Forest Kingdom Trilogy 1 - Blue Moon Rising

away from the wall and breathed deeply until his head steadied. Pain still simmered in his muscles, flaring up if he moved too quickly, but it was bearable. He'd hurt worse in the Darkwood. He looked round for his sword, and Julia handed it to him without having to be asked. He smiled his thanks, slipped the blade into its scabbard, and then took his first good look at Julia.
    Somebody had clearly decided to take the young Princess in hand. Julia now wore a long flowing gown of midnight blue, with gold and silver piping. Diamonds flashed from rings and bracelets and necklaces, and they'd taken away her sword. Her long blond hair had been been piled up on top of her head and carefully arranged in the latest High Society style. Expertly applied cosmetics softened the harsh planes of her face without disguising them. All in all, Rupert thought she'd never looked lovelier. Even though it was a totally unsuitable outfit for visiting a filthy courtyard at the break of dawn. 'I like the dress,' he said solemnly.
    'I look like an idiot,' grumbled Julia. 'All I need to finish the job is a cap and bells. The dress is too tight, my shoes are crippling me, and this damn hairdo is giving me a headache. What's more, the thick woolly underwear they forced on me itches like crazy.' She went to scratch herself and only then realised she was still holding the bloodstained handkerchief she'd used to clean Rupert's face. She sniffed, tucked it unconcernedly into her flared sleeve, and glared at the Prince accusingly. 'You were going to sneak off without saying goodbye, weren't you?'
    Rupert shrugged awkwardly. 'I don't like goodbyes. They always seem so final.'
    'Rupert,' said Julia slowly, 'just how dangerous is this High Warlock?'
    'Very. The last messenger we sent him came back transformed.'
    'Transformed? Into what?'
    'We're not actually sure. Remember the crocodiles that used to live in the moat?'
    'You mean whatever ate them is . . .'
    'We think so.'
    Julia scowled thoughtfully. 'And the High Warlock's our only hope against the Darkwood?'
    'Looks like it.'
    'Then we're in deep trouble.'
    Rupert nodded solemnly, and Julia had to laugh. Rupert grinned, glad he'd finally broken her grim mood.
    'Well, Julia, how are you getting on with Castle Society?'
    'Settling in. Slowly.'
    'Hit anybody recently?'
    'No one important.'
    Rupert laughed. 'That's all right, then.'
    They stood together a while, neither of them sure what to say for the best, and then Julia leaned forward and kissed him. Rupert took her in his arms, and held her close. He could feel her heart beating against his. After a while, he pushed her gently away.
    'It's almost time to go, Julia.'
    'Yes.'
    'I'd take you with me if I could.'
    'I understand.'
    'Wait for me?'
    'Of course. Do you still have my favour?'
    Rupert reached inside his jerkin and pulled out a very battered and bloodstained handkerchief. 'My lady's favour. I wouldn't be parted from it for all the Forest Kingdom.' He looked up and found there were tears in Julia's eyes too. He turned quickly away, and stared out across the packed courtyard as he put the handkerchief away again. He heard Julia move in close behind him, felt her breath warm the back of his neck as she spoke.
    'No goodbyes, Rupert. Just . . . come back safely. Or I'll never forgive you.'
    There was a pause, and then he heard her turn and walk away. He wished there was something else to say, but there wasn't. He put his hand over his heart, and felt the soft pressure of the handkerchief under his jerkin. It seemed the minstrels weren't always wrong, after all. He grinned, and made his way across the courtyard to rejoin the unicorn.
    'Are you all right now, Rupert? You look a bit flushed.'
    'I'm fine. Fine.'
    'Julia's gone?'
    'Yes.'
    'I like her,' said the unicorn.
    'So do I,' said Rupert.
    'I had noticed,' said the unicorn, dryly.
    Rupert laughed, and put his cloak back on. 'Ready to move out?'
    'Ready as I'll ever be. Why isn't the dragon coming with us? I'd just started to get used to him.'
    'He's resting. I think the demons hurt him more than he'll admit. The Rainbow should have healed him, but I suppose he's just. . . not as young as he was. Last night, it was all he could do to walk to the stables. I'll miss him, but he's not up to a long journey, let alone fighting off demons.'
    'Demons?' said the unicorn sharply. 'What demons?'
    'Well, when we go back into the Darkwood ...'
    'The Darkwood? Nobody said anything to me about going back into the