Page 21 of Under the Mistletoe
Astryn stumbled upon the emerald glade her first time venturing out alone, the river’s soft murmur calling to her as its crystal waters wove through the mossy stones. There, surrounded by steep walls of stone, she could breathe deeply, the scent of damp earth and blooming ferns wrapping her in a quiet. It was the one place she could be just Astryn.
And when her father had sent word that he’d arrive with her betrothed at first light, the walls of the castle had seemed too high, too thick, too suffocating. She’d needed to think—to breathe. So, she’d run to the one place she always found peace.
Her shoulders had loosened the moment she’d stepped into the space. But the peace had been cut off as a soft whinny caught her attention.
Astryn spun toward the sound. A strong white stallion stood before her. Saddled but no rider in sight. She took a step closer and ran her fingers over his nose. “Aren’t you beautiful? What is your name?”
“Calavar.” A deep voice came from behind her.
She released a small cry as she spun toward the man. He was tall with striking golden eyes and blond hair that rested just above his shoulders and was dripping wet. He wore tan britches and a white shirt that hung loose. But no socks or shoes. She took a step back.
“Forgive me.” He held up a hand. There was a hint of a northern accent to his words, but he was no peasant. “I mean you no harm. I was just stopping for a bath before going to the castle.”
A bath? His shirt did cling to his shoulders in an unnatural way. And what a nice set of wide shoulders they were. She blinked at him, then turned away and ran her hand over the war horse’s neck. “He’s beautiful.”
“The sentiment is mutual.” Her gaze snapped toward him again, but he was looking at the horse. “Calavar seems to like you.” He shifted his weight before stepping closer. “You were running when you arrived. Is everything all right?”
“I just needed…space. You are bathing in my thinking spot.” The sun dipping below the jagged rocks testified to the late hour. “I should go.”
“But you have yet to think.” He sent her a slight smile and motioned to the river. “I am guessing that flat rock is your favorite.” When she hesitated, he took another step back. “I promise, you have nothing to fear. I could use a moment myself. Perhaps we could think together.”
She hesitated, but he was right. She was ready to return to the castle—to her future. And there was something about this guy that not only felt safe but also drew her in. She walked over and sat on the rock because he’d been right, it was her favorite. He settled several feet away. Close enough to be heard over the stream, not so close to be threatening.
“So what has placed the frown between your brows? And how can I help fix it?”
She shook her head. There was no way she was identifying herself, and there was no fixing it.
“Fine, then let’s imagine a world where your problem is gone.” He adjusted his position and set one foot in the flowing water, his golden eyes intense. “What does a perfect tomorrow look like?”
She closed her eyes and breathed in the soft earthy scent that surrounded her. This part of the forest was so rich—so full of life. “A place just like this but with a little house where I could stay forever.”
“Would you live in this house alone, or is there someone special in your life?”
She glanced back at him. There was a mix of longing and curiosity in his expression that thrilled through her.
“Alone…for now.” Why had she added that? Because for a moment she’d let herself pretend that she was just another girl in the village to do as she pleased. That she was just Astryn and he was just a boy she met by the river.
His eyes softened with a touch of desire. “And how many rooms would you like me to build in it?”
Astryn’s mouth went dry. Who was this man? Her entire life, people offered to do things for her, but that was because she was daughter of the king.
She dipped her head. “You aren’t going to build me a cottage.”
“Why not?”
“For starters, the leatherwork is too fine on your saddle for you to be a tradesman.” Her princess persona slipped, but she pulled it back in place. “Any house you build would surely fall down.”
“I’ll learn.” And with the determination in his gaze, she actually believed he’d try.
She shook her head. “Why would you want to build me a house?”
“To see you smile. I saw it when you entered the glade. It would be a shame to deprive the world of it for very long.”
Astryn pressed her lips together but could keep the corners of her mouth from turning up.
“There it is. And the world is right once more.”
“I bet you are relieved. Saves you the effort of building me the cottage.”
