Page 21 of Dead Crown
“You won’t find much grass under the snow. Not these days. Don’t wait too long.”
Lumi forced his way through the knee-high snow as more flakes started to fall. The wind that morning had blown a good deal away and made odd little piles and drifts across the empty plain between there and Havaska. In the forest, a lot had fallen from the branches and piled up between the trunks. He struggled through the best he could and wished he could have stayed on the horse since it had snowshoes.
It was better to go on his own now. The river that cut through the area was dangerous to ride by. The bank was heavily sloped, and one wrong step could send a man and his mount into the icy water. He wouldn’t be permitted to bring the horse anyway, so why make the poor beast walk further to get back?
The trees were also quite thick, and Lumi had to be careful with all of the fallen branches. Of course, the trees were dying like every other thing.
Under his layers, he started sweating as he trudged through and tried to avoid branches and uneven spots that would trip him. A stiff breeze blew, and a bunch of snow from the branches above landed on him.
“Fuck,” he swore under his breath, trying to brush it off.
Once he emerged closer to the river, he crouched behind a boulder half-buried in the snow and looked around. Things had already been discussed before he’d come. Actually, Lumi had listened to his instructions and promised to obey. It wasn’t like he’d been given options.
He didn’t dare wait any longer, so he’d go tonight. He was probably a bit early. The boat wouldn’t stay in one spot the entire time, but it would come later at night.
He squinted and frowned when he saw no boat. He held back a frustrated noise and huddled to wait. The river could be treacherous in the dark with the ice chunks and rocks, so it might take a bit.
Waiting was dangerous. Thoughts threatened to creep in and knock out the pieces he had so carefully cobbled together. His freedom was nearly over.
A light twinkled in the distance, and he perked up a bit to see, although he wasn’t willing to stand yet. The skin above his scarf tingled with cold, and he was surprised his damn eyeballs hadn’t frozen solid.
The lights inched closer and approached the bank. With the few lanterns on the boat, Lumi couldn't tell much. He finally stood and watched as it paused. The boat would wait there for him until morning. To be sure it wasn’t simple fishermen dropping anchor for the night, he lowered his scarf and put two fingers in his mouth to whistle.
After a few seconds, it was returned.
“Lumi.”
His heart nearly stopped as he jumped at the familiar voice and turned to see a figure in black. For a moment, he couldn’t fathom who would be walking through the woods so late in the cold. It couldn't be the Prince because he never wore black.
But it was his voice that spoke. “Don’t go.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lumi said stupidly. His breath puffed out, and in the moonlight, the shape drew nearer.
“Don’t give me more lies. I gave you a chance to come to me. I'll protect you.”
Lumi’s gloved fingers scrambled for the rock near him as he shifted his right arm. “You don’t understand.”
“Yes, I do. I know enough. Come back with me. I won’t let Father hang you for treason, and I can protect you.”
“He’s not your Father.”
Prince Jaki paused. “I know he’s not. He was honest with me, and if you’re honest, you’ll be saf-”
“It’s too late.” Lumi’s throat tightened. “If I don’t go back…”
He’d told Lumi he’d find him if he refused to return. He’d tear apart the Kingdom and the whole realm if he had to. There would never be any escape becauseheowned Lumi.
He’d never had a choice or a chance. It had all been taken from him at the age of fourteen. The last thing he wanted to do was get on the boat even though it was his only option.
His body froze as Prince Jaki came closer. Maybe he could let the Prince steal him. It wouldn’t be Lumi’s fault, right? He could have a little more time with him instead, and then...A sob hitched in his chest because no matter how he tried to twist it in his head, it was only a fantasy he couldn’t truly have. Just like his freedom. The lies wouldn't make it true in the end.
“Lumi.” Prince Jaki’s bare hand cupped his face.
“I wanted you,” whispered Lumi. He wanted someone to care and save him. Someone who would protect him fromthatand give him real freedom.
The metal was cold despite being against his forearm and up his sleeve.
“Then come back with me.”
