Killian leaned on the stall in defeat, nodding. “Damian said because I’d heard the language of the animals, I’d never forget it. He also said I’d have some other ‘gifts’ from the curse.”
“Like what?”
Killian shrugged, letting his head slump to rest on his arms.
“All things considered, it’s not a bad thing to be able to do.” Lars nudged his shoulder.
“Maybe I just wanted to be normal.” It was a petty statement, but it slipped out anyway.
“So, don’t tell anyone?”
“It’s not something you mention in everyday conversation, is it?”
Lars chuckled, giving Jeppe a last pat and stepping out of the stall.
“He threatened to buck you off next time you got on, by the way.” Killian hooked a hand into his belt and returned Jeppe’s satisfied expression.
Lars whirled on Jeppe, who backed up a step, tilting his nose up in smug aloofness.
“I’ll just leave you here then.” Lars glared at the stallion.
“Don’t you dare!” Jeppe leaned over the stall barricade to nip at Lars’s arm.
“Do I want to know?”
“No.” Killian pushed off the stall.
Lars chuckled, giving Jeppe a loving slap on the nose and earning a placated rumble.
*
“It’ll be t’ pride of this village for generations t’ come that we hosted royalty. Twice!” Adam beamed at Lars and Killian over beakers of the town’s finest.
Now that Killian could more easily partake in the celebration, it seemed like everyone wanted to make sure he tried everything he had missed last time. By contrast, Lars kept hold of the same beaker, making the contents last for an impressive time length of time.
Killian avoided a second helping of pie from the baker’s wife, stepping away from the bonfire to find a moment of peace. But a small tug on his tunic shattered the illusion. The girl from that afternoon peered up at him. Two other children loitered nearby.
She glanced at them for support before blurting, “Were you really a wolf?”
Killian crouched down to eye level with her. “I was. Birte, isn’t it?”
She clasped her hands in delight. “You remember me! I knew it was you!”
Killian was forced to smile as she dashed off to tell the others, but she ran back just as quick. “Did you like being a wolf?”
“Sometimes,” he admitted.
“Did a sorcerer really turn you into a wolf?”
“He did.”
“Was ‘e scary?”
Killian nodded. He’d rather not think about Noak.
“Did you eat ‘im?”
“What?” He supposed it was a somewhat logical question, if rather bloodthirsty. “No, actually Lars beat him.”
Birte turned to stare at Lars, who was standing across the square with the innkeeper, engaged in a serious conversation.
“Did Rose help?”
“She did, just like when we fought the Baedons.”
Birte nodded. “We wanted t’ know for when we play t’ Wolf Prince.”
Questions answered, she ran off with the others, stopping to steal sweets before vanishing with a war cry.
He stood with a shake of his head. He never thought he’d inspire a tale grand enough to warrant retellings by children. He and Lars had re-enacted tales of heroes as children. But I don’t fit into that category.
“There you are!” Rose found him as the fiddles struck up a new tune. “How about a real dance this time?”
Killian set his empty beaker down and accepted her hand. “You’ll have to re-teach me.”
“Don’t worry, I’m better at teaching partners with two feet.” She winked.
“Hilarious.” He rolled his eyes as she laughed.
Rose had apparently spent her time convincing the young women of the village that the wolf prince wouldn’t bite, judging by the abundance of dance partners as the celebration continued.
Lars also allowed himself to be dragged into the dancing throughout the night. Killian escaped another partner to join him by the drink tables.
“This is testing my resolve not to drink any more tonight.” Lars said as he turned away another hopeful dance partner.
“But she had green eyes.” Killian barely repressed a snicker. Lars grabbed him in a headlock. Killian elbowed him in the stomach. Lars released him with a last tousle to his hair.
“But really? Think Pauline will be glad to see you?” Killian gave up trying to fix his hair. I’d bet good money she will. You’re finally taking every piece of advice she’s ever given.
Lars sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Maybe. I probably ruined everything—again—by running off. You know me.”
Killian nudged his shoulder. “Need me to give her the sad dog eyes?”
Lars snorted a laugh and shook his head. “Can’t let you jump in on all my fights, can I?”
“I’m your brother, idiot. What else do you think I’m here for?”
Lars chuckled and tapped his arm in a light punch. “I know.”
Adam stumbled over, beaming at the two of them. “You boys need anything? Another drink?” He raised an eyebrow at Killian.
“No, thanks,” Killian said. “It’s getting late.”
“Late?” Adam frowned. “It’s barely midnight!”
Two hours ago. Though I think this is the longest I’ve ever stayed at a party.
Adam gave an unsteady bow and linked arms with his wife and returned to the dancing.
“What have you and Adam been talking about?” Killian asked.
“I asked him what I could do to help the village, and others around here. Turns out there’s a lot that can be improved now that I’ve stopped to ask.” Lars rubbed the back of his neck.
“Lars, you can’t take responsibility for that. I hate to say it, but Father hasn’t done anything to help either. But now you know and can do something about it.”
Lars took a breath and squared his shoulders. “You really think I can?”
Killian met his gaze. “I’ve always known you can. But now I believe it.”
Lars tilted a smile. “Thanks.”
