Keeper of the Forest by D. K. Holmberg

Author:D. K. Holmberg [Holmberg, D. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780692300190
Google: P9DdoQEACAAJ
Amazon: 0692300198
Goodreads: 23364382
Publisher: ASH Publishing
Published: 2014-09-26T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“You didn’t waste any time returning.”

Eris looked up at Jacen as he made his way toward her. He wore flowing black pants and his shirt hung open. A chain symbolizing the Sacred Mother hung across his chest. Haunted blue eyes which hadn’t been the same since returning from the north flashed at her as she approached. A dark smile pulled at his lips.

“You miss me, sister?”

He paused as he approached, looking over the garden with an expression of curiosity. He wiped an arm across his face, smearing the sweat dripping from his brow. Were she to do the same, she’d have to fear her mother admonishing her. Jacen…as the crown prince, they left him alone. He never caused enough trouble for their parents to pay him much mind anyway.

Eris wondered whether he would keep the garden when he assumed the throne. Likely not. Jacen had no fondness for the flowers, though whoever he chose for his bride might disagree.

“You went with Jasi?” She knew it hurt Jacen not being allowed to go north with Tholen.

“You know I did. With the attack…” He shook his head. “Father wanted an honor guard to escort them through our lands.”

“How far did you ride?”

Jacen shrugged. “What does it tell you that I’m back barely two days later?”

“Why didn’t you see them to the edge of the realm?”

He shrugged again and coughed. “The King’s magi felt it unnecessary.”

Eris frowned at that. “The magi sent you away?”

The dark smile on his face widened as he started walking, looking nothing like the Jacen she used to know. Eris made a point of keeping up and walking alongside him. “I think he feared my intention with the beautiful Princess Shanis.”

“And what intention is that?”

Jacen winked but didn’t say anything.

“So where are you going now?” she asked. Jacen had returned late last night and now already headed toward the stables again. The short sword hanging from his belt and the bow slung over his shoulder told her he didn’t intend to return quickly.

“I’ll be leaving for the north tomorrow. I thought today I would hunt.”

“You’re going by yourself?”

Jacen stopped and looked her over. His eyes flashed with anger that slowly faded. “I think I have proven I can handle a bow. Do I need to demonstrate for you?”

They entered the stables. The air smelled of dung and hay, and she sneezed.

Jacen looked at her with amusement flashing in his eyes. “This isn’t the best place for a proper princess,” he suggested.

This time, she did punch him. “I’ve never been a proper princess.”

Jacen grabbed her arm as she hit him, squeezing more than necessary. “Careful. Too much of that behavior, and father will marry you off to the Lord of Hops. I hear since his wife died, he’s looking to take on another bride.”

“Father would never do that,” she said, jerking her hand back.

Jacen shrugged. “Jasi helps bind the south. I suspect Desia will be used for the north. That leaves you, little sister. Not much left. The Isle of Hops would keep old Arag from pestering father too much and keep the shipping lanes clear.

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