Page 63 of Feathered Thief

He peered at her from under his brows, looking hopeful. “Yes.”

Was he blushing? Oh, yes, he was!

Memories suddenly swept through her mind, clearing the confusion. Yes! While living in Trinec she had dreamed of the boy Kazikandof the man he was now! She couldn’t remember everything clearly, but she knew that he had played a huge part in her life at Papa Hrabik’s cottage at Bolislaus Castle.

Turning away from him, struggling to draw a full breath, she slipped her hand into the blue kirtle’s hidden pocket where she had placed the toy when she changed clothes. Just holding the little prancing horse made her feel better, as it always had. Shespun back to face Kazik, whose brow had creased with concern. “Helena?”

Her heart felt as if it might burst as she held out the toy on her palm. “While I lived in Trinec, I dreamed about you, but I could never remember my dreams after I woke. Until just now.”

His brows rose high, and his face reddened. “You . . . you kept it all that time? We really shared those dreams?”

She nodded. “His name is Sztorm, and he comforted me during my loneliest times. I knew that someone, somewhere, cared enough to give him to me. And I . . . I . . .”

Flustered, she paused to swallow and tried again. “Kazik, I don’t trust easily—it’s just the way I am. I know that I would never have agreed to our betrothal unless I returned your affection and respected you. I’m sure you have faults—everyone does—but I believe you’re a man any woman could honor and love. I can easily believe that I was smitten with you.”

“Really?” Hope brightened his eyes. “And are you now? Smitten with me?”

“Yes. I love you dearly.” Trembling, her heart racing, she framed his face with her hands and rose on tiptoe to kiss him. Was it magic she felt as their lips touched, just before his arms drew her into a tender embrace?

After that kiss and a few more, they lost track of time while catching up on their lives and strolling aimlessly amid the castle gardens, through a vine-covered gate, and along a curving path that followed a sparkling river. Several times they paused for more kisses, but reality eventually interrupted their sweet idyll.

“I’m getting hungry again. Where are we?” Helena asked, looking around.

As if waking from a happy dream, Kazik glanced around—then his eyes widened. “Helena, we’re not on Castle Valga’s grounds anymore.”

18

FREEDOM AND REUNIONS

“Look!” Kazik pointed at the castle’s distinctive turrets high above.

It took her a moment to realize. “But how can that be?”

“We escaped!” he cried, then clapped both hands atop his hatless head. “How could I be so oblivious! For the past five years, the barrier spell has always directed me back to the castle. This time it didn’t, and I just kept wandering in a happy daydream. It’s all your fault.”

“Isn’t this a good thing?” Helena asked in confusion.

His face lit up. “I was jesting. It’s a wonderful thing! Helena, yourescuedme. I’m free!” Catching her in his arms, he whirled her off her feet, laughing.

She couldn’t help laughing with him. “But how are you rescued? How did we get free?”

“You!” Grinning from ear to ear, he said, “Youkissedme free!”

“I did?”

Before Kazik could answer, a familiar voice cried, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

Helena turned in Kazik’s arms. “Fox! You’re here!” An instant later, her smile vanished. The animal’s eyes held a murderous glint.

Before she could ask where Papa Hrabik was, the fox howled, “Answer me! Who are you? Why are you at Castle Valga? If you’ve come to wake the sleeping princess or to invade the palace and steal from the sleepers, you’ll never succeed.” He showed his teeth in a snarl.

Her guide didn’t recognize her dressed as a woman.

Snatching his dagger from its sheath, Kazik placed himself between her and those sharp fangs. “Take care, fox.”

Helena forgot about her weapons, struggling even to gather her thoughts. “Kazik, this is?—”

Before she could complete the introduction, the fox yelped. “Kazik?” Those fiery eyes looked him up and down. “You are— Are you Prince Kazimierz of Mnisztwo Castle?”

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