The Jabberwocky Princess (The Forest Tales Series Book 2) by Cece Louise

Author:Cece Louise [Louise, Cece]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jabberwocky Tales
Published: 2020-03-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

- OPAL -

I strolled along the tree line at the edge of the forest. It was as close as I could get to being outside the palace grounds without actually leaving them.

As I brushed my hands across the tree branches, a few brightly colored leaves fell to the earth. I knelt and picked one up, examining its red veins and pondered the events of the last week.

Ander had told me that Larkin was expected to make a full recovery. I hadn’t gone to see him myself, although I’d been on my way to several times. Each time, my footsteps had slowed when I made my way down the long castle hall until they stopped several feet from Larkin’s door and turned around completely.

There was something about the strange knight that baffled me. He was so different from any knight I’d met. Meek but certainly not weak, sure of himself but not arrogant, quiet yet insightful—so much that it unnerved me.

I had the feeling that he saw me for who I really was. I couldn’t hide behind my mask of regality with him. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

How strange that one who was considered beneath me in status seemed to have a better understanding of me than all the royalty I knew.

My face flushed as I recalled the careful yet sturdy way Larkin had held me when we’d hidden behind the waterfall. His arms had felt like a fortress, one that would protect me but not stifle me.

I’d thought about his embrace often these past few days—more than I cared to admit. That, along with my embarrassment over my impulsive actions being the cause of his injury, had caused me to not quite be able to face him.

Although, there was a part of me that was relieved Larkin had been hurt. Ander had told me that Larkin wouldn’t be allowed to go on any of the monster hunts with the rest of the knights. He may have gotten injured because of me, but at least he wouldn’t get killed.

A loud rustling from the nearby branches startled me. I stood up abruptly and took a few steps away from the forest. Before I could run, a scruffy black horse limped through the trees.

“Cleopatra!” I headed toward her, careful not to move too quickly and scare her. I took in a sharp breath when I noticed her left front leg was bleeding and sore, causing her to hobble more than trot.

“Sh, it’s okay.” I laid a gentle hand on her matted mane, letting her nuzzle my hand. “I’m so happy to see you, girl. I thought you were gone forever.”

After comforting her for a few moments, I crouched and looked at her leg.

I gulped. The flesh was lacerated and bloody. I looked around, then remembered most of the knights were away on another hunting mission with Ander and Sir Bayne.

“I bet you’re hungry, aren’t you, girl?” I took Cleopatra’s reins, slowly leading her toward the stable. I’d get her food and water first, then try to find help.

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