Jordan and I walked around the prince's tent, attempting to kill some time until the elves make a decision about whether we can leave yet. The 'tent' was made of one main room that looked like an office and two other rooms that split off to either side. I was admiring all of the books when Jordan lifted his cup of coffee near my nose, which resulted in me gagging.

"What is wrong with you?" Jordan asks looking at me.

Glancing around the prince's tent, I attempt to find something for me to distract myself with. I bend over and pick up a book the prince had thrown on the floor, one with a green leather cover and a golden embroidered feather on the front, the title 'Diseases Originating From Winged Creatures' also embroidered in matching thread. "Coffee is disgusting," I reply, opening the book to the first page, attempting to kill boredom. "Well... all food so far has smelt gross besides apples and water and a few other things. I used to love coffee."

He smiles, holding back a laugh. "Then why don't you like the smell?"

I look up from my book momentarily, trying to find the words. "First off, because it isn't as strong as when it's actually in front of you. Also, I don't know why but I can't even handle it from over there. I woke up and everything just tasted wrong."

Jordan glances at me, raising a thick eyebrow, his warm brown eyes practically glowing. "And that's because..."

"I just don't like it anymore," I explain, unsure where the words are coming from. "And it's smell is a reminder of the one thing in my life that I don't have anymore: my parents. They're dead and that's the one thing that can't be changed."

"I haven't changed either," Jordan mumbles, his voice mocking offendedness.

I smirk, and glanced over to him from the book, sporting a false frown. "Yes, you have. You got taller."

Jordan laughs, and puts his hand on my shoulder. "You are amazing, you know that, right? Beautiful, funny-"

"Stop flirting unless you mean it," I snap playfully, although my voice was a little harsher than I meant it to be.

He stops in his tracks, withdrawing his hand from my shoulder. He furrows his eyebrows tightly, his mouth gaping slightly. "What do you mean?" he asks, now looking genuinely offended.

I glance over to him, smirking to show him I don't really mean it. "I mean, unless you like the girl, stop with the flirting. It's useless otherwise."

He looks down at his shoes, which are worn and soaked from the snow outdoors. He shoves the hand that isn't holding his coffee into the pockets of his deep-blue board shorts, something I haven't seen him do before. Did I hurt him? I didn't mean to. I was just playing around, he of all people should know that. We walk around to yet another bookshelf the prince managed to keep in here, this time in silence. My mind races with words to say, but nothing comes out.

We find our way back into the entrance of the prince's tent, when the flap opens to the back part just as Jordan sets his coffee down on the prince's desk. The elves walk in single file, with the prince standing next to the group.

My gut tingles with a nervous fluttering. Something was going on and honestly, I'm not so sure this trip was a good idea.

Then a smirk appears on the prince's face and it makes me feel like he knows something I don't.

"Lillian Taylor," the Leader of the group says, adjusting his robe. He's not happy about whatever he has to say. "After much deliberation, we have decided to allow you to come along on the journey, since the doctors believe you are well and the prince has vouched for your fighting capabilities." His green eyes are narrow, I wonder if the scowl he's been wearing is a usual thing for him.

A large grin breaks out on my face, my mind was too preoccupied by thoughts of the journey to think what he said through. "Thanks," I reply, my attempt at being respectful and serious obviously failing. I had no idea why I was so happy to go with them considering I got kidnapped by people who were all to willing to give me back.

"You will leave tomorrow," he says, before turning his face towards the prince. "You better be right about her."

Then the group of elves left the room, with the exception of the prince, and we were alone in the coffee-scented office in silence.

"I'll have you know the only reason humans are coming on this trip is because my father has requested it." The Prince looked at us before turning his gaze over our shoulders.

"Nonsense son! They're going because you couldn't stop talking about a certain feisty human with amazing fighting skills." I turned to find a man who looked no older than twenty five standing in the door way. He winked at me before scrutinizing Jordan. Who in fact was just as speechless as me.

This was getting weirder by the second.

"Father I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow." The prince's voice held respect and admiration for the man he called father. He couldn't be that old!

"Oh Damascus, you know I couldn't wait to come..."

I tuned the so called king out and looked at the prince.

Damascus...

That name sounded familiar...