Page 37 of Not Another Happily Ever After

Well, at least now when I hand it back to the knight, it’ll be ready for him to use. Which I imagine he will, very soon.

“Princess?” The door’s hinges rattle beneath Myrrdin’s increasingly urgent taps. He’s no doubt imagining I’ve succumbed to my illness and am lying here dead in a pool of my very own vomit.

I should be so lucky.

“Apologies, I—”What? Messed myself? Was busy blowing up my only port of transportation?More feet shuffle outside the door. I really do know how to make a man panic.Just say something!

“I had a bit of an accident.”

Seriously?

“An accident?” Myrrdin sounds distressed.

“Are you alright?” As does Merrek.

Of all the things to bring them together, it had to be bile.Smooth one, Sunday.

“Yes! I’m alright.” If alright means feeling utterly and hopelessly humiliated. Totally alright. “I could use a change of clothes, though. And maybe a bath?”

Silence.

“Oh.”

“Um.”

Inaudible whispers sound outside the door.

“Miss Sunday?”

I smother a squeal at the rare sound of Frog’s muffled voice. Because of course he would choose now to want to speak with me.Ugh. How is this my life?

“There’s someone here for you.”

I rack my brain trying to figure out which one of his men was misfortunate enough to get stuck cleaning up after my mess, when a familiar voice leaves me without question.

“My lady, it’s Rhidland. May I come in?”

My heart bottoms out, but relief doesn’t hit me until I throw open the door and see with my very own eyes, the man that practically raised me, standing before me. A warm smile stretched across his tawny cheeks. It’s only been a few days since I last saw him, but a lifetime might have passed.

“You’re here.” My voice breaks, but I’ve never felt more whole.

He shifts, the small bag of what few possessions I have in his hands. He seems unsure what to do with himself. “Well, I couldn’t very well let you go unguarded with these…”

He pauses, casting a wary glance over his shoulder at the twins arguing just yonder. “Men. I’ve worked too hard to keep you alive all these years. I intend to make sure you remain so. If you’ll have me?” He bows his head, but I can see the tears welling in his eyes, awaiting a decision we both know isn’t mine to make.

“Why Rhidland, were you not the one who taught me to save my silly questions? I know as well as you that you do not need my permission to do something you are going to do anyways.” I grin.

He lifts his head, cheeks rosy and wrinkled by an ageless smile.

“I am so very glad to see you.” I choke out a laugh.

“As am I, my lady.” He steps into the carriage with both arms outstretched, and I fall into his embrace like I have so many times before. “As am I,” he repeats, squeezing me tightly. “Though, I will say, you have smelt better.”

“Hurtful!”

“Truthful.”

“Fair.” I swipe the sleeve of my cloak over my chin, rubbing at the dried bits crusted around my bottom lip. I do smell pretty foul. “Luckily for me, I now have a veteran mess manager in my midst.” I wiggle my brows. He drops his.