30. Everly
Everly
Chapter thirty
Maxon guides me toward the stables, the sound of hooves pounding the ground echoing in the distance. His sword is strapped to his back today, and there’s a dangerous glint to his eye, a tenseness about him that even sex couldn’t dispel. I spot a few of the regular stable boys scurrying around, their hands full of buckets and brushes.
“Where are your wolves?”
“I’m not actually sure. I figured they left to do their business this morning, but I’m sure they will show up again.”
“Your Highness.” A young fae boy runs toward us. “The others are waiting at the arch for you.”
“Thank you, Gideon.”
The young boy with curly red hair and bright blue eyes grins before bowing and quickly running back toward the stables.
“I have a surprise for you.” Maxon turns his head, glancing down at me.
I can't help but bite my lip as a wave of butterflies fills my stomach. I don’t know what this is between us, but I feel so damn lucky. I never had this sort of luck in my life. My earliest memories are not happy ones. I was the girl no one wanted around. I was always alone, overlooked, and unwanted. But then I walked through that damn faerie door, and everything changed. It’s as if all the stars aligned and granted me this incredible stroke of luck. I have never experienced such joy, such happiness before. Maxon makes me feel seen, valued, and loved in a way I have never known. It’s a beautiful mystery, this connection we share, and I will cherish every moment of it.
Maxon draws us to a stop and cups my face, his lips brushing across my forehead in a tender kiss that has my eyes closing, relishing the moment. “Stóirín, I can feel your emotions. What is going through your head?”
“Oh, I’m just thinking about how happy I’ve been since coming here.” I try not to feel embarrassed admitting this.
Maxon makes a deep rumbling sound in his chest, and I pull back. There is something in his eyes I don’t understand, but he doesn’t give me time to ask. Seizing my hand once more, he tugs me in the direction of the stables. My feet struggle to keep up with his long strides. I try my best not to trip on the dress Zaria laid out for me today. The dress is a blend of white and dark green, with a bustier corset that enhances its beauty. It isn’t as pretty as the other dresses, a more simplistic style, but still flows around my ankles. It reminds me of a dress from medieval times, and the longer sleeves provide coverage for my birthmark, now a deeper shade than before.
Reaching the other end of the stables, we step out into the sun again to see Tristan and Kian waiting for us, both on their horses already. The impatient look on Tristan’s face immediately fills me with guilt for having made them wait so we could have sex.
My gaze shifts toward Storm, and an uncontrollable grin spreads across my face. He stands tall and majestic, his hooves gracefully tapping the ground in a rhythmic dance of excitement upon spotting us. As I observe his movements, a gasp escapes my lips as another horse emerges into my view. She is beautiful. Maxon guides me toward the group, his hand releasing mine as he confidently takes hold of the reins of the majestic, pure white horse.
“Everly, this is Nova.” He strokes the horse's cheek. “She is yours.”
“What?” I gasp, moving a step closer.
Tears well in my eyes, and my trembling hands lift to cover my mouth, my emotions getting the better of me. I’m hyper aware of the others watching and the sound of my own heartbeat. This is a moment like no other, as no one has ever given me something so extraordinary.
Maxon’s eyes soften and he holds out a hand, beckoning me closer. “Come.”
As soon as my fingers touch Nova, she pushes in closer, a spark of electricity moving between us. Without conscious thought, I run my hand down her neck. Her long, thick mane is gorgeous, so soft like silk, and it seems to shimmer in the sunlight.
Maxon stands close behind me. “Do you like her?”
“Like her? I love her,” I admit, my throat clogged with emotion.
“But can you ride?” Kian teases.
I haven’t thought about that. “Can’t be too hard, right?”
Kian and Tristan laugh, and my gaze instantly whips to Tristan. “Oh my god, you laughed! You're smiling.”
Tristan raises an eyebrow at me and shrugs. “I’m just looking forward to watching you try to ride on your own.”
Kian’s hand snaps out and smacks Tristan over the head. “Be nice, you frog.”
