious?” I asked in slight disbelief.

“Best hurry up and get ready.” The door to the bathroom opened as she flicked her hand towards it.

I rammed the rest of my croissant into my mouth before rushing to the bathroom to get washed and changed in record time, before realising I had nothing to wear apart from what I had slept in.

Opening the door to the tiny bathroom, I went to say as such, when a ball of fabric was tossed my way. Calling out a muffled thanks, I dressed quickly in the black leggings and fitted top. A thick red cardigan that brushed my calves was a comfortable addition.

Reluctant to waste time detangling my hair, I pulled the white strands up into a messy pile on the top of my head before opening the door in time to see Alouette polish off the last croissant. I didn’t care when the prospect of getting my hands on some books,that I chose, was in reach.

I slipped my feet into the shoes at the door, eager to get out of this room, but I didn’t let myself focus on the fact that Big Man had stuck to his word—that I could be getting something I asked for.

Alouette stood as I reached for the door. It opened, allowing me to see a guard stationed outside, older than any I’d seen so far, and who hadn’t been there a few minutes ago. His salt-and-pepper hair was cropped short, and lines creased the corners of his dark eyes as they met mine, deep gouges pulling his mouth into a frown. I took a wary step back.

“It’s fine, he’s one of mine.” She nodded her head towards him, and I noticed the similarity in their uniform. “That’s Old Roger, he doesn’t say much, but he’s handy to have around.”

The guard frowned at her, forehead creasing as we moved into the hall. Like Alouette, his clothing consisted of all black everything, and belts crossed his torso that held two guns at his hips. He folded his arms over his chest as we passed, and like Alouette said, he didn’t say much.

“Why is he outside? I thought you were so kindly appointed as my guard?” I asked, as I followed her lead.

“I am. He’s just there to guard the door while we’re away.”

“He doesn’t look very pleased about that.”

“Oh, he’s not,” she said, a grin pulling at her lips. “But, he’ll do as he’s told.”

“He will?” We turned another corner, and the red carpet thickened under my feet. The grey stone walls were bare here, with only the occasional window present where I could see a glimpse of the vast forest that lay outside my room. The flames flickered and pulsed as we passed by them, casting patterns across our faces.

“Of course he will. I am the boss after all.” She turned to me with a wink.

“You’re the boss?”

“Don’t give me that look. Yes, I’m the boss.”

“Whose boss?”

“Theboss.”

I rolled my eyes at her, and she nudged me with her elbow. The dense crop of trees still flicked past through the windows as we walked along. The sky was clear and blue and for a moment, I thought how nice it would be to sit in the courtyard by the pool and feel the sun. A flash of slick hair and groping hands threatened my mind, and I sucked in a breath before hurriedly continuing the conversation.

“The boss of who?”

“Many people.”

“Why does no one here answer my questions?”

“Why do you ask so many?”

“Because I know fuck all about this place!” I huffed in irritation as I caught the smile that curved her lips.

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