AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Patrick stands at the gates, a golden crown upon his head. He wears dark brown riding pants and a tunic the color of eggplant. His sandy blonde hair has grown nearly to his shoulders, and when he smiles at me, I see genuine joy in his expression.
“Carleah!” he yells as he rushes forward and embraces me. I breathe in the scent of eucalyptus and leather as I embrace him back, reminding myself that he’s only ever been kind to me.
“It is good to see you, Your Highness.” I pull away and drop down in a curtsy.
“You do not bow to me, Carleah.” He touches my chin with his fingers and tilts my head up so I can see into his light eyes. “And you only call me Patrick. There is no need for formality between us.”
Yes, there is, I think to myself. Though telling him I’ve no intention of marrying him in front of his people seems a bit harsher than necessary.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders so I’m facing the crowd that has gathered. My gaze finds Fort, but he’s not looking at me. Instead, he’s turned as well, so I can only see his profile.
“Carleah Rossingol has finally returned to Soreno!” he yells.
The crowd erupts in cheers as they hoist their sunflowers high in the sky.
“Come, Carleah. I imagine you could use some fresh clothes and a place to rest for a time.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
We turn together and head into the gate as it closes behind us.
“Your guardsman said that Bowman arrived safely?” I ask as he loops my arm through his.
“He did. We marched out to gather you both, but Bowman said that you left to meet the dwarves.” Patrick quirks a brow. “Did you find them?”
“I did. They are on their way here as we speak.”
Patrick stops, his face lighting up with joy. “Truly?”
“Yes.” I return the smile. “You seem surprised? Did you not think that I would succeed?”
Patrick releases my arm and turns me to face him then caresses my cheek with his palm. It’s soft against my skin, his hand unmarred by the callouses from battle. “You never fail to surprise me. But I am shocked to learn that the dwarves are real. I believed you’d arrive to find nothing but an empty cavern.”
“They are very real.” I pull away, feeling incredibly uncomfortable in the tender gesture and his declaration of love. “Stubborn and strong. They will make good allies.”
Patrick takes my arm and slips it through his again. I use his momentary distraction to look at Fort. The corner of his mouth is turned up in a snarl, though he still does not look my way. “Good. Bowman has filled me in on quite a lot of what’s going on as well as asked me to give Fort a room in the castle due to his loyalty.” We reach the steps, and Patrick pulls away from me, only to reach his hand out for Fort. “I owe you a great debt, Fort. You returned the princess to our kingdom safely.”
Fort hesitates a moment but takes his hand. Though he does not speak.
“I fear I also owe you an apology. I know I was not kind to you in my younger years, and it has weighed on me for quite some time now.”
Fort dips his head in a slight nod.
“Bowman tells me that you can actually speak. Is that true?”
A muscle in Fort’s jaw tightens. “Yes.”
Patrick smiles. “I find that fascinating. If you do not wish to share your reasoning with me, I understand, but breaking your vow of silence to rescue the princess is quite admirable.”
Patrick releases his hand and takes my arm again as we move into the castle. Gleaming marble floors echo softly beneath our feet while stone walls boasting portraits and the occasional tapestry surround us. A set of stairs straight ahead is lined with a golden carpet that mutes our footsteps as we ascend.
A long hall with doors on both sides stretches out. As we approach one of the rooms, a man standing outside, wearing the gold and white of Soreno, opens the door and steps inside.
“This is your room, Fort. Please let Lomir know if you require anything. A bath has already been drawn, and we have lain out fresh clothes.” Without waiting for a response, Patrick pulls me away.
I look back at Fort and catch his glare before he slips into his room and the door shuts. A few seconds later, we’re stopping just in front of a room with two maids standing outside. Their dresses are a deep gold, their hair styled perfectly atop their heads.
“And for you, Carleah, a room perfectly fitting to your title.” He guides me inside an expansive room boasting a large, four-poster bed with a white comforter and golden pillows. A green plant with waxy leaves sits in the center of the hearth, and doors leading to a balcony have been opened, allowing a soft breeze to carry through.
