Page 14

CHAPTER 14

BJORN

W hile the morning after the storm dawned clear and bright, I wished my thoughts were equally clear.

Making my way into Moonshine Hollow, I couldn’t stop replaying every moment of the night with Rosalyn—her touch, her laugh, the way her skin had glowed with that magical pink shimmer, her impressive use of her beautiful wings, the feeling of rightness that had settled over me when I held her.

But with the dawn came reality.

I had lied to her from the start.

Every smile, every shared confidence was tainted by my deception.

And now, after what we’d shared…

Even the fairy queen knew I wasn’t who I was pretending to be.

In the Frozen Isles, our royalty was called “charmed.” Rosalyn would not have known that, but the fairy queen did.

Smoke nudged my hand, sensing my distress.

I scratched behind his ears absently.

“I know, boy. I’ve made a mess of things.”

Sighing heavily, I made my way into town.

Moonshine Hollow bustled with morning activity.

Vendors called out their wares, children chased each other through the streets, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from open windows.

I kept my gaze firmly ahead.

I needed to speak to the dryad about the ley lines.

My personal issues needed to be set aside for now.

And I was more than glad to set them aside.

I would have to tell Rosalyn the truth.

And there was a very good possibility she would not forgive me.

The compass bird led me to the garden gate of a shop called Thistle and Thyme.

A wooden sign decorated with herbs hung above the door, swinging gently in the breeze.

The display window showcased glass jars filled with dried herbs, tinctures, and mysterious powders.

In the garden, medicinal plants and flowers grew.

I opened the gate and made my way to the building, which had a slight slant.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door.

A bell tinkled softly, announcing my entrance.

The shop was a sensory marvel.

Bundles of herbs hung from the rafters, their earthy scents mingling with the sweeter fragrances of oils and flower essences.

Shelves lined the walls filled with neatly labeled jars and bottles.

Behind a polished wooden counter stood a slender woman with long, curling blonde hair kept at bay under a handkerchief.

She looked up as I entered, her eyes widening slightly, giving me a soft smile.

But her gentle smile was broken by a series of excited barks.

A moment later, what could have been mistaken for a pile of moss scampered across the room to greet Smoke and me.

Excited at the prospect of a playmate, Smoke leaned down on his front legs and wagged his tail.

“Pip is harmless, I promise,” the woman, who I assumed to be Juniper, told me.

“Are you Bjorn?”

“You know me?”

The woman smiled softly.

“Rosalyn mentioned you…once or twice,” she said, a twinkle in her eye.

“I’m Juniper.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said with a slight bow.

“I’m actually looking for Tansy. I need to speak with Kellen about an urgent matter.”

“Of course,” Juniper replied.

She gestured to a narrow staircase at the side of the shop.

“Tansy’s in her workshop upstairs.”

“Thank you,” I said, then turned to Smoke.

“Coming?” I asked him.

Juniper laughed lightly and gestured to the animals who were eyeing one another playfully.

“There’s no distracting them now. I’ll keep an eye on him.”

I gave her an appreciative smile.

“Thank you. I won’t be long,” I said, then turned to Smoke.

“Be good. There are too many glass jars here to handle a firewolf.”

Smoke gave me a passing glance, then turned his attention to the mosspup once more.

As I climbed the stairs, I heard Juniper speaking softly to Smoke.

There were two excited yips in reply to her promise of a treat.

The workshop upstairs was a bright, airy space with windows spanning the entire wall facing the street and the river beyond.

An elven woman with dark hair stood at a workbench, carefully weaving what looked like copper wire through a complex arrangement of crystals.

“Just a moment,” she said without looking up.

“Almost got it…”

I waited quietly, watching as she made a final adjustment.

A moment later, the entire piece began to glow with a soft, pulsating light.

“Perfect!” she exclaimed, finally turning to face me.

“Oh! You must be Bjorn, Rosalyn’s Rune elf. I’m Tansy.” She wiped her hands on her leather apron then extended one to me.

Her grip was firm, her smile open and friendly.

“I…”

Tansy chuckled.

“Welcome to Moonshine Hollow, Bjorn.”

