Page 30 of To Wake a Kingdom

After cutting it into thick slices, I passed the plate around. Everyone took a tentative bite, nibbling quietly. I noticed the looks they shared across the table as Kianna slipped in next to Em.

“Is it very bad?”

“No,” said Em, taking a big gulp of water. “It’s terrible.”

“Oh,” I said.

“It was your first try,” Gideon said, his hands folded in front of him and his expression soft. “You’ll get it right next time.”

I took a furious bite and then choked as it lodged in my throat. It tasted like the inside of a fireplace and had the consistency of a charred log. “Oh, my God. That is awful,” I muttered through a mouthful.Everyone burst out laughing, and I gave them an annoyed look. Crossing my arms, I dropped onto the bench next to Ronan, sitting sideways, my back toward him. He nudged me with his shoulder, and I turned my head, noticing his stormy visage had been replaced with a luminous smile. It was beautiful, and he was beautiful, and I mentally slapped myself for the useless observation.

He had to go. Right. Now.

Mouth so close to my ear, I felt his breath on my neck where it snaked down the front of my dress. Tiny hairs stood up like stupid attentive soldiers as Ronan purred, “Smile, Your Highness. It’s good to learn how to laugh at yourself.” His arm pressed against my back, and I attempted to ignore the intense awareness this benign touch ignited.

This was ridiculous. It was hisarm. When had I become such a swooning mess of butterflies? I didn’t want him to move, but we couldn’t really sit like this forever without it becoming awkward. Had anyone noticed me sink closer?

“Maybe princesses aren’t designed for this kind of thing.”

That did it. I glared and straightened my back, breaking our connection. “You are such an ass.”He grinned, and I hated how I wanted to touch the ridiculously charming dimple that popped on his left cheek. “Anyway,” I said, trying to get a hold of the conversation and the shreds of my dignity. “The sun is out, and the snow has stopped—it’s time for you to be on your way.”

“I just had an idea,” Kianna said, leaping to her feet, her eyes shining. “Your grandparents’ chalet.”

“What about it, Kianna?” I bit out the words like they’d been soaked in lemons.

“I wonder how it’s fared all this time?”

“What?” Had I fallen asleep again only to wake up in the middle of this conversation?

“We should pack a picnic and walk out there. It’s not too far past the lake. What do you think, Gideon?”

My mouth opened and closed like a befuddled fish as Gideon lit up as well.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea! We’ll need a fire to warm the soup, and I’ve got some chicken already prepared. Oh, and the tarts will be perfect.” He clapped his hands in delighted joy.

“What? No, why would we have a picnic at my grandparent’s chalet? What are you two talking about?” I looked to the others for confirmation of how ridiculous this was, but Em and Noah were already helping Gideon pack food into a large basket. “Will you talk some sense into them?” Hands planted on my hips, I scowled at Ronan. “This is outrageous. Surely you have somewhere to be?”

Kianna interjected, grabbing my hands and holding them in hers. “I just remembered there are patches of navitas that grow in that area. We can see if anything survived the storm.”

Again, my mouth opened but nothing came out, my words ground into fine powder.

Ronan leaned over. “See? You can collect some herbs and have a nice dinner with some scintillating company. You really need to relax, Your Highness.” He sat back, sweeping me with an appraising look. “Though you are especially beautiful when you’re angry.” His smile was wry, clearly enjoying every moment of my increasing irritation.

“Don’t tell me I’m beautiful, and don’t tell me to relax. Iamrelaxed.” Obviously, that wasn’t true, and I was quickly losing this argument.

Gideon and Kianna had disappeared into the cellar, and Noah and Em had gone up to their rooms to change. Ronan pushed himself from the table and tipped an imaginary hat in my direction. I growled, and he let out a dark chuckle and then departed, too.

Finally, I was left standing alone in the kitchen, like a bristling fool.

About an hour later, we gathered in the courtyard behind the castle. I still didn’t know how I’d been talked into this. Of course, I wanted to see how the chateau had fared and I needed the navitas, but Kianna seemed so intent on keeping everyone here, I could only assume she didn’t want to be left alone with me again. I couldn’t blame her. I wasn’t entirely pleasant to live with these days.

We headed out of the courtyard, snow crunching beneath us. The air crisp, I cinched the thick fur collar of my coat around my neck. Noah and Gideon carried a large wicker basket between them while Em and Kianna walked behind, shoulders brushing, their heads bent together as Kianna let out a giggle and gave Em a playful slap on the arm. Perhaps Kianna had other motives for wanting them to remain here.

We were just past the castle, skirting the shore of Lake Ravalyn, when I noticed animal prints in the snow. Several handspans wide, they ended in three long toes, each crowned with a depression that suggested a long, sharp claw. They formed a trail along the east wall of the castle. Ronan dropped into a crouch.

“What are they?” I asked.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. They almost look like bird feet, but I don’t know of any bird that large.”

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