Page 101 of The Fae Girl 1

“You expect us to believe that?” Uther snarled. “You knew exactly what he wanted. What he would do.”

“I didn’t. I would never have written…” She started but fell silent before suddenly throwing herself on the floor in front of the table before the High King’s feet.

“Get up.” He said coldly.

“I have never sought to anger you. Never sought to cause you pain.” She said.

“That’s a lie.” He snapped.

“If I had known…”

“You would have what? Told me yourself? You and my brother are thick as thieves. Did you concoct the plan together? You lure the girl down there and leave him to do the dirty?”

“No I would never have.” She said looking up with tears now streaming from her face. “My husband, I would never have done such a thing.”

“You can pretend all you want but those tears don’t work with me. Not anymore. You’re a spiteful bitch. You always have been.”

“I’ve never had anything but your best interests at heart.” She cried.

“Enough. I’m sick of the sight of you. I want you gone. You’re to go at day break. Pack your things.” Uther stated.

“You’re just doing this to get rid of me.” She wailed. “You’ve wanted to replace me for years. Why now? Is your mistress with child? Is that it? Or perhaps you’ve grown bored of her too.” Her eyes fell on me and I saw the spite in them. “No I see what this is.” She said her face contorting with anger and bitterness. “You’ve got yourself a pretty Fae to warm your bed now so you don’t need me anymore.”

I closed my eyes, turned my face away. I would have shut off my hearing too if it was possible.

“Shut up woman.” The High King growled.

“It’s true isn’t it? You’re replacing me with her.” Indyra cried.

“Get her out of here. And see that she is packed and gone.” Uther ordered.

“Where, where are you sending me?” She stammered.

“To Holdharst.” Uther stated.

“No, you can’t.” She wailed.

“It’s already done.” He said standing up as she was dragged from the room.

Uther waved his hand for more wine and a few of the men around him fidgeted in their seats.

“It’s time brother.” Fain said quietly.

Uther looked at him and nodded. “Fine.” He said. “Alice you may go now. Guards, escort her back to her rooms.”

I got up feeling every inch of my body ache. My body felt worse now than after the initial assault.

I gave a quick curtsey and gratefully left the room without looking at any of them.

I wanted to be alone. To lock myself away. To scrub my skin clean and to finally process what the hell had happened.

Ispent the next few weeks hiding in my room, only leaving to go to Jelric’s classes, and even then, I kept my head down, kept my pace quick. Ensuring Nela and Indi where there, right beside me at all times.

I had no more thoughts of escape. No more want for it either.

Those awful moments at his hands had shown me exactly what would happen if I tried to escape. Exactly what my life would become. There was no other option for me. No safety beyond the walls of this castle.

I guess from the High King’s perspective it couldn’t have worked out any better. I was truly afraid now. I would never try to leave.