“Thank you. Sorry to bother you, but I need to speak with Kellen. We may have a clue about the problem with the unicorns, but I would appreciate his perspective and help. Rosalyn said you would be able to reach him.”

Tansy nodded, her expression turning more serious.

“He’s been concerned about the magical disturbances for weeks. I can summon him for you.” She moved to a corner of the workshop where a small potted tree sat on a pedestal.

Its trunk was no thicker than my wrist, but its branches spread wide, its leaves dancing with an almost sentient awareness.

Tansy whispered something to the tree, stroking its bark gently.

The leaves rustled in response, though there was no breeze.

She paused then and bent to listen, her eyes closed.

After a moment, she pulled back and said, “He’ll meet you at the arched stone bridge by the river in an hour. It’s not far from the marketplace.”

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely grateful.

“I appreciate your help.”

Tansy studied me for a moment, her head tilted slightly.

“Rune elf… There are only a few of us elves here in Moonshine Hollow. I forgot how we sometimes sense one another a bit differently .”

She was right.

With other elves, we could often feel their emotions and intentions more clearly than with other races.

For instance, Tansy felt inquisitive but not distrusting.

“You’re a Sylan?” I asked.

She nodded.

“Newcomer to Moonshine Hollow myself. I was on the road with my caravan for years, but Moonshine Hollow—and its residents—called to me. It’s a special place.”

“It is,” I replied, feeling her sincerity.

Tansy crossed her arms on her chest and gave me a thoughtful look.

“You know, Rosalyn is a romantic. She flirts, charms, and makes everyone feel special, but she also guards her heart carefully.”

I shifted under her scrutiny.

“I’m not sure what?—”

“I’ve known her long enough to recognize when she’s truly interested in someone. And when she speaks of you, I see something that feels like…glimmer.”

Glimmer.

For us elves, that word had a special meaning.

“She’s very special,” I said, the guilt that had been gnawing at me all morning intensifying.

“I don’t want to hurt her.”

“Then don’t,” Tansy said simply, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

If only it were that simple.

I gave her a soft smile.

“By the Nine Gods, I swear I will do everything in my power to keep her from harm.”

At that, Tansy gave me a genuine smile and nodded.

“I believe you.”

“Thank you,” I said, then added, “I should get going.”

Tansy nodded, then stepped back to her workbench.

“Nice to meet you, Bjorn. If you need anything, one elf to another, I’m always happy to help.”

“Thank you, Tansy.”

She gave me a warm smile and then returned to her work.

Downstairs, I found Juniper mixing a pale blue liquid in a small vial while Smoke watched, fascinated.

“Everything okay?” she asked, looking up.

“Yes. Thank you for your help.”

“Of course. You are welcome here any time,” she told me, then turned to Smoke.

“And you too. He’s a very well-mannered boy.”

“When he wants to be,” I said with a laugh.

“Thank you again.”

She merely smiled, and then Smoke and I headed off.

As I went, I played Tansy’s words in my mind.

Something like a glimmer.

That…

was unexpected.

But was it?

My runes were whispering the same thing.

But the lie…

Gods, she would never forgive me.

I walked toward the river with my heart and mind spinning in a tempest.

Moonshine Hollow’s marketplace was a kaleidoscope of color and sound.

Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, vendors calling out their wares and customers haggling good-naturedly.

I wandered among them, admiring hand-crafted goods, flowers, fruits, and foods.

There was so much color, unlike Frostfjord’s market.

I had stopped at a pet vendor, the man selling so many unusual creatures.

In one crate were palm-sized flufflehogs with petal-like fur that had a relaxing scent.

Most were curled up into little balls and sleeping.

They also had a pen of curdle mice, who were excellent at helping cheesemakers work in the making of cheese.

I didn’t know exactly how it worked, but even our cooks kept them.

In another pen, I saw small foxes no larger than kittens.

Three kits slept together in a heap.

“Sir, what are these?” I asked.

“Thimblefoxes,” the jolly man replied.

“They can find anything. Perfect for fetching lost items and sweet as candy floss in temperament.”

