Page 12 of The Iron Fae
Trees chase up toward the sky, ivy and green vines clinging to their trunks. Soft white flowers bloom at their bases every``` so often, emitting a soft cottony scent. The canopy above nearly blacks out the sun, shading us so much a shiver chases over my skin.
“Are you cold?” His voice is soft. I’d expect him not to want to talk much for fear of warning the panther of our hunt.
“I’m prancing around in just my bra and underwear, practically. What do you think?”
“I’m just being polite.” If he is annoyed by my banter he hides it well. He loops the reins over the horn and leans away from me. With a fluid grace he pulls the brown jacket off of him and offers it to me.
“Thank you.”
I try to lean forward, create as much space as I can between us to push my arms into the sleeves, but I can only move so far. The soft material of his jacket instantly warms my body. I push my arm roughly through the other sleeve, my knuckles connecting with a loud crack against Kai’s face.
“Oof.” He grabs his nose.
“Oh my God. Oh my God. I am so sorry.” I gasp as I tug the jacket tighter to me. I try to twist to see if I’ve done any damage, but of course I haven’t.
“You really pack a punch, Killer.” Kai laughs.
“Seriously, it was an accident.”
“Honestly, I probably deserved it. I could use my ego taken down a stroke or two now and again.”
“Are you okay?” I whine in a meek voice.
“If your tiny human knuckles could break me then I wouldn’t be out riding alone.” He picks the reigns back up.
I grip the horn with a pout. Our bodies rock together, carried through the tangle of the forest floor by the horse. I reach forward and delicately touch a strand of its mane. The horse twitches as I brush over it.
In our silence my mind wanders. Yet, my eyes still roam the green for any signs of white fur jumping out to greet us.
How many days will I have to stay in the Iron Court? At what lengths will Cordelia go to find me? They’re maddening thoughts. A much scarier reality.
“I, uh, heard that Jase is doing well.” Kai softly breaks the anxious worries that pull my brows together.
“Is he?” I sit up straighter. “Have they moved him out of the castle?”
“Yes. I think Lylix has introduced him to a bar owner who had a room available above their business.”
Hopefully, he doesn’t drink his days away…
“Do…uh, do you and Jase talk often?” We keep our voices low.
“I mean, yes. Jase’s letters are often very long and wordy. He sure does love to talk.” Kai blinks. “I find him very… interesting.”
“I’m sure Jase would be down to be your human guest.” My lips curl at the thought. It’s gross that I’ve even suggested it, honestly.
Birds caw overhead, taking flight from a branch high above us. Wind rustles the brush where smaller animals hide. The forest has a heartbeat all its own.
“Jase is Shadow Fae, so it’s a little bit different.”
“Right.”
“He is much like you, though. Very attractive.”
“I’m sure he just eats that right up when you say it. If you’re kind to him, you’ll always have a friend. Jase is very loyal, you know?”
“I know.” A shadow of a smile graces his lips.
The Shadow Court seems to hold multiple things that feel an awful lot like home to me. I feel hollow so far away from them both. It’s only a matter of time though, I console myself.
