Starbird (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter 15

Odette pov:

Jorgen sits up, confused. What in Valena?

"Where in Valena were you?" I ask, frowning. "Are you prone to fainting like this? Has this happened before? Jorgen, for Manarak's sake, answer me!" He shakes his head, and his lips move vaguely. "Jorgen!" Without thinking, I draw back my hand and slap his face, hard. He blinks and shakes his head, as though being awakened. He whispers,

"Mother Annalia spoke to me. She said that- that- I can't say it."

"Say what? Jorgen, what is it?!" I am irritated with this man. Unfortunately, I also have a romantic side, and it answers back. Yes, but look at his bravery against King Frederick, and he's so handsome. Don't you just want to feel his strong jaw, and his beautiful, perfectly formed lips? I tell that side to be quiet. Jorgen suddenly says,

"She said that you died for a few seconds, and that the only way for a Valenian to be brought back from death is by... by true love's kiss."

"Did you kiss me when I was.. When I was dead?" Jorgen bows his head sheepishly, and that answers all my questions. At that moment, Jorgen starts to stand, guiding me up with him. Once I am standing, he drops down on one knee. "What are you...?" I ask, confused. Jorgen opens his mouth and begins.

"Odette, we met because I shot you, in the form of a swan. I understand if you hate me, and only stay near because you have nowhere else to go, but over the course of the week I have known you, I have fallen for your charm, influence, and sharp wit. I know you have family here that are far more important to you than I am, and probably have an abundance of suitors here on Valena, but would you consent to be my-"

"Odette Starbird, you are commanded to come out in Valenian form by His Majesty, King Frederick." I clutch Jorgen's hands as the loud, masculine voice shouts at us. "We know you are here! You will avoid worse punishment if you will come out!"

"Who do they think they are?" I mutter. Luckily, in my free time, I learned to throw my voice, and carefully throw it to the other side of the house. "I'm over here, you spoiled ducks!" They whirl around and head over to the other side of the house. "Jorgen, come on!" When the guards are sufficiently embedded in their search, Jorgen and I sneak out of the tree. Thankfully, there is a lot of undergrowth, and we slink along through there. I bend my arm at the elbow, taking weight off my injured shoulder. I sneak through, Jorgen holding my good hand as I guide him through the forest.