I gave one of the little ones a scratch behind his ear, earning me a perfect fox smile.

“They’re charming,” I agreed.

“That they are, good sir. That they are.”

“By the Nine Gods! Is that Prince Bjorn himself?”

My blood turned to ice.

I turned slowly to find myself face to face with Chieftain Baldur, one of my father’s oldest friends and advisors.

The elder was always close with my family and seemed to favor me and Asa in particular.

He had taught me to fish and hunt, and I had spent an entire summer on his island home on Glacier Isle.

I could not believe it, but his massive frame and lengthy white beard were unmistakable, even here in the Summerlands.

“My prince!” he exclaimed, loud enough to draw curious glances from nearby shoppers.

“What a pleasure to find you here!”

I forced a smile.

Setting my hand on his back, I steered him away from the crowd.

“Chieftain Baldur,” I said quietly.

“What a surprise.”

“Indeed! When your father mentioned you’d traveled south, I never expected to cross paths with you. The king will be delighted to hear you’re well.”

I glanced around nervously, painfully aware of the curious onlookers.

Among them, I spotted a familiar face—the gnomish woman with a shop beside Rosalyn.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she watched our exchange.

Had she heard?

What if she had heard?

If she told Rosalyn…

Oh, by the Nine Gods!

“Chieftain,” I said urgently, “Please… I’m not here as Prince Bjorn. I’m traveling as Bjorn Runeson. I did not want to draw attention to my station, so I have not mentioned it to the good people here. I’d prefer they didn’t know.”

Understanding dawned in his clear, blue eyes.

“Ah. I see.” He lowered his voice.

“Forgive me, Bjorn. I spoke without thinking.”

“It’s all right,” I said, relaxing slightly.

“How could you have known? But I’d appreciate your discretion.”

Baldur nodded gravely.

“Of course. Might we speak somewhere more private? I sail soon but would love to hear what, exactly, my favorite son of Frostfjord is up to.”

I nodded, relieved.

Looking around, I gestured to a nearby tavern.

“I must meet someone soon, but I have enough time for a drink…or three?”

Chieftain Baldur grinned.

“Spoken like a true Rune elf. Let’s go.”

As we made our way to the tavern, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being followed.

Sure enough, when I glanced back, I saw a flower-bedecked hat ducking behind a cart.

Winifred.

This was getting more complicated by the minute.

The Briney Pint was a sturdy stone-and-stucco structure along the river.

Inside, it was cool, dim, and smelled of ale.

The place was busy, filled with travelers who had come in from the river.

We found a table in a quiet corner, away from curious ears, and ordered two pints.

“So,” Baldur said once we were settled with mugs of ale before us, “you’ve escaped the palace walls. Your father was less than specific, but I heard a rumor you jumped ship when a betrothal to a frost giant princess didn’t go your way. Your mother must be beside herself.”

I grimaced.

“It didn’t go my mother’s way, which is partially why I jumped ship. I did leave a note.”

Baldur laughed heartily.

“Oh, aye, I’m sure that comforted her greatly,” he said, giving me a knowing look as he sipped his ale.

“Ah, Summerlands ale tastes like strawberries and sunshine. Nothing in the world quite like it. I understand the need to get away, lad. The pressure of being a prince would weigh on anyone, but I’m not sure your mother will forgive you so easily.”

“I couldn’t take another day of it. With Alvar married and Magnus engaged, my mother threw every girl she could find before me. Some might think that was a good problem, but everyone I met only saw a prince. No one saw me . You and your wife are so well-suited, Chieftain. I just want a love like that.”

“Ah,” Baldur said, his eyes twinkling knowingly.

“That I can understand. When I was a young man in my father’s house, many women only cared that I was a chieftain’s son. But Mara was different. She was my glimmer.”

I nodded thoughtfully.

“And how has it been?” Baldur asked.

“Have you found someone here who sees beyond all that?”

Heat crept up my neck.

“Well, I…”

Baldur chuckled, clapped me on my back, polished off his ale, and waved for another round.

“I’ve known you since you were no higher than my knee, Bjorn. You’re a changed man. I see it in your eyes.” He leaned forward.

