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I took a step back in surprise. As far as danger went, despite my imagination running wild, I’d expected maybe highwaymen. “Dangers? Like what? Robbers and stuff?”
His lips lifted. “And stuff. The way you humans talk is so peculiar to my ears.”
He turned his head to scan the road ahead, his eyes tightening at the corners. “Jesting aside—there are creatures in Faerie you would not want to encounter. Some are quick enough to intercept travelers, even if they use the runes.”
I moved my fingers in the familiar pattern, enjoying his surprise.
“Who taught you?”
I wasn’t going to tell him about my dad. So I ignored his question. Instead, I asked, “How long will it take to get to the city?”
“I would think before darkness closes in. There is an inn on the outskirts of Emlyn. Do you have anyaurints?”
I assumed that was the currency in this world. “No. I have no money at all. But I’ll be okay sleeping in the forest.”
The very thought made me shiver, but years of watching survival shows had prepared me for this. Maybe.
The man stared at me as if he couldn’t believe his ears. “Woman. Did—”
I interrupted him. “I’m Beth. And you are?”
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, as if I was killing his last nerve. “My name is Bleddyn. Now. As I was saying: there are deadly monsters in this world. You would not survive the night. No. I will not have your death on my conscience. It would be my honor to invite you to dinner. A good night’s sleep will set you right, and we can discuss how you want to proceed.”
And there it was. I didn’t swallow his I’m-such-a-good-boy-routine. No guy offered to pay for food and accommodation without wanting something in return.
I crossed my arms, standing my ground. “Look. Blefen.”
“Bleddyn,” he corrected me, although it didn’t sound much different from my attempt.
I nodded, acknowledging the strange name. “Bleddyn. While I appreciate your offer of a hot meal, I can’t pay you back. And I certainly don’t want to share a room with you.”
He stood straighter, his eyebrows rising to his hairline. “Milady, I would never. What makes you think such a thing?”
My stomach dropped at the indignation in his voice. Had I misread him? He seemed so aghast at my suggestion, I felt embarrassed about saying it out loud. His speech had something formal about it, like the Hollywood version of chivalry. Maybe I had misjudged him.
“I guess it’s my turn to apologize. In my world, men don’t offer things like rooms in an inn without an ulterior motive.”
He paled and his eyes blazed. “You must have cads in your world as much as here.”
He bowed with a flourish that wouldn’t be out of place at a royal court. “Would you do me the honor and be my guest until we reach the city?”
I wanted to laugh at the extravagant gesture, but that would have been rude. I bit my lip and dropped my head forward as if I was considering his offer. But all I did was hide my amusement until I had myself under control. Then I said, “Thank you, I would be delighted to be your guest.”
He stepped aside so I could walk next to him. From the corners of my eyes, I caught a lightning quick expression, like a smirk, on his gorgeous face. It happened so fast, I let it go.
But the tiny ember of trust died as quickly as it had been ignited. I’d watch my back until we reached the city. Then I’d give him the slip. Until then, I had to rely on his smooth promises that he’d be able to protect me.
Chapter three
Travelingwithmagicwasso much faster than walking. But it was mentally and physically exhausting.
Bleddyn was in front of me one second and half a mile away the next. If I blinked or got distracted, I lost sight of him. Twice, he had to retrace his steps and find me.
At the third time, he grimaced. “I know this is new to you, but you must not fall behind. Did you not notice you nearly stepped on a sleeping troll’s head?”
I covered my mouth, not sure I’d heard correctly. “A troll? What? Where?”
Bleddyn waved his hand dismissively toward where we’d just come from. “Two steps back. If you had woken him, he could have grabbed and torn you apart before I would even know you were in trouble. Please, do not make me return to find your body strewn across the countryside.”
