Page 31 of The Iron Fae
“Let’s slide down it together.”
I’m not sure you know what you’re asking.
“I don’t care.”
Ha, of course you don’t.His image dissolves, his mental barrier slamming back up.
“Lincoln?” My hand bounces off the bed.
I have to go.
Then he’s gone. Like he is always gone. It leaves me only to wonder if I finally said the wrong thing? Perhaps taking a page out of Rowan’s book just doesn’t work in this situation. Did I just fuck up?
Eight
The Ganush Mountains
Two knocksat my door is all I’m granted, though I expected much less. I’ve picked nearly three eye-boogers from the crevasses of my tear ducts, but somehow sleep still clings to my eyelashes. The force of Rowan letting himself into my bedchambers creates a breeze that doesn’t touch my bare skin.
With many thanks to whoever gave me the smallest sliver of my mundane life back, I’ve donned a dark washed pair of jeans, my boots, and an oversized t-shirt that I thrifted. The dagger Kai had gifted me for the time being sticks awkwardly out of the waistband of my jeans. Collin would have hated this outfit; I think with a smile. Lincoln would have loved it enough to take it right off… in the best of ways. I smirk.
“No lingerie today?” Rowan teeters in with less layers than I’ve ever seen him wear.
“I could say the same for you. Where are your coats upon coats upon coats?” I point out, pulling my bag onto my shoulder.
“What can I say? I like to travel light.” He winks.
Kai’s long hair has been braided down his scalp, wearing a similar pant and loose-fitting shirt to his brother. Both in colors of black and grey. “I think I like you better dressed like this.” The prince gives me a once over.
“More fitting, don’t you think?”
“Yes,” he purrs. “Rowan, take her bag. And Briar,” He pulls his bag off his shoulders and tugs a long brown belt from it. “This will help you carry that dagger much more comfortably. Also will protect it from getting dinged up.”
Stiff with annoyance, Rowan pulls my bag off my shoulder. Thin leather straps hold a backpack to his wide frame. He shrugs the bag off to reveal metal buckles that he attaches my purse to.
“Thank you, you didn’t have to.” I wave it off to both brothers, taking the belt from Kai and securing it and the dagger to my waist.
“Actually, I did.” Rowan sends his brother an unamused look.
Kai smiles and offers his arm. He smells of warmed honey and charcoal. I try not to obviously breathe it in as I loop my arm through his and let him lead me out of the room. I’d awoken eager and early enough to be patiently waiting near my door for the last thirty minutes. The necklace, my powers, rests heavily on my neck.
“Well, the portal will get us near enough. But the seer lives in the Ganush Mountain range.”
“So you’re telling me that I’m going to have to climb a mountain today?” Maybe I didn’t dress well enough…
“Rowan and I will both be there to help. It’s totally okay.”
Is it though?
“Plus what we are climbing isn’t exactly a mountain...” Rowan adjusts the bag on his back.
The curtains on the balcony have already been opened, the days warmth travelling down the halls. With the sun behind us our shadows stretch over the floor. Kai watches me even as I watch the ground.
“Is thatthenecklace?” He points.
“Uh, yeah.” I glance at Rowan, gingerly touching my neck.
“Don’t worry. He’s up to speed.”
