“You look like crap, prince. Did you miss me?"-Puck”

“Looks like nobody’s home,” Puck said, turning in a slow circle. “Hellooooooooo? Anybody here?”“Be quiet, Goodfellow,” Ash growled, peering into the shadows with narrowed eyes. “We’re not alone.”“Yeah? How do you figure that, prince? I don’t see anyone.”“The cait sith has disappeared.”“ … Crap.”

“Puck threw Ash a mocking smile. “You look like crap, Prince. Did you missme?”Ash frowned, stabbing a faery that was clawing at his feet. “What are youdoing here, Goodfellow?” he asked coldly, which only caused Puck’s grin to widen.“Rescuing the princess from the Winter Court, of course.” Puck looked downas the wire-fey piled on the squealing boar, ripping and slicing. It exploded into a pile of leaves,and they skittered back in confusion. “Though it appears I’m saving your sorry ass, as well.”“I could’ve handled it.”“Oh, I’m sure.” Puck brandished a pair of curved daggers, the blades clear asglass. His grin turned predatory. “Well, then, shall we get on with it? Try to keep up, YourHighness.”“Just stay out of my way.”

“Prince,' said Puck's voice, drawing me out of my dark thoughts, back to the present. 'Prince. Oy, ice-boy!”

“You wound me, prince." Puck looked anything but hurt, and I crossed my arms. "Um, I guess you're still mad about that whole harpy fiasco. I swear, I thought those caves were empty.”

“Wow, Meghan!” Kimi bounced in place, clapping her hands. “You look awesome! I love what you did with your hair.”“PRINCESS.” Ironhorse looked me up and down, nodding in approval.“TRULY, YOU ARE A VISION.”I glanced at Puck, who was staring at me in a daze. “Um…” he stammered, while I nearly went into shock with the novelty of actually rendering Puck speechless. “You look…nice,” he muttered at last.I blushed, suddenly self-conscious.”

“The nurse whirled and fixed him with a gimlet eye. “You—” she began, then threw her hands up. “Go get ready, idiot. You’ve been hovering at the door like a lost puppy all day. Tell the prince we’ll be leaving as soon as Miss Chase is ready. Now, get.”Puck retreated, grinning, and the nurse sighed. “Those two,” she muttered.“They’re either best friends or darkest enemies, I can’t tell which. Come with me, Miss Chase.”