I burst out laughing at the look of offense on Tristan’s face.
“You are much more handsome when you smile,” I tease, pressing my lips together when he scowls in my direction.
Maxon swiftly wraps an arm around my waist from behind, drawing me into his body, his lips dropping to my ear.
“I don’t like that.”
“What?” I question breathlessly.
“You thinking that other fae are handsome.”
I startle, my eyes widening as I twist around to see his face. “Are you jealous?” I blurt.
Maxon doesn’t answer, just stares back at me with an intensity that takes my breath away.
“Oh, you are jealous.” A giddy feeling swamps my stomach. I don’t know why that makes me so insanely happy, but it does.
The distinct sound of hooves fills the air, causing us to turn and see Raiden riding a massive gray horse as it comes around the side of the stables, followed closely by Anika and Nymeria.
“Want to tell me why I found these two tormenting the livestock?” Raiden grumbles.
I step from Maxon’s arms and embrace each of my wolves. I can’t help but nuzzle my face into their necks. I only have one memory of them, but I know deep in my heart they are family.
“They were hungry.” I look up at Raiden.
“Right, well, maybe we need to find them something other than the livestock.”
“Let’s get you on Nova.”
Storm trots over and playfully nudges me with his snout.
“Sorry, gorgeous boy, I haven’t said hello yet, have I?” I get a soft nicker and another nudge, this time in the direction of Nova. “Oh, you want to go?” I laugh.
Maxon stands behind me and grips my waist, lifting me up onto Nova as Raiden grabs the reins. I swing my leg over and my heart slams into my chest when I almost go straight over the other side. Once seated, I look down to where Maxon’s hand has a firm grip on my thigh.
“You good?”
Excitement fills me, making me slightly twitchy. I’m afraid that if I speak out loud, it will come out all squeaky, so I just nod.
“Wait!”
I snap my gaze up at Zaria as she comes running over, her curly brown hair flying in ribbons behind her.
“I want to come!” She pants.
The men trade looks, and Raiden shakes his head. “It’s too dangerous.”
Zaria snorts. “Everly is going.”
“With three guards and the prince,” Raiden argues. “And because she HAS to go.”
Zaria stamps her foot, her hands landing on her hips. “Sounds like plenty of protection then.”
I tap Maxon on the head, drawing his attention. “I want her to come.”
He stares intently for a moment before giving a nod of understanding. “Raiden, she rides with you.”
“What?” Zaria and Raiden yell in unison.
Maxon ignores them, swiftly mounting Storm, grabbing the reins and turning to face the group. He commands our attention, the aura surrounding him growing in magnitude, the silver in his eyes burning with a fierce determination. His every movement exudes a sense of power and authority, making a hushed silence fall over the group.
Maxon raises his voice, his words cutting through the air like a sharp blade. “You heard. We have a long trip ahead. It will take all day to get to the Evergreens, and we will be lucky to make it there before nightfall. We will need to spend the night.”
The aura surrounding him seems to grow in magnitude, encompassing everyone. “The path to the Evergreen isn’t an easy one, and there have been increased reports of deadlings and Bellowigs. I want you all to protect Everly with your life. In return, I will protect all of yours with mine.” It’s as if time itself stands still, the world bending to his will. In that moment, Maxon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a leader who will be neither ignored or underestimated.
I give Zaria a wink and she grins in return. Raiden huffs out in annoyance and holds an arm out for Zaria. She grabs hold of Raiden's hand and he pulls her up, and she settles in front of him. Raiden’s arms encircle her and his wings flare before resting against his back again.
“Ready?” Maxon asks, coming up beside me.
“Yes.” I take a deep breath of fresh air.
I’m ready for answers. At least, I think I am.
What if I’m simply an outsider, stumbling into a world where I don’t truly belong?
The weight of uncertainty presses upon me, casting a shadow over my every step as I desperately seek answers to the question that haunts me: am I truly the long-lost Druid princess, or am I an imposter in this enigmatic realm? Is this all just wishful thinking?