“You going to start crying on my shoulder?”
Lars rolled his eyes and shoved him a step away. “Go play the part of the dashing prince for once and go rescue Rose. She’s under attack from her awestruck admirers again.”
Chapter 34
Killian stared at the fried bread and chunk of cooked gazelle on his plate. His stomach rebelled at the thought of eating the cooked meat. He shook his head and the feeling passed.
Is it always going to be like this? I hope that one of the ‘gifts’ isn’t a taste for raw meat. He suppressed a shudder. But the food looked more appetizing now in the fading light of evening.
“Need anything, your highness?” One of the knights had noticed his hesitation.
Killian jerked his gaze up to meet the man’s. “No. Thanks.”
“You all right?” Lars asked, brow furrowed in concern as he and Rose settled in on either side of him with their own plates.
“I’m fine.” Killian forced a smile.
“Sure?” Rose prodded his foot with the toe of her boot.
Killian rolled his shoulders back and tore a chunk of meat away. “You’re annoyingly observant.”
She flashed a pleased smile and crunched a bite of bread.
“Well?” Lars pushed.
“Just—you know—still trying to get used to human food again,” Killian admitted.
“At least she washed her hands before cooking this time.” Lars smirked.
Rose widened her eyes in mock outrage and flicked bread crumbs at Lars.
“No respect, this one.” Lars shook his head.
Killian cut another bite away. His stomach settled and called greedily for more. Jeppe wandered over and nosed at Lars’s hand.
Sandnes lay a day’s journey behind them, but the stallion had gamely trotted alongside them the entire way, having ass
ured Killian he would only go with Lars. Even at camp, he remained unhobbled like the other horses. Though from the way he eyed Lars’s bread, Killian suspected he had ulterior motives for promising good behavior.
“You’ll make ‘im fat!” Rose protested as Lars gave Jeppe the lion’s share of his bread.
“He will not.” Jeppe lipped at Lars’s arm.
“He was wounded. He’s still recovering,” Lars protested, reaching up to scratch Jeppe’s chest. Jeppe lipped fondly at his hair in return.
Rose rolled her eyes. “He has. In a nice comfy stable.”
Killian laughed as he stretched his leg out. Spending the day crammed into a stirrup had brought the ache back.
Rose and Lars continued their friendly bickering, and Killian tilted his head back to glance at the first stars that began to appear. He found the white wolf curled around the waning moon.
I’ll miss this. Maybe even miss the wolf a little. The realization came as a light shock.
Rose’s clear laugh brought a smile to his face. And I’ll miss her and that refreshing honesty. She might even be one of the first real friends we’ve ever had.
“Killian! Convince her to come along on our first wyvern hunt.” Lars interrupted his thoughts.
Killian glanced at Rose, who shook her head with pursed lips.
“You get first pick from the treasure trove,” Killian said.
She tilted her head back, considering. “What’s my share?”
“Definitely the smaller one.”
She swatted at his shoulder with a laugh. “Knowing you boys, I’ll end up doing most of t’ work.”
“What if I promise we’ll just go after one wyvern at a time?” Lars asked with a grin.
“Famous last words.”
“Credit for the kill?” Killian offered, holding up a hand to forestall Lars’s protest.
She sat back, crossing her arms. “You have my interest.”
“Your name first,” Lars said.
She tapped her chin. “Perhaps I can be persuaded. And when are you planning this grand adventure?”
“Well.” Lars sighed. “I don’t think our respective parents will be letting us out of their sight anytime soon.”
“Not a chance, sir,” Kaspar called from his place by the fire.
Rose giggled and licked her fingers. “Though it wouldn’t be t’ first time I’ve snuck out. I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard t’ come rescue you two damsels in distress.”
“Lars, maybe.” Killian tossed a smirk, righting himself from Lars’s shove as Rose snickered.
“So, is that a ‘yes’ to hunting with us?” Lars asked.
“It’s a maybe.”
“So a ‘yes’,” Killian said.
Rose rolled her eyes. “Let’s get home without running into any other creatures, and I’ll consider it.”
Lars and Killian exchanged a triumphant glance. It’s a yes.
*
Lagarah Forest came into view when they halted at a crossroads. Killian and Lars would continue north into the forest to Roskalde Castle, but Rose and her father would travel east to the Ranger headquarters hidden in the eastern section of the woods.
They stood in silence, staring at each other without words, before Rose moved first, hugging Lars.
“Thank you for tolerating an aspiring apprentice Ranger.”
Lars chuckled and released her. “Thank you for tolerating a rather ignorant prince.”
Rose smiled. “Not sure which of us had it worse.”
“Probably you,” Lars admitted.
They shared a laugh and Killian accepted her hug.
“We wouldn’t have made it without you.” He smiled at her.
A blush tinged her nose and she struggled for words.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask us,” Lars broke in.
“You boys know if you need a Ranger, or even just a friend, for anything, I’ll be there?”
“Same here,” Killian said, speaking for both of them.
Rose nodded, sniffing as she mounted and joined her father down the road. She gave one last wave before disappearing into the dust.
