Page 179 of The Fae Girl 1

“Does Uther know?”

“No.” Fain replied.

I’ll admit my heart sunk a little at that. I don’t know what I expected, it wasn’t like we’d even had time since this all started, and it wasn’t like I wanted him to have marched right in and announced it to the High Council, but a part of me clearly wanted something from how I was reacting now.

Ridley looked at me then back at the Prince. “Surely you’re not that stupid. Your brother will kill you.”

“He’ll do no such thing.” Fain replied taking my hand.

Ridley looked at me again. “You know what she is, what you’re brother considers her as.”

My stomach clenched. I opened my mouth to speak. To say something but Fain got there first.

“She’s not a prize.” He half snarled.

“She is to your brother.” Ridley snapped. “How can you expect any sort of relationship if…”

“I don’t think you’re in a position to judge anyone’s relationship.” I said. “Not with what you’re doing with Mira.”

He looked more than a little taken back by my comment.

Fain let out a chuckle. “Don’t pick a fight with her Ridley, she’s got sharp claws underneath that beautiful exterior.”

I flushed in spite of myself and Fain led me away into the hall beyond, then into what was his study.

A huge map lay across the table with little figures plotted all over it.

“Is this your world?” I asked.

“It’s our lands. The Sea Nations aren’t on it.” Fain replied.

I stared at it, seeing the strange shape, seeing where our city was in comparison with the rest of it.

“What are all these for?” I asked pointing to the little figures. Some were red. Some were black. A few were like little square blocks while others looked like chess pieces. They obviously meant something.

“These are Magi.” He said pointing to the blocks. “These are different battalions, cavalry, infantry.” He pointed to each one as I nodded.

Ridley appeared in the doorway, arms crossed assessing us.

Fain looked at him. “Are you done pouting or would you prefer to leave?”

“I’m done.” He replied glancing at me. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you both.”

I gulped glancing at Fain. He smirked like it was some sort of a challenge.

“I take it we’re calling it a night then. Seeing as you’ve got plans.” Ridley said.

“I can go if you need to…” I began.

“No.” Fain said. “You can stay. We’re almost done anyway.”

Ridley frowned more, like he wanted to object but didn’t dare.

I spotted the wine on the side and walked over, pouring out a glass and took a sip if only to steady my nerves. This wasn’t exactly how I’d planned this evening to go, though in truth I hadn’t really thought beyond sneaking down the passageway.

As I looked up Fain was still watching me. I gave him a small smile back.

Ridley cleared his throat loudly making us both looked in his direction.

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