When I opened my eyes, he was gazing down at me, his eyes that striking, otherworldly blue. “Do you think they’d mind if we skipped the rest of our own party?” I asked.
* * *
Rhys left earlythe next morning to meet with Soren and Alaric to discuss Soren’s next assignment. I’d already relayed everything about the attacks that I could remember. I peeled myself quite reluctantly from the bed, but decided I should track down Leisha to see how she was transitioning. So much had happened in so little time. I didn’t want her to think I had forgotten her.
After sending word with Merry, who I’d come to love in the short period of time since I’d been at the castle, I dressed and ate a small breakfast of fruit, toast, and lemonfruit juice. By the time I finished, Leisha returned a note by way of Merry saying she’d meet me in the orchard just outside the castle grounds.
I’d heard of the orchards, which had been magicked long ago to bear fruit in the frigid temperatures of the Northlands, so I was eager to see them. I had so much to tell Leisha and couldn’t wait to hear what she thought about our intriguing new clansmen.
Those I’d met at the party waved to me as I left the castle. It was so refreshing not to be judged by everyone I met. They knew about my dark secret of course, and they didn’t care. It boggled my mind. They saw me as some sort of savior instead of some sort of oddity.
As I ventured into the orchard, I wrapped my cloak more tightly around my shoulders and did my level best to forget about the warmth of Rhys’s bed and the comforting crackle of the fire in the background. Much as I wanted to, I couldn’t spendallday in bed with him.
The thought put a smile on my face. It was a beautiful day and somewhat magickal underneath the full blooming trees. I still worried about my father, and wished I could see my brother, but for the first time in my life I had hope, thanks to Rhys.
I found Leisha a ways into the forest. It was so thick I couldn’t see the castle or even the sky overhead. She was sitting at the base of a tree and stood when I came into view.
“Princess, I’m so glad you made it. I was worried they wouldn’t let you come.”
“Don’t be silly,” I said and pulled her into a hug. “I’ve been meaning to set aside some time to speak with you, but it’s been a whirlwind since we left the capital. So much has changed already. I hope you’re settling in well. The Dragon-Clan has been so hospitable.”
As we walked through the orchard, Leisha seemed to choose her words carefully. “Hospitable, yes. I’m grateful you made time for me. I’ve been worried for you.”
“Worried? Whatever for? I hoped you enjoyed the ball. I thought it was beautiful.”
Leisha grabbed my arm, her expression pinched. “My lady, I’m worried because you don’t seem to believe you’re in any danger. Your mate murdered someone. We were attacked coming here. What makes you think you’re safe with him?”
I took Leisha’s hand in mine. “I appreciate your concern, but Rhys would never hurt me. Those men who attacked us were human, and the Dragon-Clan is doing everything in their power to find out who orchestrated the ambush. I know you were scared, and you had every right to be, but Rhys won’t let anyone harm us. I promise you.”
“Is that so?” came a silky voice.
A blade appeared, quick as a lightning strike, and nicked at the underside of my throat. My eyes snapped to the side, and I resisted the urge to swallow. A bead of blood crested on my collarbone and stained the neckline of my dress.
Leisha whimpered in front of me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the brilliant green ones of the fae holding me, didn’t dare. My fingers dug into the skirts at my sides, but otherwise, I didn’t move for fear of dislodging the blade. Or enraging the smirking Immortal holding it.
The fae leaned forward and scented the air. “We were ever so surprised to find you here, looking like a pair of lost little girls.” He laid his cheek against mine and nuzzled as though I were a long-lost friend. “We’d be happy to help you find your way home.”
His companions snickered and hissed in agreement. What were they doing in the Northlands so far from their territory?
“Thank you,” I managed to say carefully. “But we aren’t lost.” I let out a relieved breath as the pressure from the blade released, and I could swallow freely.
“That’s too bad,” he said moving around to face me and pressing the flat of the blade against his lips in contemplation, tapping lazily. “We could really use the company. It’s been a long day of traveling and we still have a long way to go.”
“Well, we appreciate the offer—”
“Do you?” he said idly, sheathing the blade. “You don’t seem very appreciative. Perhaps we should teach you a little lesson in gratitude. You shifters are an ungrateful lot, after all. Taking our land. A thankless bunch. Yes, I think a lesson is what we need here. The question is, which of you two to choose, hmm?”
My stomach clenched and at the same time, my bowels turned watery. The fae were known for their tricks. For twisting words and using mortals and Immortals alike for their amusement. I had never encountered a fae myself before Alaric, and having done so now, I already wished I never had.These fae were nothing like Alaric
“We are most appreciative…”
“Corden.” He steepled his fingers, his head cocked to the side as he studied me.
I endeavored to keep my gaze locked on his, my voice calm, but it was a struggle. Fae enchantments, if they’re strong enough, can keep a shifter from changing. If they’d already caught Leisha before her shift, then the only way we were going to get out of this alive was by bargaining. And the last thing you ever wanted to do was bargain with a faerie. I had never heard of anyone doing so and getting out alive, but I had to try.
“We are most appreciative, Corden.” I bowed my head low.
He stood, and his long-legged form towered over me. So much so, that the thin slice in my neck screamed in protest when I slowly glanced up. Three other fae gathered around him, their too-wide smiles baring wickedly pointed teeth.
