Page 176 of The Fae Girl 1

I dropped my gaze. Fighting for control. “I should prepare these plans.”

He grunted.

As I left him alone the word ‘traitor’ rang out in my head over and over.

Only the question was who was I the bigger traitor to, Alice or my brother?

Two days. Two days he’d been gone. Why did it feel like forever? A part of me wondered how I would feel if we hadn’t crossed that line, if we were still practically enemies to each other.

With Jelric gone I’d been given a new Magi to instruct me. Unfortunately Alix’s idea of teaching seemed more about praising every tiny thing I did, rather than pushing me onwards, rather than teaching me anything of use.

I never thought I’d admit it but I couldn’t wait for Jelric’s return.

After a particularly frustrating lesson, Nela and I disappeared off into the city. She’d made a fuss about needing some new boots but in reality I think she could tell I needed a break.

We wandered the streets, neither of us in any particular rush. I found a bookstore and spent some time rummaging through the shelves until Nela grew bored enough to drag me out.

When I protested she told me I could go hang out in the castle library anytime I wished.

“You never told me there was a library.” I huffed.

“You never asked.” She replied.

I folded my arms biting back the grin.

I think it was fair to say we really were friends now. Though I didn’t fool myself into believing that if I tried to run, really tried, she would still follow orders and drag me back.

I paused looking in through the glass of a shop window.

“We’re not going in there.” Nela said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“I hate clothes shopping.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realise this entire trip was about your wants.” I replied.

She shook her head smirking. “You’re getting too comfortable Fae. Might have to bring you down a peg or two soon.”

I laughed. “I’d like to see you try.” I said as I made a point of walking inside.

It wasn’t even that I was after anything in particular but I wanted to buy something, anything just for myself. All my wardrobe, every item in it was not only paid for but chosen by someone else. I wanted to own just one thing I’d picked.

A huff told me Nela was behind me.

“You don’t need clothes. You have a wardrobe full of them.”

“I know.” I murmured. In truth I didn’tneedanything. But I couldn’t deny there was a want. A desire.

As my eyes fell towards the back of the store Nela bristled more.

“Not a chance.” She muttered.

“I’m just looking.” I said but we both knew that was a lie. A big fat one.

I moved nearer, casting my eyes over all the fancy pieces of lace laid out.How would Fain react if I dressed up in something like this?

“We’re not buying lingerie so you can dress up for my commander.” She stated.