Page 129 of The Fae Girl 1

“I’m trying to keep you safe.” He said.

I shook my head. I didn’t ask him for that. And it felt like a piss poor answer.

“You want to know the truth?” He asked. “You’re a prize Alice. You said it yourself back at the trial. You’re a prize that everyone is trying to claim.”

I gulped, stepping back. The stupid shoes I was in almost made me stumble.

What the fuck did that mean?

I looked at Nela and Indi. Indi was staring at her boots. Nela looked just as pissed as I was, which at least made me feel better.

“Come on.” Fain said, taking my arm once more, leading me back to my rooms.

As I walked inside, I felt it hit me, felt something awful sinking in. I really was an object to these people. A thing to be used. Did no one even see me as me? Did no one even think of me beyond their own gains?

A silent sob wracked through me. Something akin to despair tore at me as I realised this was my life. This was all I would ever be.

Not a person. Not a human being. But a possession.

A thing to own.

“Alice.”

I tensed as the Prince stood behind me. My body seemed to hone in on it, on his presence, on his body so close to mine.

“No one will touch you.” He murmured. “I’ll keep you safe.”

“I don’t need you to.” I whispered it back but I felt it in my gut. I wasn’t going to depend on him. I wasn’t going to depend on anyone.

Nela had taught me to fight.

And by god was I going to.

I locked myself in my room that night. Not eating. Not wanting to talk to any of them. If they understood I didn’t know. But I couldn’t just sit there, by the fire acting like any of this was okay.

Iwoke to the sound of screaming.

It was far away. But not so far. I kicked the covers off just as my bedroom door burst open.

“Get dressed.” Nela said. “Make it quick.”

I didn’t need telling twice. I yanked on my leathers especially grateful for them as Mira hadn’t returned and I wouldn’t have stood a chance trying to get a dress done up by myself.

As I walked back into the sitting room I saw Nela pacing which was never a good sign.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Something’s in the castle.” Nela said.

“Something?” I replied.

“Call it a birthday gift for the High King from our dear friends the Magars.” Indi said.

“What?” I gasped.

“Come on. We don’t have time. We have to go.” Indi stated.

“Go where?”

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