Page 32 of A Bargain with the Fae King

Back when I thought he was the devil. How ironic there were other monsters lurking about that I didn’t know existed.

He lands a kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll remember to ease your pain along the way this time,” he whispers. “You’ll be safe. May will be safe.”

I can only hope he’s right.

Sunset paints the sky in pink, fading to dark blue, by the time we stop again. Riven had held true to his word and used his magic to periodically ease away my soreness and pain when it returned. The bright moon, bluer than the one at home, edges its way above the treetops.

My stomach growls, but I ignore it. I have bigger problems than my seemingly endless appetite.

May is out there. She’s been gone almost an entire day.

I bite my bottom lip and rub the reins between my fingers. Dad and Elise must be a mess. An absolute disaster. Especially if they haven’t found my phone.

My fault. Again. The bad fae must have followed our scent. It should have been me.

Memories of the car crash suck me back in time. The crunch of metal. May’s scream. The eerie silence that followed. The blood… It should have been me then too. I rub at my face, forcing away the tears trying to break free.

I can’t cry. Not here. Not in front of these fae.

Night has always been my favorite. Long before I looked forward to Riven’s occasional visits in my dreams, I would sit on our back porch and enjoy the peace and beauty it offered, especially in the woods. There’s nothing like the hum of crickets and hoots of owls.

They’re pleasant here too, but there are other sounds, different tones, that I can’t place. Almost like Faery itself can’t help but remind me that this isn’t home.

I slide down from my saddle with Riven’s assistance. My legs are wobbly, but his magic has cured the lingering pain.

“It’s not far now,” he whispers, and my heart gives a leap. “You’ll stay here with Ambrose and a few of the guard.” I open my mouth to protest, but he places a finger across my lips, silencing me. “It’ll be easier for me to ensure May’s safety if I’m not worried about yours.”

“She’smysister.” I narrow my eyes at him. “And you just want me to stay here and what, knit?” My voice rises an octave on the last word.

“Yes, if that keeps you safe, I do.”

I change tactics. “Take me with you. I’ll stay out of the way, I promise, just let me be there.”

“No. Trust me in this.”

“Why?”

I gasp as he grasps my waist.

“Because I made a bargain with you, to return your sister, and I will not break it.” His eyes are intent, burning into mine.

“Fine,” I bite out.

Riven releases me and walks over to a group of fae, seemingly unbothered by the death gaze I aim his way. They converse in low tones too quiet for me to hear.

Should have known. Even he thinks I’m a problem. No good for anything but sitting around like a dog waiting for her master to return. I snort air through my nose. He brings me all this way and expects me to just sit here? If I wanted to sit and wait, I’d have done it back in Viri—whatever-it’s-called.

My horse whinnies as Ambrose strides over with a golden apple of sorts in his outstretched hand. She snaps up the treat the moment he’s within reach.

“Stella here did well today.” He pats her neck.

“Stella,” I repeat the name, committing it to memory.

“Her previous rider met an unfortunate end. She hasn’t been content with anyone else. At least, not until today.”

She nudges me with her, nose.

I give her a rub. “I’m glad we got along.”

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