Page 24 of The Fae Girl 1

“You should cover her head.” Marke called across as we got nearer.

“Why? It’s almost dark.” The Prince replied with a shrug.

“I’m sure your brother would rather she was kept secret as long as possible.” Marke said.

Fain clenched his jaw in response before holding his hand up. Everyone around us immediately stopped. Even the horses, as if they were trained to be obedient to this signal too.

Someone shoved a cloth over my head. It slumped down over my shoulders as I registered it.

I should have fought. I should have protested but I didn’t have the strength for anything anymore.

Four soldiers rode ahead of us. Two now holding my banners; a stylised helmet stitched above crossed swords. The rich red fabric still stood out despite the fading light.

If anyone were to look now, there was a high chance they’d assume the damn girl was simply a prisoner. I’d been away long enough for it to seem plausible. Believable.

Still, I kept her horse close. Keptherclose.

Something in me stirred at that thought, that she was there, touching distance from me. All I had to do was reach out and… I clenched my jaw forcing back the idea. Fae were always tempting but this one felt doubly so. Dangerously so. I’d be glad to get rid of her, glad to extricate myself from her.

Behind me Ridley and the other soldiers followed. Along with the Magi.

None of us spoke. The only sound coming from us was the horses hooves clacking against the cobblestones.

But around us the citadel was alive. I always preferred the place at night. The streets seemed more enchanting. The people more at ease. Besides it was harder to tell who I was then. Harder to notice me.

But not today. Today every person we passed would know.

The High King’s commander had returned.

We passed under the final drawbridge, coming to a halt in front of the great staircase that led up to the upper castle. The real castle.

The great mass of it towered above us. The glass glinting as though all the candles inside were trapped stars. Not for the first time I wondered if this entire damn place had been constructed with magic. It would certainly explain a few things.

A man stood waiting at the very top of the stairs and as I realised who it was I felt a flash of relief.

At least it should make the rest of my job easier.

The man walked down the steps to meet us, already under our feet as we dismounted, though I kept my curt comment about it to myself.

“Jelric.” I said as I faced him.

“Is it true?” Jelric asked quietly.

“See for yourself.” I replied jerking my head in the direction of where the girl was still tied to her horse. Thankfully the bag was still over her head.

Concealing her from prying eyes.

Jelric gasped rushing forward but stopped suddenly when he noticed the bindings.

“You tied her to the saddle?” He asked horrified.

“She tried to escape.” I shrugged. “What else would you have me do?

I nodded to one of my men to cut the ropes but as soon as he did the damn girl fell off, the man only just catching her before she hit the ground.

Jelric rushed to her side and before anyone could stop him he yanked the sack off. Exposing what she was for everyone who cared to see.

I couldfeelMarke giving me a sideways look. I couldfeelhis thoughts, every single one from that gaze. That I should have been more considerate. Should have ensured she was okay. But she’d survived hadn’t she? And to take more time, would had done just that, taken more time. We didn’t have time. To get her here safely required speed.

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