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As we walk away, determination fills me. I have a family out there somewhere… parents who love me. No matter what happens, I will find out the truth about who I am. And I will do whatever it takes to find my way back to them.

CHAPTER 14

REN

My Fox is on heightened alert as we move between the trees, constantly scanning the forest for danger. Rapunzel’s weight is very slight as she rides on my back. The ground is soft beneath my paws and the smell of damp earth and pine floods my nostrils.

We must get as far away from that cursed tower as possible. Drusilla may have been struck by her own spell, but as soon as it wears off, I have no doubt she’ll come after Rapunzel.

Guilt gnaws at me. I haven't told Rapunzel that I'm the second prince of Cambryn. It was a harmless omission in the beginning. I wanted to know how she’d respond to me without knowing my title. But now, after all she’s been through, I worry that when she discovers the truth, she’ll consider it yet another lie from a person who claims to care about her.

I must tell her soon. Perhaps tonight. I don’t want any more secrets between us.

Rapunzel's grip on my fur loosens, and I sense her exhaustion. We’ve been traveling for hours, and I know she needs rest.

Up ahead, I spot a large oak tree. Its thick branches form a natural shelter, shrouding the area from prying eyes. I duck beneath the leafy curtain and come to a halt. “We’ll rest here for the night.”

Rapunzel slides from my back, stumbling. Immediately, I shift back to my human form, catching her elbow to steady her. Her eyes are heavy with fatigue as I guide her to a soft patch of moss. “Come, sit here while I make camp.”

“I can help."

“No need, my amira.” I pull a blanket from our satchel and drape it over her shoulders. “Allow me to care for you while you rest.”

When I hand her a small plate with dried meat, cheese, and bread, Finik immediately pops his head out from her pocket, his nose twitching with interest.

“Here you are, my friend.” I set down a napkin with some cheese and dried fruit. He leaps from her shoulder and rushes over and begins stuffing his little cheeks.

“Oh, Finik,” Rapunzel laughs. “You eat as though we’ve been starving you.”

When I place a cup of water beside him, he sniffs it and then gives me a disapproving look.

“What?” I ask. “It’s water.” Remembering what he told the Pixies, I add, “Unfortunately, your majesty,” I tease, giving him a slight bow, “you’ll have to do without your tea and honey while we’re traveling.”

Rapunzel chuckles, but Finik looks far from amused.

I hold back a smile. I know the squirrel understands what we’re saying.

The last time the High Elf King Caelen came to visit our court, he had a rather lengthy conversation with our cat. Apparently, Mr. Whiskers had many funny stories for the King and his human mate—Queen Lyana. He even aired a few grievances, complaining that he wasn’t given fish as often as he liked since he much prefers it to chicken.

“But I’ll make sure you have plenty of tea and honey as soon as we’re able,” I assure him, and his little ears perk up.

“Thank you,” Rapunzel says when she finishes her meal. She leans back against the tree. “Using my magic always leaves me drained,” she admits.

Worry fills me. I don’t like that it has this effect on her. Rapunzel’s magic is more powerful than I realized, and there are many who would covet such power.

Her magic could be a blessing for our kingdom’s prosperity. Even so, I will not allow anyone to use her for her gift. If she chooses to use her powers, it will always be on her terms. For now, however, I think it would be wise if it remained a secret.

“It might be best not to use or mention your magic around others.”

She nods, and then shivers, pulling her blanket tighter around her. “Can we have a fire?”

“No.” My chest tightens. I hate that I cannot provide this for her. “A fire would draw attention we cannot afford. But that doesn't mean you can't be warm.”

I shift back into my fox form. Rapunzel’s eyes travel over me in awe, and my fox preens under her gaze.

Settling beside her, I curl my larger body around hers. I love how she doesn't hesitate, and instead nestles in, pressing into my warmth like she belongs there.“Is that better?”I speak directly into her mind.

“Yes,” she sighs, relaxing against my side. “Thank you.”