Page 104 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“No,” I say, blinking slightly. “Actually, I didn’t dream at all.”
“Did Endellion spend the rest of the night with you?” she asks.
I feel my cheeks heating up. “Not like that… it’s… I didn’t do anything… improper.”
“Oh child,” she chuckles. “These are wolves. Even if you did the deed, no one would belittle you.”
“Oh, but still…”
“I know Prince Endellion wouldn’t take advantage of you,” she assures me. “I really just wanted to know if he stayed in the same room as you.”
“He did.”
She furrows her brows, obviously in deep thoughts. “Maybe his presence grounds you.”
“Is this really possible?”
“You were still very vulnerable, and your mind was an easy target, yet whoever attacked you - I’m taking the guess that it was the lady in white - didn’t return. It could have been because of the prince’s presence. Whatever it was,” she looks at me. “Keep him close. It might help you.”
“Wouldn’t that mean we share a very deep connection?” I ask. “Although we aren’t mates…”
“You share a deep connection. We know that through the prophecy,” she pauses. “We don’t know what it fully means, but Endellion is right for you, and you are for him.”
“I hope he won’t find this weird,” I mutter.
Again, Erin just laughs. “I doubt he will.” She hands me a bag with herbs and tells me to burn them every night before I go to bed, then she shows me some more meditation techniques. “Aylin is a fantastic witch. Her defenses are very good,” she assures me. “Stick to the exercises I gave you and let her help you further.”
“Thank you, Erin.”
Erin looks at me for a long while before she pulls me into a hug. “Be careful, my Desert Princess, and may the goddess keep an eye on you.”
I feel touched by her words, returning her hug before I reluctantly leave her hut. Endellion and his brothers are already awaiting me, eagerly ushering me to my lunch. To my surprise, they have already packed everything and made sure the horses are ready.
I smile at Endellion. “Your surprise must be good.”
“I hope you will like it,” he says, pulling me closer and kissing me gently.
It reminds me of what Erin just told me. “Would you mind moving into my room when we return? Or, I could move into yours. I know this is weird, but Erin thinks it could help me…”
He looks at me in surprise, a smirk curling his lips. “I like how bold you are.”
“No, really, Erin said your presence might help me with my dream walking,” I point out, not wanting him to win that easily.
“Oh, I will send her a letter of gratitude later,” he says.
His words make me chuckle. Fine, he can win. “So, what do you say?” I tease. “I don’t want to force you into something you aren’t ready for.”
“Is that a joke?” he grumbles, wrapping me tighter in his arms. “Like I’d pass on the chance to spend every night with you, from now on.”
I feel my cheeks warm at his words. I wasn’t aware how bold he can be with his feelings, but I’m really liking this side of him.
“Are you lovebirds ready?” Flinn calls towards us.
“We’re coming,” I assure him.
Endellion and I say goodbye to the innkeepers before joining Caelan, Flinn and our guards. I’m eager to ride Enora again, my beautiful, prideful mare, and she greets me with a little snort before rubbing her head against my shoulder. I make a mental note to visit her daily and spend time with her, so we can build our bond further.
After mounting my mare, Caelan leads the way with Endellion, while Flinn joins me to talk and gossip a bit. He tells me plenty of fun stories of their siblings and opens up about his difficult relationship with Kilah.