“Tell me about her.”

“Well…” I began, and then, despite my reservations, I talked about Rosalyn—her warmth, kindness, and magic with food and people alike.

“She treats me as a man, not a prince or a political pawn. Her smile makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in the halls of Frostfjord.”

“She sounds remarkable,” Baldur said when I finally fell silent.

“But she doesn’t know who you really are?”

Finishing my ale, I exhaled deeply and then shook my head.

“No,” I admitted.

“We’ve grown close, but if I tell her now, she’ll think everything between us was a lie.”

“Was it?”

“No. My feelings for her are probably the most real thing I’ve ever felt.”

The halfling server brought our large tankards with a thud and an exhausted huff.

When I moved to pay, Baldur waved me away and gave the girl some coin.

Pulling the drink toward him, he sipped, sighed contentedly, then said, “What will you do now?”

“I’ve made a mess of things. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I just wanted to get away. Rosalyn deserves better than a liar.”

“Then don’t be one,” Baldur said.

“Tell her the truth.”

“And what? Ask her to leave her home, business, and everyone she loves to come to Frostfjord? Ask her to deal with court politics and my mother’s scrutiny? Ask her to give up her life for a man who lied to her from the start?” I shook my head.

“It’s too much.”

“That, my boy,” Baldur said gently, “is for her to decide. Not you.”

I stared at him, his words sinking in.

“People are stronger than you give them credit for,” he continued.

“And love is more resilient than you imagine. But without honesty, it withers before it can truly bloom.”

Before I could respond, a bell at the harbor rang out.

“That’s my cue,” Baldur said, rising.

He polished off the tankard and set it back down.

“I wish I could stay longer, but my ship awaits.” He clasped my shoulder firmly.

“Think on what I’ve said, Bjorn. If you love this girl, tell her. And don’t worry too much about your mother. Magnus’s engagement was called off. Queen Maren may have forgotten all about you entirely in the dust-up.”

“It has? Is Magnus all right?”

“Grinning from ear to ear, last I saw him.”

I rose and pulled Baldur into an embrace.

“Thank you, old friend.”

“If you love her, have faith in her. Just…find a very good way to apologize.”

“A good way to apologize?”

“Aye. Married folks spend a lot of time apologizing to one another. Best start off right and find the way that suits. Be well, my young friend. I shall see you again soon!”

He departed, leaving me with my thoughts and a half-empty mug of ale.

I sat there for some time, turning Baldur’s advice over in my mind…

Tell her the truth and let her decide.

It sounded so simple, yet felt impossible.

Her life was here.

I had presented myself as someone I wasn’t.

Loving me came with complications.

Even if she forgave the lie, it was too much to ask.

The tavern had begun to fill, and I realized I’d been there longer than intended.

Kellen would arrive soon.

Rising, I left a few coins on the table and headed outside.

The sun was high now, its warmth a welcome after the tavern’s cool interior.

I pulled out the compass bird, unfolding its delicate paper wings.

“Take me to the arched stone bridge to meet with the dryad, Kellen,” I instructed.

The bird fluttered to life, rising a few inches before setting off down the street.

I followed, weaving through the growing crowds.

After several turns, the bird stopped, hovering before a narrow shop with a weathered sign reading Thorne’s Arcanum.

I could see Rosalyn through the window, her vibrant hair unmistakable even from a distance.

She gestured animatedly to an elderly man with a wild mane of silver hair, her expression earnest.

The wizard nodded gravely, stroking his beard as he considered her words.

I stepped back into the shadow of a neighboring building, hoping she would not see me there.

The compass bird fluttered impatiently.

“Very funny,” I told it.

“This is not the time. I need to meet with Kellen.”

The bird circled once, then headed off in another direction.

I followed, relief washing over me as we left the wizard’s shop.

The last thing I needed was to face Rosalyn before I’d sorted out my thoughts.

The bird led me through twisting lanes and across a small bridge, finally stopping before a familiar storefront.

My heart sank.

The Sconery and Teashop.

The bird fluttered insistently before the shop.

“My friend, I understand your meaning, but I must meet with Kellen first,” I told the compass bird.