Killian and Lars spurred their mounts into the woods, taking the road that led them directly to the castle. They arrived at the lake as the sun touched the western sky. The castle gleamed in the light, framed on the hill by a sky of pinks, blues, and oranges.
They had not even made it to the path that twisted up the hill when horns began to sound their arrival. Killian and Lars exchanged a grin and urged the horses up the road as fast as safety would allow.
Grooms hastened to take their horses in the gathering commotion of the courtyard. Everyone wanted a glimpse of the returned princes, but Killian only cared about the figures waiting for them at the head of the keep’s stairs.
Queen Aina crushed Killian in her embrace and he even suffered her kiss. Jonas dragged him in for a hug even though it had been less than a week since they’d last seen each other.
The rest of the castle was destined to wait for the tale as the royal family withdrew for a private meal. It was late by the time the story had been told to Aina’s satisfaction and she was willing to let her sons out of her sight.
Killian let out an exhausted sigh as he stepped out onto the walls to breathe the clean night air. A wolf’s howl echoed across the lake. He leaned against the battlement and listened to the exuberant calls of the pack to one another. The grey wolf’s pack. It took on a new feeling now that he could understand their calls. Part of him would always regret not joining them. But only a very small part.
Boots scuffed the walkway as Lars joined him. “I keep telling myself they sound different now.” He crossed his arms on the battlement and rested his chin atop them.
“Me too.” Killian stared at the rippling reflection of the moon in the lake.
“It’s a full moon tonight.” Lars’s voice was suspiciously calm.
It only took Killian a moment to catch on. “Hilarious.”
“I just thought I’d point it out, in case you felt you needed to express yourself.”
“I’m not a wolf anymore, idiot. And wolves howl all the time.”
“Well, you would know.”
Killian shoved him away, and Lars regained his balance with a laugh.
“I noticed a certain someone was very happy to see you.” Killian shot his older brother a sly glance. “There might even have been tears.”
Lars reached over and tousled his hair before Killian could duck away.
“Good night, Killian.” Lars retreated from the walls.
Killian shook his head and lingered a few minutes longer. One last call filled the night and Killian smiled as the wolves welcomed their human brother back to the forest.
Epilogue
“And that’s the true story of the Wolf Prince.”
Killian paused outside the family solar, leaning against the doorframe to watch the occupants. A green-eyed lady leaned towards the two small children sitting cross-legged on the rug before her.
“And Muvver became a captain!” The auburn-haired boy declared triumphantly.
The woman smiled. “That she did. And she should be back with your uncle and father soon.” She tapped the other boy’s nose.
“Or she would if your father wasn’t trying to convince her to stay longer.”
“Uncle Killian!”
Both boys leapt to their feet and darted over. Killian laughed and crouched to give them hugs.
“Did you get the wyvern?” The green-eyed boy asked eagerly.
“We did.” Killian reached into the pocket of his travel-stained tunic and pulled out two glittering blue scales.
The boys took them reverently, cradling them in small hands.
“Do I want to hear the story?” Pauline rested a hand on her son’s head, leveling a pointed stare at the bandage peeking out from under his left sleeve.
“We’re all in one piece.”
She shook her head. “You three will be t
he death of me one day.”
“We’re perfectly fine!” Lars strode into the solar, pulling her in for a kiss. She pursed her lips and swatted at his chest.
“Rose, I want the real story later.”
Rose swept up her son and planted a kiss in his red curls. “Of course.” She grinned.
“Uncle Killian.” His nephew tugged on his tunic. “Can you really change back into a wolf if you want like everyone says?”
Killian hesitated, glancing at the adults. No one outside the room knew the truth for certain. Lars lifted one shoulder in a shrug.
“That would be something, wouldn’t it?” Killian said instead.
“I know you can talk t’ animals.” The red-haired boy announced gleefully from Rose’s arms.
Killian crossed his arms. “You do, eh?”
“I saw you talking t’ Leifr before you left. What did he say?”
“That he expects you to bring him more carrots next time you visit.” Killian reached over and tweaked his nose. The boy grinned and twisted away.
“Are we staying?” He looked up to Rose, his eyes wide in pleading.
“We need to get back home. Your father should be back from his patrol by now,” Rose said.
“Muvver, I want t’ be a knight!”
“And I want to be a Ranger!”
Their parents laughed.
“Being a knight will be up t’ your Uncle Lars.” Rose ruffled the boy’s hair.
“I’m always on the lookout for new knights. But you have to train hard first.” Lars frowned mock seriously.
“I will!” his adoptive nephew promised earnestly.
“Aunt Rose, will you train me?” Lars’s son asked.
“Of course! As if I’d let any other Ranger train you.” Rose smiled down at him, keeping hold of her son as he attempted to squirm down from her arms to go play at his intended profession.
Pauline gave her a quick hug and kissed the boy’s head. “We’ll see you soon.”
“Did you do all t’ work again?” Her son asked as she left the solar.
She tossed a grin back at Killian and Lars. “Of course.”
They laughed, and Killian took his leave, allowing a smile as the old grey wolf howled in the distance. The stories surrounding him had taken on a slightly more positive note over the years, and there were many tavern bets as to whether he truly could shift back to wolf’s form at will or talk to animals.
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