Page 52 of The Nightbound Soldier

“But Duane stayed,” I say. “Because he doesn’t trust that the vampires will deliver my trunks, and he can’t get paid or keep our trade agreement without handing them right to me. In person.”

Nottuza is in the court. I thought perhaps he left on business and that’s why he hasn’t come to see me. But no. He’s here, and the entire time he’s been in the court, he hasn’t visited me, keeping me at arm’s length like I’m his puppy instead of a female from whom he demanded commitment.

If he won’t come to me, I shall draw him out. Besides, I want the trunks, and, frankly, I want to thank Duane. Sailing over icy seas all the way to the Winter Court right before the winter is dangerous. I want him to know I appreciate it.

I tuck my hand under the female’s elbow. “Let’s say hi to Duane.”

23

FLEUR

Descending the Ice Princess tower on foot instead of using either a portal or shadows is a tasking ordeal.

“Milady,” Winter says from behind me, as we’re both using the rail as we walk. “Duane spoke about you intimately.”

She’s interested in the young lycan. “Duane is a business associate. Nothing more.”

“But he asked about your chambers.”

“Only because we’re not in my court, and for all he knows, my chambers encompass an entire floor and are places where I receive guests.” The staircase seems never-ending, and I conclude portal transport is necessary, which means I need Aamako’s permission to set those up.

“I wish I had your confidence,” Winter says. “With regard to males.”

“It’s not so much confidence as it is training. My magic attracts the opposite sex, and so I’ve trained myself to use it. That is all.”

“If I may disagree, milady. You’re also nice, and that in itself is attractive.”

“Polite manners come with the territory too. I am a royal.”

“Royals aren’t…” She snaps her jaw closed, teeth clamping loud enough for me to hear.

“If you meant to say that royals aren’t nice, you’re correct. Some aren’t, and frankly, I can also be a royal bitch, but so can everyone. We all have bad and good in us.”

“You make it all look easy.”

“All?”

“All that it takes to be a crown princess.”

I pause closer to the bottom floor. “It’s…it’s only because of training and also because it’s the only thing I know how to be.” Since I will never be a queen or a mother, it’s the only thing I will ever be. “Which family did you say you were from?”

“I hoped you wouldn’t ask.”

“Then I won’t.”

Those left behind by the traitors prefer going by their first names now, and since I accepted it as such when they first arrived and settled in their quarters, it’s the new social norm. At least for this season. That doesn’t mean I don’t know or won’t find out who she is and where she’s from. All my friends are vetted, and she’ll become one of them. I like her.

For the next three floors, Winter and I descend quietly, our steps slower as we grow tired. By the time we land our feet on the ground floor, the guards stationed at the doors leading outside exchange looks, even though they’re supposed to stare straight ahead.

“Where is the back exit?” I ask.

Neither of them answers, but I hear a throat clearing and a low tapping noise that I follow to the back of the stairs and down a long undecorated hallway past three massive doors leading into what I presume are ballrooms or even a throne room.

Nobody ever gave me a tour.

I have no idea what the tower holds, but I’m willing to bet most of it is gloriously empty and just waiting for pretty winter decor. And it should damn well have it. Well, if you ask me.

At the back door, a handsome male guard with a mane of curly black hair braided tightly at the sides of his head taps the hilt of his sword. He’s wearing black on black with red cuff links and red jacket buttons. His collar is also red.

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