Page 71 of The Frog Prince

Otto blew out a breath before nodding, turning toward the forest, and taking Alwin’s hand to yank him along. He only slowed down when the noise faded behind them.

“What was that about before we left?” Otto asked, slowing into a swift walking pace. “What did Gisela whisper?”

He didn’t seem to realize he was still holding Alwin’s hand. The sensitive pads on the tips of his fingers pressing against Otto’s skin like sticky kisses, refusing to let go.

Alwin tried not to lose his wits.

“She was just telling me to make sure you’re safe,” Alwin said honestly, not wanting to keep any secrets from Otto.

No more than he absolutely had to, anyway.

“She worries a lot,” Otto said, and Alwin smiled. As if Otto himself weren’t the biggest worrier Alwin had ever met. As if he hadn’t traded his life for his sister’s without a second thought. As if this very trip wasn’t happening purely because he cared so much about everyone around him.

“Seems to run in the family.”

Otto gave him a shy, pleased look.

“Maybe so.”

They continued to walk.

This time, there was no hesitation. No pause. No break in Otto’s stride. He traded sunlit pathways for shadowed ones without a moment of doubt, and Alwin fell in step behind him, making sure his back was covered and protected from anyone who dared to think the Frog Prince wasn’t a danger to them.

He could be. For the right cause.

What better cause than protecting a man who had proven himself worthier than most royals or great lords or ladies?

Their handhold didn’t break once.

Twelve

Alwin

“Home, sweet home,” Alwin said when they’d finally made their way to the ruins.

It was a long trip with few breaks. Even on a straight path, the distance was substantial, but it seemed like nothing with Otto’s hand wrapped around his.

Alwin didn’t bring it up for fear that he might let go, wondering if Otto simply didn’t notice. He gave no indication either way, so Alwin savored the contact, even when the heat of Otto’s hand leached the cold and damp from his.

It was well worth it.

Now, feet weary and hands still locked, they stood next to the stone well, Alwin’s heart lighter than he realized it could be. Hehad considered this place his prison once, but somewhere along the way it had become a home. One he cherished and protected.

He looked to Otto to see his reaction.

The first time they’d been together in this very spot, there had been nothing but fear and desperation in Otto’s eyes. He had been all pinched lines and staggered breaths.

Now, there was so much more.

“I didn’t notice the first time around,” Otto whispered.

“Notice what?” Alwin asked, matching his tone and creating a bubble around them.

Otto’s smile was the sun itself. “Just how beautiful this place is. It looks frozen in time.”

“I believe it might be. There is definitely some residual magic, though I’ve never been able to decipher what it is or what it’s supposed to be doing.”

“How do you know then?”