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“Oh. You were with him?”
“I wasn’t throwing boulders. I was flattening the ground for the foundation.” He grimaces and peers at me between his tusks. “I heard the goats bleating in agony first.”
Ugh. That was probably a terrible thing to witness.
“I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“No, but I wish none of it had happened. I wish your father would try to make things right rather than trying to force you onto the throne. Parents should protect their kids, you know?” My chest pangs with my own parental longing. My parents were emotionally absent and I’ve always felt like a fundamental piece of me was missing.
“They should, but the reality is, Basil will run to tell my father I’ve taken a mate. He will come to find us, and I won’t put you in danger. I can’t.”
That’s why he’s giving me so many mixed signals. It isn’t that he thinks I’m annoying or unworthy, he wants to protect me. That’s so sweet and a little depressing. “Will breaking the bond hurt?”
He presses his lips together. Okay. That’s a yes. I find myself at a loss for words. I don’t know what to do, but my heart aches for him. He carries this burden with him like it’s a literal weight, and I want to help him, but what good is a human against goddesses?
THIRTEEN
The village people have magic
DAISY
Uneasy silence settles between us for the rest of the journey. We stop once so I can go to the bathroom and Edgar sleeps through it all. I wish I could escape the discomfort by sleeping, but my mind is racing and excitement thrums through me. I’m about to witness magic.
Edgar has a real chance of healing the damage to his spine. There’s a possibility that even magic won’t work. My chest tightens.
“We’re approaching the village now,” Orcus says, sensing my worry through the bond. “They will help.”
“Thank you for bringing us.”
“You’re welcome.”
That may be the first time we’ve been intentionally polite with each other since we met. After our conversation earlier, something shifted. For me, it’s knowing the weight of what he carries and how much it affects him. The guilt and fear haven’t let up. Will he give in and help his father? Will he have a choice once his dad finds out about us?
What will happen to me if I can’t find a way home? Will the monsters accept me as his mate?
“Halt, ogre!”
My attention moves to the gorgeous being standing in the middle of the road. Long, honey blonde hair, golden skin, kohl lined brown eyes. The witch is wearing a gauzy white gown and flowers in her hair. She’d fit right in with the festival crowd.
“I come in peace,” Orcus says, lowering to his knees. “I’m here to ask Callum for help.”
She approaches us with caution. White gold flames lick up both of her arms, an impressive display of magic meant as a warning. Fuck around and find out. She stops before us, gaze moving from Orcus, the biggest threat, and then to Edgar. She narrows her eyes and slides her gaze to me. It’s more than a look. She stares at me like she can easily target every weakness I have. My heart skips, and I swallow the lump in my throat.
“You’re not from here.”
Clearing my throat, I tip my chin. “No, I’m not.”
The witch doesn’t even blink at that. “Callum isn’t set to arrive for a few hours. I’m sure you’re aware the Moon Festival is tonight,” she says to Orcus. “Hecate does not like to share our attention on this day.”
Orcus bows his head. “I forgot the full moon was tonight. Please accept my apologies.”
“You’re Orcus, the Prince of Monsters.” Her gaze rakes over him.
“I am.”
“I didn’t know princes knew how to apologize.”
