“It’s not like I planned to be here,” Theo quipped. “I could go home.”
Pressing his lips together, Bywater shook his head. “Only in your dreams. You are ours. You belong to the unseelie king now.” He leaned closer. “I’ve seen him make men cry for decades at a time.
“Why don’t you go suck his dick if you love him so much. I have mates already.” That was probably the meanest thing that Theo had ever said. He didn’t even regret it. Or he didn’t regret it much. Theo didn’t like being mean.
Bywater laughed. “I like your spunk.”
“Yippee,” Theo deadpanned.
Bywater shook his head again. “Seriously this won’t do at all. The king will be unhappy, seeing you dressed like that. There are protocols to consider.”
That wasn’t really Theo’s problem. He turned back toward the cart. “My friends. Why can’t they move? They need help.”
Waving his hand, Bywater made the entire cart along with Garrett and Bo disappear.
“Hey!” Theo pushed Bywater’s shoulder. “Bring them back.”
“Don’t worry about them,” Bywater told him. “They are the least of your worries. The king does not like to be kept waiting. We need to get you outfitted.”
“How about you bring my friends back?” Theo suggested.
“Aurelia!” Bywater shouted.
Theo jumped then jumped again when a small three-foot creature popped up beside them.
“Yes, Master Bywater?” the little creature said with her hands folded in front of her.
Theo wanted to grab her up and give her the biggest hug. The little thing was just so cute and looked terrified of Bywater. And why had she called him master? She should have called him asshole.
Hellcats. Theo was really turning mean.
“Please take our guest and get him outfitted to meet our king. Take good care of him. See to whatever needs he might have,” Bywater ordered while leaning close to Theo. “I will be seeing you again very soon.”
“Yes, Master.” The creature placed her hand on Theo’s arm.
The room wavered in front of him. In an instant Theo was standing in a large bedroom. That was even better than using a portal.
“Where are we?” Theo asked.
The little creature bowed. “Guest bedroom, Master.”
“I’m not your master,” Theo said gently. “You can call me Theo.”
“Yes, Theo. Would you like something to eat or drink?” Aurelia offered.
“No.” Theo would kill for food and drink. He was so hungry! And dying to drink at least a gallon of water. Knowing he was in the unseelie king’s palace or whatever, Theo was going to have to watch his words and not accept anything.
If his memory was correct, he was guessing that Aurelia was a brownie or sprite or one of the service fae. Many of whom were taken from their families and forced to work off debts. Poor little thing. Not that Theo was in a position to help the little one, but he needed to try.
“I shall acquire you clothing to meet the king,” Aurelia said.
“No. Don’t. I will not accept the clothing.”
Aurelia twisted her fingers together. “Smart. I have orders, though.”
Theo nodded. He was utterly exhausted. A few minutes to rest would be nice but Theo didn’t think that he would be getting that. Taking a few steps back, Theo sat on the side of the bed. He sank in and groaned to be off his feet as he took a moment to think.
“Aurelia, what is your species?” Theo asked as politely as he could.