“Looking for something?” a sharp voice asked.

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Turning, I found Winifred behind me, arms crossed, her expression thunderous beneath her enormous hat.

“Winifred,” I stammered.

“I was just?—”

“Lurking,” she finished for me.

“Again. What game are you playing at, Mister Runeson? Or should I say, Prince Bjorn?”

My blood ran cold.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” she snapped.

“I heard that white-bearded giant clear as day. And I’ve seen you skulking around Rosalyn’s shop more than once.”

“I’m not skulking,” I protested weakly.

“The bird…” I said, gesturing.

“I need to meet Kellen at the arched bridge along the river.”

“It’s that way…” Winifred snapped with annoyance, pointing.

I turned to go, but Winifred stepped into my path.

“Rosalyn is a precious girl, and she has been hurt before. Men who pretended to be something they weren’t…men who lied. She doesn’t need another heartbreak.”

Guilt twisted like a knife in my gut.

“I?—”

“She deserves better than being lied to,” Winifred continued sternly.

“She deserves someone honest and true. If you’re playing some game or just passing through looking for a dalliance, do the decent thing and leave her alone.”

Each word was like a blow.

“It’s not like that. I care about her.”

“Then why hide who you are?”

“Because being a prince isn’t who I am,” I said, frustration bleeding into my voice.

“It’s a title, a responsibility, a burden—but it’s not me . And it’s all anyone ever sees.”

Winifred studied me, her expression unreadable.

“Rosalyn sees more than most,” she said finally.

“But you can’t lie to her.”

“And if I tell her the truth? What then? I’m still bound to Frostfjord. I can’t offer her the life she deserves.”

Winifred smiled knowingly.

“How do you know what she wants? Have you asked her?”

Before I could respond, a tall figure approached from the direction of the river.

From the branch-like horns sprouting from his head, I took him to be the dryad.

“Bjorn Runeson?” he called.

“I… Yes,” I said, relieved for the interruption.

“I’m sorry. I was just on my way, but the compass bird turned me around.”

The bird cocked its head at me, as if to say “really?”

“You must excuse me,” I told Winifred, terrified of what she might tell Rosalyn.

“Winifred,” I added, “please give me a moment to do the right thing. Please don’t say anything to Rosalyn yet. I promise I will make it right.”

Winifred gave me one last measuring look.

“Tread carefully, Mister Runeson. Rosalyn has many friends in this town.”

With that, she stalked off, disappearing back into her shop.

I joined Kellen.

“Is everything all right?” Kellen asked, his gaze going from Winifred to me.

“Just a misunderstanding,” I said.

“Everything will be all right.”

“Very well.”

“I need your help. Last night, I spoke with the fairies who live near the unicorn fields. They have a theory about what’s causing the magical disruption. I need your guidance.”

Kellen nodded.

“The fairies? That’s very curious. I’m happy to help.”

“Thank you. Shall we go to Elder Thornberry’s?”

Kellen inclined his head to me.

I cast one last glance toward The Sconery.

For Rosalyn’s sake, I knew what I had to do.

The right thing.

The honorable thing.

I had to let her go before I hurt her more.

There was no future for us.

I could never ask her to leave Moonshine Hollow, and there was no way my family would let me leave Frostfjord.

This love was impossible.

The thought broke my heart, but I hardened my resolve.

It was better if I made a clean break now rather than shatter her heart later.

I’d come to Moonshine Hollow seeking myself.

Rosalyn…

that was all she’d ever seen.

Me.

Just me.

I’d carry that in my heart all the way home to Frostfjord.

Once, a woman loved me for who I was.

That thought would have to warm me the rest of my days, because in Frostfjord, the real me would be buried once more beneath the weight of my title and responsibilities.

At least Magnus had escaped a terrible fate.

For now.

I sighed.

At the very least, I now knew I was lovable just as I was, even if this would be the only chance I ever had to feel such love.

Now, I had to put my feelings aside.

My mother had taught me well.

Princes put the good of the realm over everything else—even if that meant breaking my own heart.

I would do what I had to.

Even if that meant letting her go forever.