Page 82 of Glass Hearts
“So, who gets the mercenaries? I don’t think they will want to ride with either of you. So I will just walk with them.”
“Nice try, Blondie. We will meet you tomorrow at theGrand Quo.” Jax smirks.
With that, they leave me alone with the princes. I didn’t realize how much I needed them as a buffer. My traitorous heart skips a few beats when they’re around. My heart is still confused, not meeting up with my brain that constantly reminds me that falling in love won’t lead to anything good.
“Hello, Mistress. I think you should pick me as your steed. Prince Grayer will hold you tight, ensuring your safety,” the white horse says.
“No, Mistress, Paul is no good. Pick me, smooth ride. And Prince Archer would be a gentleman.” I giggle as I pet each horse.
“No, choose me, Prince Sylas is the steady and reliable one,” the brown horse with white spots says.
“What’s so funny, Vixen?” Sylas asks with a smile.
“Your horses are arguing for your sake. I would definitely feed them extra apples for that.” They all neigh in agreement, which makes me smile even more.
“It’s good to see you smile, Sunshine.” Koi scoops me up onto his horse.
“Sorry, all, looks like it was chosen for me.”
The princes all get on their horses as Koi gets on behind me. Instantly, I notice how he is gentle in not touching my back yet gripping my hip to ensure I am secure. I blush at the contact. Especially as his thumb creeps under my shirt, moving it in a comforting circular motion.
They all put on bandanas and lift their hoods even though it’s downright balmy for a mid-spring day.
“I suppose you all can’t just roam around like us mere regular folk,” I quip.
“We like interacting with our people, but it was also slowing us down getting to you. You seemed to have gotten into quite a bit while we were apart.” Koi jests.
“You can say that again,” I reply as we head back into the loud city of Quotina.
Once we get to the inn, Koi is instantly off his horse, offering his hand to assist me on the dismount. The inn is one of the fancier ones, much different from the budget one I had originally chosen. Fit for royalty.
“I will get us settled, why don’t you take Arabella to get some food and I will meet you there.”
The Gilded Acornis a cozy pub near the inn. Firelight dances across carved walnut beams and polished acorn-shaped sconces. Archer finds us one of the vacant corner booths, perfect for them to remain hidden. Wine and a few amber colored drinks make their way here from the waitress.
“I hope you don’t mind I ordered for us all,” Koi says as he slides in beside me. Sylas is quick to join us.
“So, Vixen.” Sylas takes a large sip of his drink. “What the fuck happened before you met the mercenaries? We saw the note you wrote to Lo. You got married?”
“And widowed in less than 24 hours, Cheers!” I raise my glass and smile pitifully. Sadly, they don’t appreciate the joke. I sigh, taking another large gulp.
“My betrothed was an abhorrent man. He bought me and apparently had killed his previous two wives. After Bernice and Victor left, he tried toconsummatethe marriage without consent. I wasn’t having any of it, so I panicked and called for any kind of help. Maxwell, a bear, burst in and took care of husband dearest.” Growls go around the table at my story.
“I am glad that bastard is dead. But I wish I could have been the one to do it for you, Duchess.” Grayer pulls me in closer.
“It was traumatic. But it also freed me from Bernice.” I shrug.
“Until she finds out he is dead… I think we will need to deal with her. As long as she is alive, I feel like she will always go after you,” Archer says as we all nod in agreement.
“So, how much does this place charge for a room? What am I going to be indebted to you for my own room?” I offer Bert and Kip some bread from the plate. They happily take it. But I don’t miss Archer sneaking me his bun in replacement. I will never say no to carbs.
Grayer snorts, but Sylas replies, “Sorry, Vixen, you will be staying with us. After everything that has happened, I would rather you be with us.” I want to argue, but honestly, I am just so exhausted. The last few days starting to really catch up with me.
Dinner passes in comfortable silence as we eat and drink. Sylas orders me a wine for the room, and I feel extra appreciative. The room is large with two king-size beds, a sitting room, and even a cute little kitchenette. Gold details sprinkle throughout the decor and furniture. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to afford one room to myself. I sit on the bed, and as expected, it is so lovely and soft.
Bert and Kip are already scurrying to the settee, curling into the furry white pillows. Sylas comes to stand in front of me, his hand reaching out in silent invitation.
“Come, my love, I think you deserve a bath and some time alone to clear your head.” I shouldn’t, but I take Sylas’s offered hand.
