Page 38 of Facade

“Forgive me, but I don’t know many beings other than the Fae and humans. And now a Werewolf. May I ask, what are you?” Maybe he was the same as the stranger. Though Thaddeus didn’t have fangs and his ears were pointed. “I’ve been told recently it’s rude to ask, but there’s much I don’t know.”

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest.

“I am what’s called an Elemental. A very old race. Even older than the witches. We have… small powers of our own, and because of that, we live a very long time. We used to be the record keepers of the histories in all the realms.”

Everything inside me stilled.

“But… the Elementals—”

“Yes. Like the Gargoyles, my people were… annihilated,” he growled the word, the deep gold in his eyes flashing with anger. “I only escaped it because I was visiting the Southern Realm, on business. A warning reached me from the King in the Western Realm to go into hiding. So I did. Here, in fact. I look Fae enough that no one would question. I couldn’t stay in the north as it was too close to the Dead Isles, where the Coven Council resides, and I couldn’t blend in with the Dragon Shifters in the south.”

My gaze flicked to his mouth.

“Ah, yes, the fangs. Easily explained. There’s a religious group east of here near the border that is a bit… extreme. They shaved their fangs down, believing they were a sign of weakness.” My brow rose, and that dark chuckle loosed again. “While it’s not thrilling to claim I’m a part of that group, the Fae can accept it. And that’s all that matters.”

“Why couldn’t you be near the Coven Council? I thought they were put there to broker the peace?”

“I don’t believe the Council has any of the four realms’ best interests at heart. And I’m afraid that’s all I can say.” He stepped closer, speaking so softly I could barely breathe. “Be careful around the King’s knights. Everything they do is for him. Do not trust them. You’d be better off trusting strangers you meet on this journey than the males you travel with.”

My pulse hammered in my ears.

“Does Aiden not know what you are?”

He winked, holding his finger over his lips.

“Why share this with me?” Unease speared through my stomach, sharp and bitter.

He turned his back on me. “Because the Fae have stolen from me, as I believe they have you,” he said, his voice at normal volume again. “Now, pick what you’d like.”

“Thaddeus, I can’t take any of your mate’s clothing. I’m… I’m not a queen,” I admitted. He looked at me over his shoulder, a knowing glint sparking in his eyes. “You already knew.”

He faced me, a warmth in his eyes that I hadn't experienced from many beings. “I’m one of the oldest beings in this world. Even older than the Witches. As a former historian, I also know every monarch and bloodline. Additionally, a Queen curtsies to no one.” His brow raised as a dimple formed; meanwhile, I found no amusement in it as heat spread across my cheeks. “Accept my offer and take anything you’d like. Better you take some than these beautiful gowns gathering dust in here.”

I chewed on my lip for a second, then walked straight to the tunic and leggings.

“Excellent choice. Do put it on! It will be more comfortable for your long journey anyway,” he said as he left, the door clicking softly behind him.

My gut dropped. Why would he trust me with such knowledge? I was just a human. Maybe he thought the information would die with me soon enough. That thought dropped a stone in my gut.

I slipped off the green dress and quickly tugging up the tight leggings. Then I pulled the tunic over my head, the soft fabric settling just past my hips. I laced up each boot. Everything fit perfectly. I even borrowed the satchel, placing the strap across my chest.

I looked around the room once more and picked three additional dresses, hoping to appease Thaddeus. The magical ball of light glinted off the set of thick, golden bracelets I left on the table for him as a thank you, before I slipped out the door, the gowns draped over my arm. He beamed at me.

“Wonderful choices, your Majesty. I have a trunk for you.” He hauled the heavy thing from a room across the hall.

I carefully lay the gowns inside, along with the green one.

“Can I ask you something?” My voice was low, though it didn’t really matter.

“Anything.”

“Do you… Do you happen to know a male with… long white hair?” My jaw tightened once the question left my lips. Thaddeus seemed trustworthy. That little voice inside me that had said the stranger wouldn’t hurt me also whispered that I could trust this male.

He frowned, looking at me apologetically. “I’m afraid I don’t. Why do you ask?”

“No reason! I—”

“Thaddeus, we need to leave,” Aiden hollered from beyond the door, his voice coming closer. “Have you seen—”