Page 84 of Apples Dipped in Gold

He groaned and released me. I sat up.

“It isn’t a woman,” he said, “It’s the fucking fox.”

“What?”

“It’s about time you two woke up. I have been screaming for half an hour.”

I looked ahead to see the fox sitting amid the tulips, staring at us.

“Fuck you,” said Lore.

“I am only fulfilling your demand, prince,” said the fox. “Tonight is the first night of the full moon and your only chance to end your curse.”

“A choice I am regretting by the second,” said Lore.

“Take heed, Prince,” he said. “Without me, you may have never even met your beloved.”

“By all means, Fox, take all the credit.”

“I will wait for you at the bottom of the hill,” said the fox.

I turned and looked at Lore. He lay on his back, staring at the sky. It was barely morning, but thick clouds hung heavy overhead, and the air smelled like rain.

I moved over him, though I questioned if it was the best decision. His arousal was hard beneath me.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

His violet eyes met mine, his stare striking deep.

“I don’t want you to do this,” he said.

I was glad he did not lie.

I leaned over him and kissed him softly, whispering against his lips.

“I know.”

* * *

We dressed and headed down the hill where Fox was waiting as promised.

Without a word, he led us up another hill. This one was taller, and once we reached the top, he paused and nodded toward the horizon. Despite the dreary day, I could just make out a faint glimmer in the distance.

“Can you see them?” asked the fox. “Those are the Glass Mountains.”

“They seem so far away,” I said just as the wind picked up. A chill shivered down my spine.

“Those are the tallest peaks,” said Lore. “The range is much closer.”

“You have been before?” I asked.

“Regrettably,” he said. “The Elder Kingdom lies beyond them. It is where I grew up.”

I was surprised. “I didn’t realize… But then…how are you Prince of Nightshade?”

“I was designated Prince of Nightshade by my father,” he said.

“And where is your father?” I asked.

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