Page 63 of For the Strange and Surprising

Then I go about my business, dragging the two dozen dresses I’ve acquired out of the wardrobe. Isolde has excellent taste, but I can’t wait to wiggle my way into a pair of blue jeans again.

The door cracks open just enough for Connak to lean his head in.

“What is China?” he asks, grunting before he adds, “Can we come in?”

“Where. Where is China?” I correct, waving my hand in admittance. “And it’s on the other side of—”

“It’s a territory on Earth, Connak,” Ecaeris answers.

My brows inch up my forehead. “Well, color me impressed.”

He ignores my remark, motioning to the mess I’ve made. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for my shoes.” I throw my hands in the air. “Somehow, I’ve misplaced them.”

Ecaeris glances at my feet, and I roll my eyes.

“Not these. The black and teal ones I had on when I got here.”

Connak focuses on the window, distractedly asking, “Where are they?”

“If I knew, then I wouldn’t be tearing this room apart to find them, now would I?”

They exchange a look that I can’t name. I huff at them. “Why are you here?”

“Imryll needs you.” Ecaeris wanders around my room, pretending to help me search.

“And he sent you to get me?” A strangled laugh escapes my lips before I can clamp them shut.

Connak grins, but it’s forced. “We were trying to help, but they kicked us out of the clinic.”

I drop my armful of dresses back on the bed. Before I can ask any more questions, I’m cut off.

“At least if you get in their way, they can step right over you.” Ecaeris bends his fingers, wiggling then arching them in a motion that explains his statement.

It’s childish, but he still gets a rise out of me. I wish I had something to throw at his head. Instead, I narrow my gaze to glare at him, tipping my head in Connak’s direction.

“Is it illegal to hit Mongrel royalty?”

Ecaeris smirks, challenging my patience. The desire to choke him only grows the longer I know him.

“Yes.” Connak side-eyes the prince. “And I’ll pretend not to see anything. Later. We need to go, Ada. You two can fight when we leave the clinic.”

I snap my head to him, and he nods at the door. I forget all about arguing with Ecaeris as I follow Connak. When we make it beyond the guards’ quarters, the walkways are congested with people. It feels like a lunch-time rush, and I grab his hand so I don’t get caught in the crowd.

I glance over my shoulder to find Ecaeris behind me. He clenches his jaw, his expression appearing tormented. My mind races straight to the worst conclusions. I don’t dare ask if something is wrong with Isolde, but that’s my fear.

“What’s happened?” I murmur, reaching for his hand to pull him closer.

Ecaeris closes his eyes for a moment, shaking his head. Then he peers at me, his amber and blue irises swirling with devastation and darkness.

As we approach the clinic, he leans down, his words too quiet to be overheard by anyone else. “A group of traders was attacked on their way home from the Dwellers’ tribe. I’m not convinced bringing you into this is a good idea, but Imryll thinks you can help.”

If he didn’t seem so gutted, I would snap at him. The only words I can manage are a whispered, pleading kindness.

“Then let me help. Ecaeris.”

He nods but doesn’t move to come in with us. “I’ll be back to assist where I can. If they ask, we’ve already sent guards to pick up their supplies. It will be stored at the palace until they’re home.”