Always Be Appreciative of Opposable Thumbs

Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Wish Your Heart Makes

 Hugo watched Willow preen the feathers around the bandage on her wing. She still smelled a little like fish, but after a few days of rest and recuperation, she was doing rather well. And so was he. The panic and guilt that had been eating at him when she was in that tower had finally faded away. Had she really been trapped there for barely a day? It felt like an eternity. But it didn't matter now. She was here, safe and her chipper, sweet self.

How are Fallon and Marisol doing? she asked.

Sitting beside her on the bed, Hugo let out a long breath. "They're disgustingly affectionate. Every time I see them, they're either holding hands, snogging, or calling each other 'berry lips' or something equally inane."

Willow ruffled her feathers and cocked her head. They're very in love, aren't they?

"I don't know if I would call that love."

What would you call it?

"Nauseating."

Shaking her head with a chuckle, she preened the feathers on her chest. And what is love, then?

Pausing, Hugo stole a glance at her. Despite the feathers, the beak, and the webbed feet, she didn't look like a goose to him. In his eyes, she was a cheerful, determined, self-sacrificing girl with a hunger for life. She was the force that pushed him to help others, the little voice in his head that told him to look beyond the ordinary and mundane to find the possibilities that laid in front of him. She was the one who made him see the world with an entirely new perception.

And when he heard the word "love," she was the one who came to mind.

Leaning back, he stared up at the ceiling in an effort to conceal the color in his cheeks. "Whatever love is, it's not them."

Well, you won't have to put up with their affection for much longer. We're leaving today, right?

"Right. Lana says the cart is fixed and ready to go."

I think I'll miss this place a little. Aside from the whole being trapped in a tower with piles of fish and a hysterical prince thing, I sort of liked it here.

Hugo smiled. "Well, I think maybe when we've finished this journey, we should come back to visit."

Her face lit up. Really?

Shrugging, he traced the patterns on the quilt. "I don't see why not. Lana seems to enjoy our company. I don't think she'd object to a visit now and again."

Oh, I would love that. And I'm sure by then Marisol and Fallon will be wed and more tolerable in their affections.

Hugo doubted that, but he gave Willow a smile anyhow. "I'm sure you're right.

~

Lana was waiting for them outside of the castle. Marisol and Fallon stood beside her, embracing each other as if they feared someone would try to tear them apart. Sera gagged, but Jyoji elbowed her in the side and flashed the couple a sweet smile.

"We thank you all for the good that you have done here," Lana said. "I'm only sorry that you couldn't stay longer to enjoy the beauty of our kingdom without being subjected to the drama our family created."

"Think nothing of it, m'lady," Jyoji said with a flourishing bow. "We were happy to be of assistance."

"Speak for yourself," Sera mumbled before Jyoji elbowed her once more. Rubbing her side, she pasted on a less-than-sincere smile. "I mean, it was our pleasure, Your Highness."