Page 35 of The Nightbound Soldier

“I’ve never traveled this way before,” I start, hoping conversation might ease my fear.

The vampire grunts in a way that makes me think he’s acknowledging that I’ve spoken, but has nothing to add.

I try a question next. “How long is the ride?”

“Long.”

“Very informative.”

A grunt again.

“Are you going to sulk in the shadows the entire ride?”

“I like watching you.”

“A good soldier watches over the princess.”

He chuckles. “Exactly.”

I close the window curtain, then glance to the window on his left. He pulls the curtain closed too, and now I feel trapped inside the box with a vampire. Not that I wasn’t before, but somehow, it’s worse now.

“I won’t hurt you,” he says.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“I smell your fear.”

“I’m unaccustomed to your method of travel is all.” I would’ve arrived with the portal. Or heck, even Unseelie shadows sound better than bat carriages, but polite society dictates I remain calm and grateful for his thoughtful fetching of me in any manner he could.

“I apologize for the inconvenience and the outdated mode of travel. It’s the only way I could retrieve you…” He pauses then adds, “and all the trunks.”

“I hardly brought any trunks.”

“I counted twenty-three.”

“Only because I intend to commission many new styles once I arrive at the court. Bringing business to the people in the Winter Court is high on my agenda.”

“Perfect.”

“See, now we’re talking.” I scoot over and sit in the middle of the bench, my knees fitting perfectly between his legs. I lean in slightly, not slouching, though, because a princess doesn’t slouch. “You and I both know you could’ve sent your lords for me. You didn’t need to be here.” When he doesn’t respond, I lean in further. “So?”

“So what?” he asks.

“Why did you come for me?” I scoot closer, at the edge of my seat now, trying to pull him in with my magic, but it’s as if I have no magic. His resistance and control attracts me, not the other way around.

“The Unseelie king and his mate requested I personally guarantee your safety during your stay at the Winter Court.”

I must commission something outrageously cute for Augusta. “I take that to mean the Unseelie royals want you as my bodyguard.”

“Take it any way you wish, as long as you do what keeps you safe. I would have written a protocol for you, but I’m aware you won’t follow it.”

“You’re probably right. I’m still stuck on the fact the future fate glued us back together.”

“We weren’t apart much.”

Oh my. He’s referencing his nightly visits. “Watching me the way you have been is bold even for you.”

“How so?”

---