The Princess's Revenge Chapter 101

Valencia’s POV

The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of Logan's room, casting everything in a warm golden light. Snow continued to fall steadily outside, but here in this moment, the world felt safe and peaceful.

"Want me to feed you?" I said softly, moving closer to Logan's bedside.

Logan looked up at me with those gray eyes, a smile spread across his face. "Please, my queen," he said, nodding.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks at his words. The way he said "my queen" made my heart skip a beat. I ducked my head, trying to hide my blush, but I could feel Logan watching me with amusement.

I walked over to the bedside table where Echo had left the wooden tray. The food smelled incredible - roasted meat that had been cut into small, manageable pieces, fresh bread still warm, and what looked like stewed vegetables with herbs. There was also a bowl of thick broth that steamed in the cool air.

"Echo really outdid herself," I said, carefully lifting the tray. "This looks like a feast."

I carried the tray over and settled onto the edge of the bed beside Logan. The mattress dipped slightly under my weight, and I had to be careful not to jostle him too much.

"Let me help you," I said, picking up the spoon.

I scooped up some of the tender meat and vegetables, blowing on it gently to cool it down. Logan watched me with those intense gray eyes, and I felt suddenly self-conscious about every movement.

"Open your mouth," I said softly.

Logan parted his lips obediently, and I carefully guided the spoon to his mouth. His lips closed around the utensil, and when I pulled it away, he chewed slowly, never taking his eyes off me.

"Good?" I asked.

"Everything tastes better when you feed it to me," he said, his voice rough.

I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach. "You're ridiculous."

"I'm honest."

I prepared another spoonful, this time with some of the bread soaked in the rich broth. As I lifted it toward his mouth, I really looked at Logan's face. His jaw was covered with several days' worth of stubble, dark and rough. Combined with his blonde hair and those piercing gray eyes, he looked ruggedly handsome in a way that made it hard for me to concentrate.

"You're staring," Logan said, amusement clear in his voice.

"You look..." I searched for the right words. "Different. With the beard."

"Different how?"

"Handsome," I admitted. "Really handsome. I can't seem to look away."

Logan's eyes darkened, and the way he looked at me made my pulse quicken. "Valencia."

I was so distracted by the intensity of his gaze that my hands started to shake slightly. The plate tilted in my lap, and before I could steady it, some of the food slipped off and clattered to the floor.

"Oh no," I said, starting to get up. "Let me clean that up."

But before I could move, Logan's hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me back toward him with surprising strength for someone who was supposed to be recovering.

"Logan, what are you—"

His lips crashed against mine, cutting off my words. The kiss was hungry, desperate, like he'd been holding himself back and couldn't anymore. I melted into him immediately, my hands coming up to frame his face, feeling the rough stubble under my palms.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard.

"I've been wanting to do that all day," Logan murmured against my lips.

I smiled. "You could have just asked."

"Where's the fun in that?"

Logan's hands moved to my waist, and he started trailing kisses down my jaw toward my neck. When he reached the sensitive spot just below my ear, I shivered.

"Logan," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He moved lower, pressing gentle kisses along my collarbone. The feeling of his lips on my skin made warmth spread through my entire body.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" I teased, even as I tilted my head to give him better access. "I mean, Logan, are you really okay?"

He pulled back to look at me, and there was something almost predatory in his expression. Like he wanted to prove exactly how okay he was.

"I'll show you how okay I am," he said, his voice low and rough.

He tried to pull me down onto the bed with him, but as soon as he put pressure on his injured ribs, he let out a sharp groan of pain.

I immediately pulled back, my hands going to his shoulders to steady him. "Logan! Are you alright?"

He was breathing heavily, his face pale. "I'm fine. Just give me a second."

"You are not fine," I said firmly. "My alpha, you need to rest properly. We have all the time in the world for this."

Logan looked frustrated, like he wanted to argue, but the pain was clearly too much. He let out a defeated sigh and shrugged as best he could while lying down.

