Page 120 of The Fae Girl 1

He disappeared quick after that. As if he sensed the mood in the room. Leaving me and Nela to console Mira for the rest of the evening.

Mira moped for days and while I understood it, it was starting to frustrate me. I’d tried everything, teaching her new songs, ordering her favourite food, even trying to just talk through it with her but nothing seemed to be working.

“Urgh.” Indi moaned as Mira played another sad lilt that I now regretted teaching her.

I met her gaze, mouthing the words ‘sorry’ at her and Indi shook her head like it wasn’t good enough.

“Alright that’s enough.” I said. “I’m staging an intervention.”

“A what?” Mira asked.

“An intervention. I think we’re all done being cooped up in this room, listening to those songs.”

“But you taught me those songs.” Mira protested.

“Yeah and I regret it now.” I said. “We’re going out. We’re leaving these walls.”

“Where are we going?” Mira asked.

“Where do you want to go?” I replied thinking I’d pretty much agree to going anywhere right now if it cheered Mira up.

“The Courtyard?” Mira said hopefully and Indi and Nela immediately shook their heads.

“No way.” Nela said.

“Why? What is that place?” I asked.

“It’s a bar. Where the soldiers drink.” Indi stated.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing per se, but I don’t think Prince Fain would be too happy if he heard you were there.” Nela said.

“Why, is it dangerous?” I asked surprised that Mira would suggest such a place if it was.

“No. It’s within the Lower Castle.” Nela stated.

“Then let’s go.” I said.

Nela shook her head. “Alice…”

“Come on. All we have to do is walk down there, if you think it’s unsafe, then I promise I’ll turn right around.” I stated.

Indi and Nela exchanged looks.

“Alright, but you keep your head down. I don’t want any trouble.” Nela said.

We walked quickly, at Mira’s pace, down the corridors. Curiously it was Mira who knew the way best.

“It’s where Ridley takes me sometimes.” She said blushing when I pointed it out.

“And now we know why she was so keen to go.” Indi said and we chuckled but deep down, I winced.

This wasn’t the point in leaving the room, to find Ridley, to throw Mira back with him. I wanted her to see that there was more to this damn castle than just him but apparently that plan was already going up the wall.

We walked in and mercifully not that many people looked in our direction. The space was relatively small. It was octagonal shaped with a great fountain in the middle and low stone walls all around that people could perch on. On one side a great glass bar stood and it looked to me as though it were created by magic from the way it was carved.

“Grab a seat, I’ll get drinks.” Nela said pointing to the table as far in the corner as it could be.

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