The Glass Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil #2) - Gena Showalter Page 0,62

prince, huh. Good girl.”

Did she refer to the future or the past? “You want me to anger Saxon?”

“Why would I want you to anger him? He’s my friend.” Her brows knitted together, a crease forming above the bridge of her nose. “I think someone needs to remember to put on her listening ears from now on.”

“But you just said—” Oh, never mind. What did I care if I had angered or would anger the prince? He already disliked me.

“By the way,” Noel said. “I left a present in your bedroom at home. You’re welcome. When you see it, scream. You’ll be glad you did.”

A present? For me? “Free of charge?” Best to be clear.

“As if. But don’t worry, you already paid me.” She did the innocent-evil lashes-batting thing. “Don’t you remember? You gave me one of your designs. A dagger with spring-loaded spikes.”

“No. I most certainly did not give you one of my designs.” I’d never given anyone one of my designs.

“Let me rephrase, then. I stole one of your designs from Saxon. Now we’re even. Isn’t that nice?”

Between one step and the next, my entire world changed. The forest vanished, the celebration reappearing, firepits, flute, laughter, and all. An-n-nd the oracle and the witch had disappeared. But why would they—oh, who cared? They were weird and mysterious, and I had some dancing to do and a decision to make about Eve.

I doubted she’d try to murder Saxon tonight or anything, but I was also kind of willing to risk it.

“And who is this tasty little treat?” a troll called. He was tall, at least seven foot, with massive horns protruding from his scalp and tusks extending past his bottom lip. Metal piercings climbed the ridge of a very prominent nose and covered the entire length of his jaw.

I tightened my hold on the ribbon and quickened my step. If he followed me, I would strike. But as I turned another corner, he did not. I heaved a relieved sigh. Another turn, and I found the flute player. A satyr. He had the top half of a man and the bottom half of a goat, complete with fur and hooves, and he stood beside a blazing firepit. His only clothing was a loincloth.

At least twenty people danced around him, but no one I recognized. Unsure of my reception, I eased forward. When no protests were issued, I joined the dancers, hopping and skipping and twirling in circles just like them. It wasn’t long before my heartbeat thudded and sweat dotted my brow, but I didn’t slow. This was truly living.

Laughing, I threw back my head, clasped my dress and twirled faster. Dancing was more fun than I’d ever imagined. I didn’t feel weak or unwanted right now. I felt unstoppable.

“Hello, Ashleigh.”

I stopped and swayed, a familiar face swimming before me. When the spinning stopped, I realized I stood face-to-face with Milo. Firelight bathed him in a golden glow, framing a body several inches taller than I remembered. He had more muscles, too, and showed them off in a tight tunic and leather pants.

I gulped. “Hello, Milo.”

“I must admit, it’s nice to see you again, Princess.” He inclined his head, the key around his neck glinting in the firelight.

“And you, as well.” I traced a fingertip over the tips of the golden nails, my hackles on edge. “I’m glad you found me. I wanted to ask if you still believe I’m Leonora.” For starters.

“Oh, no. I know you are not Leonora...yet.”

Yet? There was that word again. Only, it wasn’t so wonderful this time. “During our conversation in the garden, you mentioned your father’s journals. I would love to read them. I promise I’ll be extra careful with them.”

Glee lit his eyes, as if he enjoyed the words waiting on the end of his tongue. “I burned the journals once I finished reading them.”

What! “Why would you do that?”

“I didn’t want anyone else knowing what I know.” His gaze flipped up, looking beyond me. He scowled. “We’ll talk again soon.” He stepped back and vanished as quickly as the witch and the oracle.

I stood there, uncertain and—

“What do you think you’re doing, Asha?”

11

She is the sun, she is the moon.

He wants her always, he wants her soon.

SAXON

I peered at Ashleigh, my hands fisted. Golden light framed her from head to toe, creating a perfect halo around her. On her brow, perspiration resembled diamond dust. Her eyes glittered like freshly polished emeralds. She parted her lips as she panted, her chest rising and