A Blood Heir

Chapter 18- A Ride In The Forest

“I can’t believe we are doing this!” Maya said excitedly. Her white horse walking beside his black one, they stepped out of the grandest entrance of the palace. A lit-up dirt path stood ahead, decorated with outgrown ancient tree roots, wildflowers, and fallen leaves that crunch beneath the horse’s hooves.

Tilting her head backwards, she expanded her lungs and breathed in the fresh forest air. Sunkissed by rays filtered through the leaves above, the red in her chestnut hair was magnified and her face became radiant. At that moment, Hunter realised he’d never paid much attention to the features contributing to her beauty. He hadn’t noticed the hazel of her eyes, the smoothness of her skin, the faint freckles powdering her nose or the tiny dimple that popped on her cheek every time her luscious lips curved in a smile.

He had a feeling being with Maya wouldn’t just be an obligation, that he was going to like it. Aside from finding her defiance and wit appealing, something about the human drew him to her and spooked his interest.

He hadn’t been truthful to himself. There was a much deeper reason why he’d let Nixie go. He wanted something more than a devoted and loving female at his side. He wanted someone who challenged him. Someone like Maya.

He felt proud of himself for agreeing to this ride. This was a great move. He was establishing trust and friendship, the foundations of any good and long-lasting relationship. And it would give them some time alone. Well, they weren’t entirely alone because the warriors Cade had undoubtedly assigned to protect him were watching from a distance.

For a while, silence persisted between them. Instead, the sounds of the horses’ steady hooves, the gentle swishing of their tails, and the air snorting accompanied them. The forest was an orchestra, playing one symphony after another: the whispering songs of the leaves to the wind, the drone of beetles, and the enchanting voices of birds. Maya gazed up at the canopy, searching for the birds that were singing sweetly.

There is a reason Hunter loved the forest and preferred to ride when he was stressed out. The fragrance of minty grass, the damp earth and the fresh air calmed his soul. On top of a speeding horse, his troubles slipped farther and farther behind him.

“I’m sorry, ” Hunter broke the silence.

With a confused look, Maya inclined her head towards him. “For what exactly?”

“Because you are stuck here with no way home.”

She glanced ahead. “Would you let us go if we found one?”

He knew his answer would disappoint her and maybe ruin her good mood but he said it anyway. “I can’t.”

“Why are you so afraid to let humans find out about Krystan?”

“It’s said that humans once came to Krystan and they tried to take the mother crystal for themselves. Many died trying to protect it. And even though most of us believe it is a myth, we fear that that’s what will happen if your planet becomes aware of our existence.” His gaze darted towards her. “So, you can’t go back and as long as the crystal keeps shielding us, no one will ever find us.”

“I get your fear. Humans can be greedy and selfish. But what if we promise to tell no one?”

“How sure will I be that you won’t go back on your word, that you’re not just saying that because you want us to let you go?”

“I promise I’m going to make you trust us and you’ll willingly let us leave,” she said.

“I’ll wait and see how you change my mind.” If only she knew he would never let her go.

“Since I’ll be here for a while, what should I call you?”

“Hunter is fine.” He smiled. “Like you said, I’m not your king.”