Feathers of Snow: A Goose Girl retelling (Kingdom of Birds and Beasts Book 1) by Alice Ivinya

Author:Alice Ivinya [Ivinya, Alice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-11T22:00:00+00:00

7

The Border

I was stretching my back after finishing embroidering Jian’s cloak when there was a sharp knock on the door. I frowned at Ruo who opened it and dropped into a curtsy. Prince Jian entered and I stood up in shock, knocking the drinks table and causing the cups to rattle. I hid the cloak behind me.

He bowed, and I returned with a shallow dip. “Princess Elyanna, I came to tell you I am leaving for the Border. I must speak to those who may know what happened to Han and his men. I should go now before the trail becomes cold. My father is leaving with men to search the area of the attack, but my mother will remain here, and you will have enough men to keep you safe.” He didn’t meet my eyes. His grief was carefully contained within emotionless efficiency, but a darkness weighed over him.

I took a step towards him. “Take me with you. Let me help.”

He shook his head, his brows lowering. “It is too dangerous. I wouldn’t be able to vouch for your safety.”

I took another step closer until I was merely a foot away from him. “I am not afraid.”

His eyes flashed, meeting mine for the first time and my stomach dropped. “You have never been faced with death.”

I wet my lips, my heart pounding. “I need to see, Prince Jian. I need to understand if... if I am to be… to be queen. How can I help you rule if I haven’t seen what we protect the world against? I will have nobody’s respect.”

I saw the battle in his eyes, the twitch in his jaw. I saw I had a chance and leapt for it.

“You can’t keep yourself at a distance from me if we are going to learn to work together. Our country will suffer if we can’t be united as king and queen.”

His eyes traced my face for a moment and I held his stare. “Fine. But you must never leave my side unless you are in your room. You will be cold and uncomfortable; the food is stale and many of the men and women are uncouth. The ride will be hard, and we won’t have time to slow for you.”

A thrill of excitement shot through me. “I won’t get in the way, I promise.”

“Ruo will have to remain here. Your bodyguard may come but will be under my command.”

I bit my tongue at the way he ordered me around like a child. Now was not the time to argue.

He stared at my face for a moment longer, and I feared he was going to change his mind. There was a vulnerable tilt to his lips and a heavy weight seemed to lie on his shoulders. The weight of a kingdom and thousands of lives. I wanted to help him and feel useful, but I wasn’t sure how.

“When do we leave?”

He dropped his gaze. “One hour. Bring no luxuries, just your sword and warm clothes. We must travel light.

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