Page 28 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“Like Alana said, it’s on the other side of the lands,” Eibhlin explains. “There are the huge mountains and a vast empty land, unlivable and uninhabited. Lots of myths and creepy stories surround it. I can lend you some books, if you want, Azadeh.”
“Don’t bore her,” Kilah whispers.
“She can tell me if I bore her,” Eibhlin points out in a loud voice.
“Actually, I would like to know more about your myths and legends,” I say. “Not just concerning this no-man’s land, but also in general. About your traditions, history… I thought maybe you’d have some good books to recommend.”
“I have some good history books,” Kilah says. “And some about our family’s history, the castle and etiquette.”
I nod happily. “That’s fantastic. Thank you.”
“I can lend you my books about myths and legends,” Eibhlin offers.
“I would love that, too,” I admit.
“Customs and geography from me,” Alana says. “I like to horse ride, and as a horse rider, you need to know the geography of the land.”
“We’ll have a lot to read,” Simin chuckles.
“Now, we have chatted all the way up here and haven’t shown you around properly,” Kilah says, sounding disappointed.
“You can show me around tomorrow,” I offer.
“Really?” She looks at me happily. “I could pick you up before breakfast.”
“It’s a lovely idea, Kilah,” Alana points out. “But maybe Azadeh wants to sleep?”
“I’m used to getting up early,” I assure her.
“Wonderful,” Kilah smiles brightly. “You don’t need to come, Alana.”
“Well, thank you,” Alana snorts. “Lucky for you I have the horses to attend to tomorrow morning.”
“And I want to sleep in,” Eibhlin says.
“Then it’s just the both of us,” Kilah says before Alana clears her throat. “Oh, I’m sorry! And Simin, of course.”
“Actually,” Simin nestles with her clothes. “If it’s possible, I’d like to sleep in too. Do you mind, Azadeh?”
“Not at all,” I reassure her.
“Well, here we are,” Alana says as we follow the girls through a corridor. “This floor and the one above belong to the royal family,” she explains. “Nevyn is on this floor too, but on the other side.”
“My room is there,” Kilah points at the last room on the corridor. “This one is Simin’s,” she says as we pass by it, and the one between hers and mine is yours.”
“Your father is really generous,” I say.
“That’s who he is,” Alana explains. “Oh, before I forget, we have running water in the bathroom, just pull the strings.”
“Really?” My eyes widen in awe.
“Werewolves are used to working with witches,” Alana says. “Our palace witch is pretty good. It’s thanks to her that we have this luxury.” She pauses. “Do you need help with anything, Azadeh and Simin?”
We both shake our heads, and I take Simin’s hand to squeeze it. “We’ll unpack our luggage together and then go to bed,” I say, actually happy that I will have a few moments with Simin now. There is so much to talk about.
ten
The First Day of a New Life
