Forest of Dreams and Whispers (The Fae of the Forest)

by Katherine Macdonald

“You did just throw a jug of water at my head.” “I did. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.” “There are other ways to hear me scream.” “I’ve slept next door to you for almost three years. I’m well aware of the different ways to make you scream. Not interested in anything that doesn’t involve actual torture, thank you very much.” “I might be all right with that.” “Come again?”

It was some sordid romance called “The Wicked Prince.”

“I will chuck you in that cauldron.” “Wouldn’t do much harm,” the witch muttered, stirring the pot. “Not nearly hot enough. No lethal ingredients.” Hawthorn blinked. “Are all women obsessed with murder, or is it just you two?” “The common denominator in this equation is you,” Juliana said pointedly. “A lot of people want to murder you.” “That is harsh and also fair,”

Hawthorn was used to disappointing people. Juliana wondered if he’d be different if someone believed in him.

Hawthorn grinned as she swept towards the door. “I quite enjoy you bowing towards me. You should do it more often.” “In your dreams.” “Only once or twice.” “What was that?” “The horses, woman!”

“Do you ever find,” he said to Hawthorn, his eyes following the merman about, “that whenever you’re around someone you adore, you act like a complete fool?” Hawthorn’s eyes spread across the dancefloor, and Juliana wondered who he was searching for. “Tell me about it,” he said. “You always act like a fool,” she interjected. Hawthorn jumped, but recovered quickly. “Is that so?” he said, not looking at her. “Please don’t think too much about that.”

“I’ve always known I would watch you die,” he said. “I’ve liked the idea less and less as the years have gone by. I’d trade many a year to give you an extra month, and still consider I’d got the better end of the deal.”

“If you tell anyone about this—” “Murder. Unspeakable acts. Entrails for sausages. I understand.” “As long as we’re clear.”

“Your ears fascinate me. I can’t help it.” Jules whisked a tiny dagger out of nowhere. “Help it.” ”I—where were you keeping that?” “I am never unprepared.”

“And if I want you for the rest of my life?” “I will be yours until death, if that is what you want.” “And what do you want?” “You,” he replied. “I just want you.”