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This was the second time he’d mentioned my clothes were inappropriate. Granted, people had stared, but were my jeans and top really that bad? “What’s wrong with my clothes?”
Master Griff and Bleddyn exchanged glances. The old man turned away, grinning and lifting his hands in a gesture of, “I’m out. You deal with it.”
Bleddyn sighed, then placed a hand on my shoulder. With forced patience, he said, “Your trousers mold your legs so that anybody can see your… your…”
He waved vaguely in the direction of my pelvis.
“And your tunic is so tight, any man might be tempted to place his hands on your cleavage.”
I wasn’t sure whether I should be pissed, or find the blush sneaking from his neck to his cheeks cute. Just to make my point, I muttered, “It’s hardly my problem you Fae males can’t control your urges.”
There was a snicker from Master Griff, but Bleddyn’s expression veered toward thunderous again. To show good willing, I glanced at the women in the crowd. Most of them wore similar dresses as the ones Master Griff sold. They hung off their thin frames like potato sacks.
Confused, I turned back to my protector. “Why are those women so skinny? Is that a Fae thing?”
Bleddyn’s anger bled from his face and was replaced by a look of deep sorrow. “This is something else you must learn. That stew you found so appetizing last night? It was a mirage, created by the innkeeper’s magic. It looked nourishing and tasted wonderful, but it did not provide you with sustenance.”
I stared at him, my nose scrunching up as I considered his words. “Hang on. If there are no nutrients in your food, how are you not all dead?”
Master Griff cut in. “How do you not see the truth around you? Bleddyn, who is this girl?”
Bleddyn stepped in front of me, cutting off Griff’s suspicious gaze. “She grew up in the human world. I suspect she has forgotten her heritage, but I will work with her so she will fit in.”
Stunned by Bleddyn’s quick reaction, I stared at his back. Maybe there was prejudice toward half-humans? It was common in my world among certain unenlightened parts of society, but here? And what truth was I supposed to see?
Before I could ask, Bleddyn urged me on. “Please. Pick something. I will not rest easy until you blend in.”
I stepped up to the cart, pushing the stupid dresses aside. To the left were several pants, made of the same material, but wider than my stretch jeans. “What about these? I could pull them tight in the waist and roll them up so they’ll fit better.”
Bleddyn’s eyebrows rose in surprise as if hadn’t considered that solution. “Yes, it might work. It would give you the freedom to run and fight while hiding your form.”
He pulled out some puke-colored tunics that would reach my mid-thighs. “Here, slip these over your shirt. And add this cap.”
I did as I was told. A belt kept the pants in position, and the tunic smelled of cow, but overall, the garments did their job. The cap fit perfectly over my pixie cut.
Bleddyn looked me up and down. “I would not recognize you. It is perfect.”
He dropped several silver-colored coins into Griff’s hand. The old man thanked him profusely and gave me a saucy wink as I trailed after Bleddyn.
The Fae made sure I walked close, but didn’t ask me to hold his arm. It was probably no longer necessary because I looked like a young boy rather than a grown woman, but I missed the warmth from his body against my side.
Chapter nine
Wehadn’twalkedmorethan a few yards when my vision dimmed and I stumbled. Bleddyn was quick to grab my arm to steady me.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I felt weird for a moment.”
He didn’t respond, but took a right turn away from the throng. Two doors down was a building with old-fashioned windows, the glass bisected by sturdy wooden posts. The shutters were pulled back, but ready to slam into place if necessary. The sign said “Apothecary.”
“Wait here. I will not be long.” Bleddyn opened the door and disappeared inside.
I leaned against the wall, fighting off another bout of dizziness. Thankfully, he was back within a few minutes.
“Here. This will make you feel better,” he said, holding a small vial.
I looked at it with suspicion. “What is it?”
“I will explain when we eat, but for now, please drink.”
