AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s decided!” Katherine snatched the vile back, smiling from ear to ear. “We have council with Tiger Lily today, right?”
“Yes,” I nodded, “her Royal Guard. Came quicker than I expected. Apparently, the situation with Pan is more important to her than I realized. We’ll be headed to her village later today.”
“We can grab a bottle of mead while we’re in the village. Maybe Smee could procure a bottle under the guise of stocking the Jolly Roger? Isn’t it wonderful, James? Peter Pan will soon be gone from our lives.” She spun around, filled with delight as she bounded back to her apothecary.
Soon couldn’t come quick enough.
Tiger Lily’s sentries ushered us into the throne room. White stone walls shrouded in climbing ivy were behind her commanding seat, bringing the outside world in. Though the room was large it felt quite small under her commanding gaze.
The bustling village hadn’t changed much since I’d been gone, and neither had the Princess. Her beauty had only deepened over the years. The lines of her face were maturing into a coquettish charm. Ethereal honey-toned eyes perfectly complemented her flawless caramel skin, giving her a haunting appearance. A delicate crown of antlers sat upon her head, contrasting against her dark flowing hair. She carried herself with an undeniable confidence.
Nymphs and satyrs lived unbelievably long lives. Though she appeared to be an adolescent, Tiger Lily, like Peter, was over a hundred years old. She was a Divine Chosen, fated to rule Neverland. And if Tiger Lily had any say about it, Peter would someday rule at her side.
“Jas, old friend,” she greeted me warmly as I approached her neatly appointed dais. “Welcome to the sovereign’s court. Please have a seat. We have much to discuss.” She motioned to several brightly colored cushions laid out before her throne. “Your crew have my blessing to shop the village merchants while we talk.”
I bowed before her dais, offering my respect. Noticing the guards tucked into every corner and exit. “I’d prefer to stand. Thank you, Princess.”
“As you wish. Time away from the island has changed you.” Tiger Lily eyed my physique.
“Time in the thirteenth realm moves faster than Neverland. You know this, Princess.” My face heated as her gaze lingered too long.
“You’ve grown.” She smiled. “Aging suits you.”
“Thank you, Princess.” I was quickly tiring of our little reunion. I wasn’t here to exchange pleasantries.
“Tell me, James, why would you choose to leave the island? You are mortal, are you not? Do you not value time?”
“We both know I didn’t choose to leave.” The words came out in a hiss. I was losing patience with the Princess.
“Peter has clear rules.”
“Rules the mere humans he brings back to Neverland cannot abide,” I rebuked, causing Tiger Lily to scowl.
“Peter is a Divine Chosen. He is inexplicably connected to the island. What makes you think his actions are not fate’s desire?”
“Because he’s killing innocent Lost Boys,” Kat blurted.
“I’m sorry.” The princess paused, glaring at Katherine. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.” She stood from her throne and offered her hand. “Tiger Lily, Fae Princess of the Ninth Realm Descendant of the Divine.”
“Forgive me for my forwardness, Princess. I am Katherine Hawkins.” She bowed and kissed her hand.
“And what’s your business here in Neverland?”
“I’m here with James.”
“With Jas?”
“With James—yes,” Katherine corrected. A touch of jealousy in her voice.
“This business is between Jas and me. Why don’t you explore the village with the rest of the crew while we discuss the matter at hand.” She waved dismissively towards the door.
“Katherine stays with me. There is nothing we’ll discuss that she can’t be privy to.”
“Quite attached, I see. If she must stay, I’ll expect her to remain silent. She’ll have no bearing on my decisions.”
“You’ll have her respect, Princess.” I turned to look at Katherine, pleading with my eyes that she honor Tiger Lily’s request.
“What is this notion you have about kidnapping Lost Boys?”
