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Pushing up, he rolls the opposite way and out of the bed. The silk sheet slips off as his wings lift briefly to spread, and I get an unobstructed view of what might be the most perfect ass before the wings tuck back into place.
He walks straight to a dresser and pulls out clothing. With his back to me and hidden by his wings, he dresses. I roll out of the bed and immediately start stripping the sheets, remembering that’s one of my duties.
By the time I have them off, Amell is dressed in black rough denim and boots. He’s not wearing a shirt, and I must say, I like that better than the vest.
From a purely artistic point of view, that is.
“Let’s talk about a few ground rules,” he says as I stand there with the sheets and pillowcases in my arms.
“Okay.”
“Outside of the suite, you stick to the main part of the castle. That would be the grand foyer, which leads out to the bridge, the kitchens, and my suite. Do not go down other hallways at all. You’ll be safe enough that way as it’s fairly populated with visitors and residents.”
“Residents?”
“A lot of nobles live within the castle, which has multiple apartments. Many others travel here to meet with the nobles. Stay in the main areas and you’ll have less chance of someone harassing you. Now that my interest in you is known and will have spread around, that will make you of interest to other fae.”
“I don’t understand why I’m of interest. It makes no sense—I’m just a dead human.”
“And fae hate humans.”
“You don’t,” I point out. “You made a daughter with a human.”
“It’s an old bitterness that’s not been let go by most. Humans are seen as frail and weak, yet they have the privilege of the First Dimension. They serve no purpose to us, nothing more than toys, since their life is so fleeting. You’re also shiny and new since humans rarely stay here. But because you have my interest, others will want a taste. They’ll want to see why you’re good enough for a king. Others would just want to hurt you to hurt me.”
“But… I’m a servant who cleans your suite,” I sputter.
“They don’t know that, though, do they?” he counters. “I’ve told the council you’re off-limits and that news will have traveled. You stayed the night in my suite.”
My eyes flare with understanding. “So now everyone assumes you’re banging me.”
“Which will give you the best measure of protection.”
“That’s why you had me stay here last night?” I ask incredulously.
Amell grins. “Mostly, although one could hope that you’d ask me to touch you.”
“I won’t,” I maintain.
Chuckling, Amell moves over to a large desk against one wall. It’s covered in old books. He sits and opens one up and peruses. “Go to the kitchens and fetch my breakfast. Rhynda will have a tray ready. I had some clothes procured for you. They’re hanging in the bedroom closet if you wish to change.”
“Um… thanks.” I turn to head back into the bedroom because while this dress is beautiful, it’s not practical.
“Nyssa,” Amell says, and I turn to face him. “You may also use my bath any time you desire.”
I don’t respond, but I’m grateful. Taking one yesterday made all the difference in the world. This place doesn’t smell like fire and brimstone as so many stories led me to believe, but it was still nice to clean up.
In the closet, I’m stunned to find modern clothing from the First Dimension. At least I think they’re from there. They bear manufacturers’ labels, although I don’t recognize the brands. Of course, I was never a brand shopper to begin with, getting most of my clothing from Goodwill. I’m grateful not to be in those scratchy brown garments and almost sigh in relief as I slip into a pair of tennis shoes that feel like heaven on my feet.
I grab a comb from a vanity beside the bath, and that’s when I notice a small tray set out that wasn’t there before. On it are little luxuries from the First Dimension, including bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Even a toothbrush and toothpaste. I almost cry as I brush my teeth, and when I head back through the suite to fetch Amell’s breakfast, I thank him for the items.
He waves a hand, not even looking up from his book. “Not a big deal. We have imports come in from the First Dimension all the time.”
Amell is right. Traveling from his rooms to the kitchens is a direct shot, and there are many fae around. Several regard me with knowing looks, others with surprise. I suppose word about me hasn’t made it all the way around yet.
I pass Amell’s friend, Truett, as he walks with a female who looks just like him in skin and hair color. He nods politely.
When I glance back, he’s telling the woman something about me, and she looks over her shoulder at me in surprise.
