Page 16 of Apples Dipped in Gold

His fingers tightened around mine, but a sharp sound drew our attention from each other to the door of the cottage where my three brothers stood.

“We had a deal, Prince,” said Jackal.

Henry released my hand and stepped in front me as if to shield me from their sight.

“And I have honored it,” said the prince.

Just then, the footmen rounded the carriage, heaving a massive chest that they dropped halfway between us and my brothers before opening it to reveal a towering pile of gold and silver. Michal’s and Hans’s eyes sparkled, but Jackal seemed unaffected by his new wealth, his hateful gaze boring into mine.

“Well?” Henry demanded.

Finally, Jackal’s attention shifted to the prince. “I expect you will welcome us to your castle. We would very much like to visit our dear sister.”

“Of course,” said the prince, though tightly. “You shall be guests of honor at our wedding.”

For a moment, no one spoke, and then the prince took a step back so that he stood beside me.

Even he did not trust my brothers enough to give them his back.

“Say your farewells, my darling,” said Henry. “We are running late.”

I did not move, only stared at my siblings, who had made my entire life up until this point completely miserable.

“Farewell,” I said, but then I turned to Rooster and Mouse, who lingered in the doorway of the barn, and went to them. I scooped Mouse into my arms and held her close as I hugged Rooster’s neck and whispered to them both. “I will return for you soon.”

“Darling,” the prince said.

Pressure built behind my eyes, but I refused to cry.

I turned toward the prince and met him at the carriage door.

“Do not fret,” he said. “The misery ends today.”

He took my hand and helped me into the carriage, and as I sank into the seat, I was surrounded by rich, red velvet. I had never seen such expensive fabrics or felt anything so soft. I clasped my hands between my thighs to keep from touching everything around me.

The prince sat across from me. He was so tall, our knees touched.

“Tell me now before we depart, did your brothers harm you in the night?”

I held his pretty, blue-eyed gaze and answered, “No, my lord.”

It was an easy lie, because I had told it so often.

The prince stared at me, and I knew he did not believe me, but he also did not argue. He rapped on the ceiling, and I was jolted as the carriage surged forward. I stared out the large windows, watching my brothers as we passed, eyes connecting with Jackal’s long enough that the coldness of his gaze froze my very blood. If he could have killed me then, he would have.

I turned my head away to look out the other window, spotting Rooster and Mouse watching our retreat, and pressed my hand to the window.

“I can send for your animals,” said the prince.

I met his gaze.

“My brothers will demand a trade.”

“Of course,” said the prince. “I shall make the exchange tomorrow. Three fine stallions and seven feral cats for your one. Will that please you?”

I smiled at the thought of the prince unleashing seven feral cats on my brothers.

“I have never been asked that before,” I said.