Page 93 of A Bargain with the Fae King

The disgust must show on my face because Sylvie continues quickly, “I don’t like the thought of that either. Most of us don’t, and wouldn’t, use humans that way. I think that a strong bond with one human would be better than short, weak bonds with many humans. I believe Riven feels the same way also.”

Her words don’t answer my question, but they comfort me all the same.

“Thank you.” Warmth blooms in my heart, gratitude for her presence and her honesty.

We break apart as Riven strides our way with the last of the guard members who will join us in retrieving the key. The mask of the Forest King is back in place today, broad grin, confident stride, commanding voice. Though, mask or no, the excitement shining from his face is real.

“Ready?” He unfurls his hand toward me in a graceful swoop.

I’ve already unclasped the bracelet and let it slip from my wrist into my palm. “Yes, though didn’t you say this requires a lot of magic?Someone”—best not to say who—“might feel it?”

My fingers twine through his.

Riven draws me close. A feral grin breaks across his features before he leans in and covers his mouth as if whispering a secret. “We don’t have a choice. There’s not enough time to travel there and back without it. We’ll just have to make it quick.”

A gasp lodges in my throat as the trees begin to twist and warp. The city of Arbrean disappears. Dense forest rises up in its place.

I shiver as the magic rolls off my body and the world stops spinning.

Riven gives my hand another squeeze before relinquishing it. “It should be just this way.”

Chapter 30

Nooneneedstotell me we’ve arrived. Looming among the trees is a crumbling mansion. Unlike Virideria and Arbrean, plant life consumes what little remains of rock and wood. Tree roots and vines choke the decaying ruins. High grasses and moss cling to the exposed surfaces. If there was a roof, it’s long gone, and many of the walls have cracked or fallen.

For as broken and neglected the old mansion looks, the hedges beyond are precisely the opposite. If someone said they’d been trimmed and pruned that day, I’d believe it. Fog hangs low and thick, obscuring much of the view, other than the one opening in the hedge—the presumed entrance to the maze.

I shiver and hug myself.

“Tranquil Grove,” Riven says at my side. “A retreat for the nobility in ages past.”

Humorless laughter bubbles out. There’s nothing tranquil about this place. Not anymore.

“Maybe…” An odd quaver warbles his voice as he reaches for my hand again. “Maybe it is too soon. We can try another time.”

“No.” I wrench my hand away. May needs me. I have to try. “I can do this.” If only I had the confidence of my words.

One firm nod from Riven seals the decision. “Guards, spread out.” His voice rings with all the authority and surety it lacked a moment ago. “Watch the perimeter.”

“Watch for what?” I ask as members of his elite guard spread out into the fog-laden land.

“Everything. Anything. We cannot be too careful.”

I swallow and shift on my feet. All these fae, and I’m the one who has to do something important where none of them can. I sigh, staring at the yellowing grasses.

That bodes well.

Not.

Riven clasps my shoulders. “You’re strong. Brave. You can do this.” A squeeze. “I believe in you.”

I can only blink in return.

“I know you, Lia. I’ve seen the way you give all of yourself for those you love. If I could do this for you, I would, but only you can go in there.” He points to the gap where the overgrown cobblestone path disappears into the hedges.

That’s right. A deep, steadying breath fills my lungs. Leave it to Riven to pull me up from the darkness trying to drag me away.

“I can do this.” This time, I believe it.

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