Page 12 of Facade

I held his gaze—not gray eyes at all, but blue. Like what I'd imagine the ocean to look like. His sharp jaw tightened as he looked me over in turn, and my breath hitched. Despite his beauty, I stared at his hand, where those talons had emerged. Cruel that such a beautiful creature might be my end. Would he slice my throat open with one of those claws? Or become whatever monster lurks beneath his skin and tear into me with his teeth? Maybe it’ll be mundane. A simple hanging—or—

“Evanee, step into the light.” Cressida’s sultry voice cut into my thoughts, making me jump.

“My, my,” she chuckled. “Are you sure that’s the one you want?” She turned a hungry gaze toward the male. My stomach dropped further. “This—frightened human?”

“There’s more than meets the eye with this one.” Amusement flickered across his face as he took in my thin nightdress and bare legs. I wrapped my arms tightly around my chest. Fury replaced my fear as his gaze shamelessly roamed over my exposed skin.

“If this is about earlier, that pig—”

“Silence!” Cressida hissed. “Do not speak unless spoken to.” Her red eyes flared as she looked down her nose, despite being shorter than me. I ground my teeth in an effort to stay silent.

Cressida returned her attention to the captain, face softening. “The Queen isn’t happy about this.”

“The Queen doesn’t get a say on the matter.”

What the hell does that mean?

“Wouldn’t you think it prudent, Cressida, that we not have a discussion of this nature in the presence of…” He glanced at Blanche, who huffed, staring daggers at him with her arms crossed. “Others?”

Cressida shrugged, her face impassive.

“My patience grows thin. As does King Raul’s. I’ve given Queen Valentina his direct order for the transport. All human slaves are his property as agreed upon in their… arrangement,” he growled.

Acid burned in my stomach, making my abdomen cinch. Even the Fae whispered of King Raul’s malice. They say that he… did things to the Queen when she couldn’t produce an heir. Awful things too vile to speak of. The rumors say she fled the moment the umbilical cord was cut.

My gaze snapped to the captain. Good looks, savior, and whatever else he may be—I didn’t care. I’d already seen a glimpse of the monster sleeping beneath. Whatever it was. He’s dangerous. There’s a reason that he’s the captain, and despite the niceties of saving me from the gruesome ogre, he’s got to be here to take me to a worse fate.

Cressida smiled slowly and steepled her fingers. “Very well. Callion, take her to the Queen.”

Callion, one of the Queen’s guards, whom I had definitely not noticed in the shadows, took two strides across the small space and snatched my arm, digging his fingers in as he pulled me for the door.

I fought against him, spewing curses as he pulled, hissing as a sharp pain shot like lightning across my back.

“I’m not going anywhere until I know what this is about!” I shouted, fighting to pull my arm from his grip, but he held on too tightly.

Cressida was by my side in an instant and opened her mouth to speak, but the captain cut her off.

“I’ll escort her to the Queen myself,” he declared, that dangerous tone returning as he bared his fangs at Callion. The guard instantly backed down, shoving me to the captain, who caught and steadied me. I jerked away, but he held onto my arm.

Cressida smiled tightly. “Surely the captain of the King’s guard has better things to do, no?”

He stared her down, a warning in his eyes.

“I think you and I both know that this is of the utmost importance.”

Cressida smirked, but stretched her hand toward the door. With that silent dismissal, he tugged me out of the building.

A shiver snaked over me as the night breeze hit my damp clothes. The moonlight hit next, and I instantly wanted to claw my skin off as the ache intensified.

“Here,” he said, removing his jacket and putting it on my shoulders. I stopped walking as the smell of pine and smoke engulfed me.

“Look,” I snapped. “If I’m being punished for turning down your subordinate—or striking him—don’t make up some story about the Fae King summoning me or pretend you care for my safety. Whatever game this is, it’s cruel. I can’t—”

“Stop.” He held his hands up. “This has nothing to do with earlier. He’s been… dealt with.” A darkness passed over his face. “I just need you to trust—”

“Trust you?” I scoffed. “I don’t know you. In case you aren’t aware, I don’t know anyone outside of these walls. I can only trust myself.”

He sighed. “I’m aware of your situation. My name is Aiden, and the King did send us to retrieve you. Now, follow—”