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At that exact moment, Baine walked under the tree. I paused, knowing his acute hearing would find me. He picked up my dress then glanced around. When he didn’t see any naked ladies, he looked up.
At me.
I froze, mid-climb.
His eyes widened in shock.
Normally, I’d be mortified about being caught in my underthings, but not after what I’d heard. Ignoring all sense of manners, I hurried down the tree.
“I’ll take that,” I said and snatched my dress out of Baine’s hands.
“What are you doing out here, like that?” he hissed.
“It doesn’t matter. I—”
Our conversation was interrupted by the clamoring of feet. Baine swept me into his arms and took off into the woods. Again, my head swayed from the movement. When he finally put me down, I kneeled on the ground to center myself.
Digging my hands into the dirt, I recalled everything Demious had said.
He would choose one, and the rest would be sacrificed to the Borderlands. To death and war. The only reason my brother had a chance of survival was because of our heritage. None of those girls would survive.
What if he sends me?
“Rosalie.” Baine spoke my name in a soft tone, placing a hand on my back as he crouched beside me. “What’s happened?”
“I . . .” It dawned on me that Baine might be aware of Demious’ plans and this whole banter had been a ploy to find out more about me, to see if I was worthy of marriage or death. “Did you know about us?”
“What do you mean?”
I stood, needing to get away from him. My hands trembled as the idea of Baine’s offer and his kind words had all been a ruse. Some wicked game to trick me into revealing more about myself. “Did you know what his plans are for the girls he doesn’t choose?”
Baine slowly rose, his stoic face giving me nothing. “You’ll be sent to work off your debts.”
“Do you know where?” My voice rose and fear and anger whirled inside me, shaking me to my core.
“Somewhere in Farrow’s Gate.”
“No, you’re wrong.” My chest tightened with worry and fear. “You really don’t know?”
My hands trembled as I replayed Demious words over and over. Pulling at the ends of my hair, I paced back and forth, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
“Were you spying on Lord Demious?”
In that one question, I wasn’t sure I could trust Baine and that truth broke my heart. “Please, take me back now.”
“What did you hear?” Baine moved closer and I stepped back, hugging the dress to my chest.
Fae were known for their ferocity and loyalty. Baine was a living, breathing legendary creature, dedicated to his master. I knew nothing of his past or how he ended up here. What if his heart was the same black as those tentacles? What if his flirtatious banter had been a trick? Surely, being Lord Demious’ most trusted guard, Baine would have to know about us. How could he not?
“Rosalie.” Baine’s face softened and he held his hands up. “I would not harm you nor see you befall to harm. If you know something, please tell me.”
Please, such a simple word and yet that is the one thing that gives me pause.
“I’m afraid,” I said in a shaky voice, tears welling in my eyes.
Baine closed the space between us and placed his hands on my arms. “Tell me what frightens you.”
“Whoever is not chosen to be his bride will be sent to the Borderlands.”
