Page 94 of Glass Hearts
“What Kip said, Arabelly. We are so happy to see you smiling. And it’s nice to have people bigger than us to protect you. It’s time for you to take what is yours. No fear, that’s not like the Arabelly we know and love.”
Their kind words have me tearing up; they have been my companions for many years. Normally, mice tend to live only for two to three years, yet somehow our bond has elongated their lifespan. For that, I am grateful. They have seen and been through everything with me.
The princes must have caught me crying, because within seconds, four worried princes are hovering over me.
“Sunshine, what is wrong? Why are you crying?!” Koi asks worriedly.
“Darling, what’s the matter?!” Archer cups my cheek.
“It’s nothing.” I wave them off.
“It’s time for you to start trusting and telling them more, Arabelly,” Bert says. The princes probably just hear an angry chattering from him.
“No, it isn’t nothing, Duchess. You are sad, why? What can we do?” Grayer asks, getting to his knees on the floor by the couch.
“I am just worried about going back. I am worried about Lo. But…” I take a deep breath. Vulnerability has never been my strong suit. “I-I am terrified of something happening to one of you. I don’t think my heart can bear it.”
They all smile.
“I think the princess loves us, and wants us around more than she lets on,” Archer says as he scoops me up from my seat. I let out a yelp, and I see Kip and Bert scurry back to their little nest.
“They are going to wrestle again; I would rather not be present for that,” I hear Kip say, and I send an apology through the bond with a laugh.
Grayer
Arabella has been getting more and more comfortable with the idea that we have claimed her as ours. Everything feels so right. I have never been happier, and I can tell that my brothers feel the same.
Sure, we have the same worries as Arabella, but it’s nice to have something worth fighting for. And I will always fight for her.
I watch Arabella as she talks to our horses as we pack up our gear. Her smile is infectious. I wonder how I can make sure to see that smile every day. She must catch the feeling of my eyes on her, as she slowly turns to give me the smile she reserves just for me. My heart skips a beat. I may need to see a healer if this keeps up.
“Can I help you, my dark prince?” She asks as she walks up to me, laying a hand on my chest. I pull her in closer for a kiss and rest my forehead on hers.
“Ride with me?” I plea. She nods at my question, and I help her up to my horse.
Since we have been wearing our bandanas and hoods up, the exit out of the city thankfully is without the usual fan-fare. Arabella continuously scoped the area, taking every single sight with awe. When did our hearts get so cold that we lost the beauty of our world?
“Did you all ever do a tour of all of Velora?” She asks.
“We did when we were younger, about seventeen?” Koi replies.
“It was after we were permanently moved to the castle; it was Hendrickson’s and Mendez’s bright idea to have us stay at the castle after what Archer went through. Now I am wondering if it was always part of a bigger plan,” Sylas ponders.
“I still can’t believe Victor of all people hijacked a person.” Arbella shivers.
“We should have fucking known.” Archer bites out.
“How so?” Arabella asks.
“When we would visit the castle in the summers, Hendrickson was always a jovial and kind man. Almost like a father figure.. But a few summers before we permanently moved to the castle is when he really changed. He still seemed kind, yet he became more reserved. Pushed for more taxes and rules. Really should have known.” Koi shakes his head.
“So they really have been playing the long game this whole time. No wonder Bernice was so confident that you all would be married to her daughters.”
“Never.” I growl, pulling her closer. She lets out a sigh, yet still rests her head back on me.
As we enter the forest trail, a bear pops out. I am assuming it’s Max, since Arabella is still quite comfortable.
“I thought our horses would have been more spooked with a predator appearing from the bushes?” Koi thinks out loud.
