AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Phineas gestured toward the wolf. “Even more reason, then. I’m coming. You could use a witness to back you up.”
Killian turned and set his hand on his friend’s forearm. “I cannot let you. I cannot be the cause of your death. You are a brother to me.”
I do not think the light will burn Phineas.
Looking back to the garden Killian asked, “Why not? You said it would kill me.”
Phineas has a pure heart.
“And I don’t?”
It is enough, apparently, as demonstrated today, but lately …
Killian threw up his arms. “Ugh. Okay, I get it. I’ll be better. No more wallowing.”
Yes. The pathetic wallowing is like scat. Stinky and undesirable.
“Your point has been made, Jax.”
Discardable, disgusting pile of excrement.
Phineas snorted. “An excellent assessment.”
“My dearest friends …” Killian shook his head slowly, but a grin was growing. “So … tomorrow?”
Phineas and Jax spoke in unison. “Tomorrow.”
Killian slowly faced the music of the ball, rallying his best vapid conversation skills and charming prince persona. Shake hands, dance with whoever he was expected to dance with, and then plan his escape to the forest. Tomorrow, he would look for clues to help his people. Tomorrow, he would seeheragain.
His face broke into a genuine grin.
Before dawn the next morning, Killian, Phineas, and Jax made their way to the gate. Jax eyed the bouquet of flowers that Killian held with an expression somewhere between disdain and disbelief.So … you’re planning on giving her flowers?
Killian dropped his gaze to the large collection of long-stemmed, odiferous, spriggy blooms he had cut himself from the hot house. It had been hard to see perfectly in the dim candlelight this morning, but he was certain they’d be beautiful when the sun rose. “Of course! What girl doesn’t like flowers?”
Jax landed hard on his haunches, looking from the forest to Killian and back.Perhaps a girl who lives in the forest, surrounded by plants?
“Bah—have faith.” Killian waved the flowers at his friend’s sensitive nose. “These will be great. They’re beautiful and rare. They’re impressive.”
Phineas snorted even as he shook his head at the two of them. His suspicious glare remained focused on the dark gate. “Please don’t say this is how you plan to charm your betrothed?”
“Come on, now.” He looked between his two friends, who had seen him give flowers to various dignitaries’ daughters or court ladies on walks or as a corsage for a ball. Hadn’t they seen it work? “I’ve given women flowers before. They’re always delighted.”
Jax rolled his eyes in a way that was uncomfortably human.It wasprobably the crown more than the sprigs that got their attention.
Killian frowned. Phineas laughed out loud as he patted Killian’s shoulder. Killian glared at them both. The main reason he was here—why he wanted to visit this woman—was that she didn’t seem to know anything about his crown. Balling his fingers tightly around the stems, he muttered, “I’m going to leave you two behind.”
Throwing both of his hands up, Phineas didn’t stop smiling. “Sorry. Sorry. We’ll behave.”
Jax huffed.Phineas will behave.
“Jax!” Killian stared down at the wolf, waiting for his agreement.
Licking his paw, Jax paused for just a moment.I will … not deliberately sabotage you.
Killian set a hand on the handle of the gate which seemed to hum in a buzzing vibration. “Ever a source of comfort, Jax.” Killian stopped and turned back to Phineas as a frisson of dread slipped up his spine. “I can’t convince you to stay? To not do this? Jax will keep me safe.”
Phineas shrugged casually. “You survived it. I can’t let you beat me, can I?”
