Page 80 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Hesitating and remembering what Raine told her she answered carefully. “I…” she cleared her throat. “I was tricked.”

He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to add more details. “Go on,” he urged.

“First, I’d like to make a request,” she said, gripping Raine’s arm tightly.

Casimir coughed as the group looked her way.

The King raised a brow. “A request? From a human woman? Why would I grant such a thing?”

She remained silent, mulling over what to say next.

Sighing, he waved his hand again. “What is your request?”

“I’m exhausted, starved and hurt. I would like to see a healer, get some rest, have a real bath and eat some foodbeforeI answer your questions.”

Despite her brief bath in the stream, her hair was still filthy, her shirt was covered in dirt, and she had blood stains on her ripped pants from the attack on her leg. Suddenly self-conscious, she forced herself to meet his stare and did not look away.

“Why not answer my questions now and then receive those things you’ve requested?” Thorne asked as the rest of the group silently observed their interaction.

“Because I don’t know you. Therefore, I don’t trust you. You might change your mind and throw me in the dungeons after I tell you what you want to know.”

He stood up and strolled down the steps, his hands clasped behind him, and stopped before her. His eyes bored into hers. “I could throw you in the dungeons right now for your refusal to answer my questions.”

“Try it and see what happens,” she seethed, a flare of her temper showing. She would not be a prisoner again after whatshe’d gone through. Refused. They would have to kill her before she’d let herself be locked away.

“What are you doing?” Raine whispered.

Thorne stepped closer with a feline grace. “Are you threatening me?”

Ava gripped Raine’s arm as her voice trembled. “No. That’s not what I meant.”

“Explain,” he said, anger sizzling in his eyes.

“I was already a prisoner at Deidamia’s camp for weeks,” she stated. “I want to help you. But I won’t be locked away again.”

Thorne backed up and looked her up and down. “You stabbed one of my captains.”

“I—” she tried to explain but he held up his hand.

“Do not interrupt me.” He paused, waiting for her to comply. She remained silent. “You stabbed one of my captains and rumors say you brought the daemon queen back to Eorhan. But—” he looked at her pointedly. “I will grant your request.”

“Thank you,” she said, shoulders relaxing.

“I’ve spent many years building up this kingdom to its true potential. Though we occasionally capture prisoners, I’m not in the business of putting a helpless woman in the depths of our dungeons.”

Ava scowled at the word ‘helpless’ but remained silent, letting Thorne finish.

“Ava,” he said, piercing eyes meeting hers. “I will give you quarters to stay in while you recover. It will be heavily guarded, and you are not to leave your rooms without an escort. I will allow you to rest and provide you with the comforts you need. We will reconvene in three days’ time when youwilltell us everything.”

“Thank you.” She bowed her head.

He took one step closer to her and added, “But do not speak to me like that again. I may not be so generous next time.”

“Understood.” She nodded, shivering at the unspoken threat in his voice.

“Casimir,” Thorne said, looking at the general. “I’m putting her in the empty suite adjacent to yours. Please take her there now and send for a healer.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure she’s watched closely.” He turned toward Ava. “Can you walk?” She nodded. Though she didn’t know how she’d make it, she was determined not to show weakness in front of them. Casimir turned, not waiting to see if she would follow and made his way toward the doors. “Let’s go.”

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