"Just wait until I'm healed," he said, his eyes holding a promise that made my cheeks burn. "I'm going to make you regret teasing me. You won't be laughing then."

I couldn't help but smile at his threat. "I'm sure you will."

I helped him settle back against the pillows, arranging them so he was comfortable. His breathing gradually returned to normal, though I could see he was still frustrated with his limitations.

I slipped off the bed and knelt down to clean up the spilled food from the floor. As I gathered the scattered pieces of meat and bread, I could feel Logan watching me.

"Just leave it," he said. "Echo can clean it up later."

"It's fine," I said, continuing to pick up the mess. "I don't mind."

When I finished cleaning, I stood up and brushed off my hands. "I should go see Delphine when we're done here," I said. "I promised I'd check on her."

Logan's expression immediately changed, becoming almost childlike. "Already?" he said, and his tone was so plaintive it was almost like he was pouting. "But you just got here. Don't make me wait too long."

I stared at him in amazement. This was the same man who usually commanded respect from every warrior in the pack, who could make enemies tremble with a single look. Now he was practically sulking because I might leave him alone for a while.

"I'll come back soon," I promised. "Try to get some rest while I'm gone."

"Fine," he said, but he caught my hand before I could pull away completely. "But don't take too long."

"I won't," I said softly.

I stepped out of Logan's room and closed the door behind me. My head still throbbed, but I knew I needed to see Delphine.

I walked down the stone corridor toward the stairs. The castle felt different now with Alpha Soren and his warriors here. I could hear voices echoing from various rooms, the sound of heavy boots on stone, and the general bustle of a pack preparing for whatever might come next.

As I reached the main floor, I paused and closed my eyes. Logan had told me about the mind link ability, and while I still found it strange, I needed to try it now.

Delphine? I thought, focusing on her face in my mind.

Almost immediately, I felt her presence in my thoughts. The sensation was incredible - like a warm presence touching my consciousness.

Valencia! Her voice appeared in my head, filled with relief and happiness. Are you alright? Where are you?

I'm fine. I'm on my way to the courtyard. Can you meet me at Gareth's smithy?

Of course! I was just finishing up some work in the kitchen. I'll be there as soon as I can.

The connection faded, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. I still couldn't quite believe how amazing the mind link was. To be able to speak directly to someone's mind from anywhere in the pack - it was like magic.

I made my way through the castle and out into the courtyard. The afternoon air was crisp, with thick snowflakes falling steadily from the gray sky. The white blanket covering everything made the usually bustling courtyard look peaceful and quiet.

There weren't many people outside in this weather. A few servants hurried past, their cloaks pulled tight against the cold. I could see my breath forming small clouds as I walked across the snow-covered stones.

I reached the smithy and heard the familiar sound of hammer striking metal. The heat from the forge felt good against the cold air. I knocked on the wooden doorframe.

"Come in!" Gareth's deep voice called out.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The smithy was exactly as I remembered - hot, smoky, and filled with the smell of burning coal and hot iron. Gareth stood at his anvil, his massive frame silhouetted against the orange glow of the forge. He was working on what looked like a sword blade, his hammer moving in steady, rhythmic strikes.

"Luna Valencia!" he said, looking up with surprise. He set down his hammer and wiped his hands on his leather apron. "What brings you here on such a cold afternoon?"

I noticed how he addressed me now. Not just Valencia, but Luna Valencia. The respect in his voice was clear, though it made me feel slightly uncomfortable. I still wasn't used to being treated with such reverence.

"I was hoping to talk with you," I said. "Things have been... difficult lately."

Gareth nodded, his weathered face serious. "Yeah, the attack. The battle, that. But we drove them off, didn't we?" He gestured to a wooden stool near his workbench. "Please, sit. You look tired."

I settled onto the stool. "The world feels so dangerous now. Everything is changing so fast."

"That it is," Gareth agreed, returning to his work but keeping his voice conversational. "But that's the way of things, Luna. Change comes whether we're ready for it or not."