Bitterroot Valley Enter, Pursued by a Memory

twitch nearly tripped over a root. not because she was clumsy—she wasn’t—but because princess landed like a stone right to the forehead. what kind of princesses has he been meeting that he could make such a conclusion?

“alright, now you’re just pulling shit outta your ass, aren’t you?” she puffed, “and yeah, i like the lake,” the girl went on, tone steadier as she pushed a branch aside for him to pass. “very quiet and serene. doesn’t talk back, which is more than i can say for you.”

she gave him a sidelong glance—quick, sharp, a little amused. “second mention because you asked about favorite places. i don’t rotate my answers just to keep you entertained.”

but then he threw that last bit—I reckon I could take ya—and her ears pinned halfway back in immediate challenge. her head whips around to his like the mere insinuation offends her. her eyes dragged up his frame—quick, unimpressed on purpose. she makes a judgy sound from deep in her throat, brows knitted playfully.

“you’re full a’ shit, cowboy. you’re big, not fast.” a small smirk curled at the corner of her mouth. “size only helps if you catch me first. s’cute though,”