Page 7 of Little Red Riding Hood
“And you?” Wim asked. “Do you believe it?”
Red hesitated. Did he? The Queen had given him a mission, and who was he to question her wisdom? But something in Wim’s reaction made him pause.
“I… I’m not sure,” Red admitted, surprising himself with his honesty. “But I have to try. For the kingdom. It would bring me the highest honour.”
Saving Falchovari from starvation would surely escalate Red from his current social standing—a touch above the servants, on a good day—to one of the Queen’s court. He might even become a celebrated hero of sorts. Maybe a statue or two of him would be erected. He wouldn’t say no.
Wim nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the fire. “For the kingdom,” he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.
“What is it?” Red snapped, because he was obviously holding something back.
Wim visibly flinched. “Finish your broth.”
A few minutes of silence passed, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the soft slurping of broth. Red continued to sneak glances at the wolf, who broodily sat on his own log, staring into the flames. Then he finally looked at Red again.
“So, as it happens,” the man started, hesitant-like. “I’m heading that way myself.”
“But I haven’t told you which way I’m travelling,” Red shot back, sharp as an arrow. He studied Wim’s face for any sign of deception. The man’s gaze remained steady, but there was a flicker ofsomethingin its depths.
“Your pack,” Wim said, nodding towards Red’s gear. “Spotted that map of yours poking out before. Got a path marked right up to the Dark Forest.”
Red’s hand instinctively moved to his pack. He’d been careless, again. He’d been taught better than to leave such vital information exposed. Queen Schön would be furious if she knew.
“And you just happen to also be going into the Dark Forest?” Red asked, trying to keep his tone light despite the sudden tension coiling in his gut. “That’s a coincidence, isn’t it?”
Wim’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “Fancy that, eh? Could be fate talking. This forest is dangerous. Might be we could help each other out. Travelling companions, just for a few days.”
Red gaped at Wim, shock and indignation warring within him. Theaudacity! Suggesting they travel together, as if Red needed his help.
“Absolutely not,” Red snapped, drawing himself up to his full height. “I don’t need you, dog. I’m perfectly capable of surviving in this forest. I was trained by the Queen’s huntsman himself.”
Wim only laughed. “That so? I can’t imagine the Queen’s huntsman walking about with his toes poking through his boots.”
Red quickly covered his well-worn leather boots with his cloak, glaring at the wolf.
Wim’s lips twitched. “You’ll starve before sundown tomorrow, sweetheart.”
The words stung. They held a grain of truth, but Red would be damned if he’d admit it. “I’ve survived this long, haven’t I?”Three whole days.“I also fail to see what you’d get out of the arrangement.”
As he met Wim’s fiery gaze, Red’s blood ran cold as realisation seeped through him. Red raked his eyes over the man’s muscular form. He dropped his voice low to ask, “Unless… unless what you want in return is… is me?”
Wim’s eyebrows shot up, and for a moment he looked genuinely taken aback. Then he burst out laughing. “You?” Wim chuckled, shaking his head. “Settle down. I have no interest in scrawny little waifs like you. I prefer my men sturdy enough for rough handling, not breakable as a twig.”
Surprise and irritation warred for dominance, quickly replaced by a healthy twinge of offence. “Waif?” Red sputtered indignantly. “I’ll have you know I’m considered quite desirable at court!” A bit of a stretch, but Red wasn’t completely without his charms.
Wim’s laughter subsided, but his eyes still sparkled with mirth. “Of course you are, sweetheart. But that’s not why I offered to walk with you.”
“Then why?” Red demanded, crossing his arms over his chest. “What could you possibly gain?”
Wim’s expression sobered, the amusement fading from his eyes. “Like I said before, these forests aren’t safe. Two sets of eyes are better than one, even if it’s just us. And…” He hesitated, seeming to choose his words carefully. “Since I’ve got my own business that way, makes sense to stick together for a bit. The forest can be a scary place, especially for a little thing like you.”
“Fine!” Red jumped up, busying himself with rearranging his meager pile of possessions. “I suppose you might come in useful, the next time my fire is being fickle.” The dog might come in handy for other things as well, like scaring off any more lurking predators and chasing away annoying bandits who might dare to attempt to rob him.
Wim laughed, then rumbled in agreement. “Aye, that.”
“I’m going to sleep,” Red pointedly announced. “I will sleep on this side.” He laid out his bedroll on his side of the fire. “And you will sleep over there.”
“Oh, will I now?” Wim laughed again, the sound booming through the trees, a deep, rich rumble that felt as though it vibrated through the very ground beneath them. It was a mix of amusement and challenge. “You think you’re in charge here, sweetheart?”
