Page 46 of The Rebel Seer

There’s a knock on the door and Sasha opens it. “They’ve sent the tea and wine you requested, Dev…King Devinshea.”

Dev nods. “Of course. Send them in.”

I sit on the bed and try to look bored and idle as the three small servants walk in carrying trays that look bigger than their bodies. This Dev seems to have an obsession with “lesser” Fae as servants. I saw the brownies cleaning the palace, and now a duo of small trolls from the kitchens. They wear a version of a uniform complete with their spindly tails poking out of their skirts.

I sigh as they place their trays on the tables in the corner of the room. I lean back, looking to Devinshea. “When are we going to be done with all the security stuff, Your Majesty? You didn’t bring me here to sit in on boring talks with your bodyguards.”

I notice one of the troll’s ears perks up. She’s turned away from me so I can’t see her face, but her body has gone slightly stiff as she opens the wine.

“Well, lover, I was hoping you didn’t get killed.” Dev’s tone has gone all smooth and silky. “At least not until I’m bored with you.”

Such an ass. And he can’t ever get bored with me. I sigh. “Well, at least I’ll go out happy.”

He winks my way. “Serve my mistress, troll. She’s from an outer plane and has never tried faery wine before.”

The troll who brought in the fruit and cheese is already walking out. Like she can’t wait to put some distance between her and the royal apartments.

The one who brought the wine turns, and her eyes are wide. “You do not want wine yourself, Your Majesty?”

Those eyes are super familiar. Bibi. I met her the first time I went to Faery. She was a gardener, and the palace mean girls decided to play a joke on me by making her my social secretary. The joke was on them. I quite like a little troll. I grew up around the huldrefólk. She became my friend. When I visit Faery, Bibi is always there to welcome me and make my trip easier.

Dev frowns, remembering his part. “Did I say I wanted wine, servant? My mistress is waiting.”

Bibi bites her bottom lip and holds the wine goblet with trembling hands. “But this is the royal wine. It was made for you.”

What is happening?

Bibi is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. She’s also brave when she finds the right leader.

Dev sighs. “I do not want wine right now, but my mistress does. I am attempting to be patient with you.”

Bibi nods and starts bringing the wine toward me. And then she trips. Or rather pretends to trip, and the wine goes everywhere. She gasps and curls into a ball. “I am so sorry, Your Majesty. So sorry. I will go and bring more wine.”

She starts to crawl back.

Dev’s head shakes, and it’s clear to me he doesn’t know what to do with her. Maybe if she was any other servant he could yell and threaten, but Dev loves Bibi, too. She is part of our Fae family. This whole mission is going to be hard on him. “There’s half a bottle, troll. Just clean this up and I’ll serve her myself, Bibi.”

She stops and with tearful eyes turns his way. “You know my name?”

Dev stiffens and pulls his arrogance around him. “Your name does not matter, but of course I know it.”

Big, dark eyes narrow. “You recently made a decree that my kind are below even the lesser Fae and do not need names. We are to be called Troll or Servant because that is our place.”

I don’t like this version of Dev, but I’m starting to see some serious doors cracking open when it comes to Bibi.

Dev pales and takes a step back. He’s saved from having to say something by the door opening and Rhys walking in.

“Pa…Your Majesty, I’m taking Shy to…” He stops when Shy clears her throat and sends him a pointed stare, which makes Rhys sigh. “I would request Your Majesty’s leave to take my wife to our rooms, please. It’s been a long day traveling, and she needs to rest.”

Shy snorts. “Oh, there won’t be any resting.”

There would be some serious ass kicking in my son’s future, and I’m here for it.

That’s when I notice Bibi staring at my son. Her jaw drops. She knows him.

I think she might be scared for him.

Oh, we’re in trouble.

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