Page 31 of A Bargain with the Fae King

Riven tips my face up to his, trailing a soft caress down my cheek. “We’ll save her. She’ll be with you soon.”

Chapter 9

Ittakesallmyconcentration to remember how to ride. The reins dig into my palms. My stiff body aches despite the incredible fae clothes and boots that hug my feet and calves like a second skin. No one talks as we venture through the forest at a fast trot. These fae are professionals, their features set, intent on their task. And I… well, I don’t trust myself not to beg for someone to let me off this horse, however sweet she is.

But I can’t do that. I won’t delay our rescue of May.

The forest here is very different from the ones back home. Even though I spend a lot of time outside, I’ve never seen half of this plant life before. Tree branches arch and hang down, making them look like giant spiders. Others sport impossible colors such as navy bark. The deeper we go, the more odd sights, sounds, and smells war for my attention. A whiff of something like lemon cake sends my mouth watering, yet we’ve passed no towns or structures. It’s at once enchantingly unique and horrifyingly different. Any minute now, one of the trees is going to come alive and speak with us, and then I’ll know for sure I’ve stepped off the deep end.

Several trees are already dropping leaves, more evidence of the early autumn season settling over this world. Though the crunch and thump of horse hooves along the worn trails isn’t as loud as it should be. More magic at work, no doubt.

I give silent thanks when Ambrose calls the party to a halt. My back aches, my tailbone is definitely bruised, and my legs are starting to chafe.

Riven helps me down—thank goodness because, even with his help, I literally fall into his arms. Standing on my feet again, a whole new set of aches make themselves known, though none as distracting as his closeness.

“What’s wrong?” Riven brushes away a few stray hairs that have come loose from my braid.

I hold on to him, not trusting myself to stand on my own. Something that might be genuine concern creases his face.

“My body isn’t used to this.” I gesture to the horse. “It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden.”

Understanding lights his features.

“I’d forgotten how much more delicate human bodies are than ours,” he says, almost to himself. He jerks a riding glove off with his teeth, similar to the ones I’ve borrowed, and wraps his palm around my wrist.

A shiver races up my arm at the skin-to-skin contact. A moment later, my whole body tickles, like being lightly caressed by feather, even under my clothes. I sigh as a delicious warmth follows in its wake. My aches fade away, leaving me comforted and sated, like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Or cuddled close in a delicious make-out session.

My cheeks heat, and I shut down those thoughts.

“How are you now?” he asks.

“Much better.” I let him go and step away. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, of course. I promised to keep you safe, and I will.” He flashes a lopsided smile. Here, among this group of his elite guard, he’s the Riven I know. Calm, kind, enchanting. Not the asshole from last night that I hope to never see again. “It seems I’m out of practice with humans.”

Speaking of humans. “May,” I whisper. “Is she close?”

“Not yet. But fae, horses, even charming little humans”—he grazes my arm—“need moments of rest to keep going.”

It makes sense. Not that I have to like it. “What will we do once we find them, these Unseelie?”

His features sharpen. His ears twitch.

And I know, Iknowwhat he plans. A cold sweat breaks out across my skin.

Riven reaches for me, but I flinch away. He and his men carry weapons—swords, a few bows. I should have known. Somewhere in me maybe I did, but didn’t acknowledge it until that moment.

“The Unseelie have become uncivilized. The Wild Tribes, we often call them now, for that’s what they are. Disorganized. Animalistic. Reckless.” Each word off his tongue is harsher than the last. “The things they’ve done…” There’s a chill in his voice that’s almost tangible. “You have no idea, Lia. Far worse than stealing a human girl. They deserve their fate.”

Whatever they’ve done, it doesn’t make the truth any easier to swallow. I hug my arms around myself and give a little nod. Stealing May is horrible, and I don’t know all they’ve done but—

Riven pulls me into his arms. “If there were another way…” He shakes his head. “I must protect my people and your sister.”

That’s right. He’s doing this for May. Still…

I sag against him. “How did they even find her?”

“Perhaps they saw her in the woods? Or”—he trails a hand along my shoulder, down my arm—“they may have followed your scent as I did when I took you home that first time I met you.”

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