Page 64 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
Ita turns to look at me. “What about you, Princess Azadeh?”
I was hoping she would forget me, but now that she said my name, all the attention is on me. “I would love to,” I say, hoping I sound dignified. Fortunately, I managed not to blush. “But Prince Endellion promised we’d take the horses, and he’d show me around the forest.”
“Oh, did he?” Ita smirks. “Such a selfless gentleman.”
Once more, Kilah tosses her a curious gaze, while it finally seems to dawn on Alana what her friend is talking about. She looks at me with a smile. “Have fun, Aza.”
Simin gives me the thumbs up and giggles.
These girls are going to be the end of me one day. I have never met people who are less subtle. Besides, Endellion might have a mate out there, so there is no use in allowing my thoughts to go anywhere near that direction. It will only lead to me getting hurt.
twenty-one
The Woman in White
*ENDELLION*
It’s a full moon tonight, and it illuminates our surroundings beautifully. Azadeh has adapted well to the cold temperatures, which is why I decided to risk taking the horses and go on a ride with her. Over the last few days she has bonded with one of the mares, a beautiful white horse, a fraction stubborn, but apparently Azadeh’s calm dignity spoke to it.
In a way, two princesses found each other.
“This is so beautiful,” she says in awe as I lead her through the forest. It’s a beautiful trail we take, leading us along a stream. The owls are active at night, and their coos are accompanying us. I thought she might be scared of the forest at night, but she is rather fascinated.
I watch her ride alongside me, her beautiful, graceful face lit up by a gentle smile. She has pulled her long brown locks back into a ponytail, and she looks so effortlessly beautiful. Everything she does looks effortless.
Caspian is peaceful in my mind, just lying there and keeping his eyes on the beautiful princess, with her calming and intoxicating aura.
“I didn’t just invite you out at night because it’s so idyllic,” I tell her while we make our way toward the place I wanted to show her. “Though, spending time with you away from everyone else is a bonus.”
She smiles. “Always so smooth, Prince Endellion.”
Caspian wags his tail in my mind.She is teasing us, that’s a first.He growls contentedly.Look at how she looks at us. She likes spending time with us!He sounds excited, making me shake my head at him.
Don’t let it go to your head,I tell him. I don’t think she sees us that way.
You are a dunce, he grumbles.We will never know if we don’t make any advances!
Cas, would you choose her instead of waiting for your mate?I ask earnestly.Caelan is starting to feel a bond. It could happen to us too. If we take a chosen mate, we will cut the bond to our fated one… if she exists.
I know, but it doesn’t matter to me. I like her, he says.And I’ve never liked anyone before. She sends tingles through my body without touching me, and I hate if someone even looks at her.
His words put me at ease. I know how I feel, but it’s good to know that we are on the same page.
I shift my attention back to the princess. “Just wait,” I tell her, picking up my pace and making sure she follows me before leading her towards a huge clearing. Azadeh halts her horse, her mouth dropping open at the sight in front of her. “This is… unbelievable…”
“Moon flowers,” I tell her with a smile while dismounting my horse. I help her down from hers, smiling as I watch her walk further into the clearing, gaping at the sight. “It is said that this place was blessed by the goddess, which is why the flowers here bloom only at night, and under a full moon, they are illuminated, sparkling and shining like little silver lights.”
“This is surreal,” Azadeh breathes out.
“Come,” I reach out my hand towards her, my heart skipping a beat when she takes it, then lead her further into the clearing until we are both surrounded by the shimmering moon flowers.
“Magical,” she says quietly.
“So, I assume you like it?”
“Like doesn’t even remotely describe what I feel,” she says.
I chuckle and twirl her around a bit.
