Page 25 of The Fae Girl 1

Besides, she wasn’t injured.

She wasn’t harmed, at least not permanently.

No doubt a good meal and a decent night sleep would sort her, just as it would sort the horses.

“We need to get her inside.” Jelric said to the soldier still holding her.

He nodded but looked to me anyway. Waiting for my instructions.

“Anyone would think you were Agnai the way you’ve treated her.” Jelric muttered.

“If I was one of them she wouldn’t have made it this far.” I said in response.

“She nearly didn’t.” Marke said behind us.

“What do you mean?” Jelric asked.

“One of the soldiers was Agnai.” Marke replied. “He almost killed her.”

“Almost.” I stated narrowing my eyes.

“They know already?” Jelric asked.

“We don’t know that. For all we know it was one randomer.” I said.

“We should get her inside before anyone else sees.” Marke said.

I looked above. There were enough faces peering out to tell me that ship had already sailed.

The soldier carrying the girl was making a big to do about it taking his time, like she was something precious, something fragile that might crumble in his arms.

Shaking my head I marched over, scooping her up, ignoring the instant reaction my body seemed to have. The way my blood pumped a little faster, the way my skin tingled.

As Jelric looked on I carried her inside and away from all the prying eyes.

* * *

The room was too exposed.

Even as I lay her down. Even as the maid Jelric had somehow found flittered about, getting hot water, producing clean clothes.

That was the thought in my head.

Too far out of the perimeter of the main castle. I glanced at Jelric biting my tongue. It was too late to change it now.

I’d stationed fresh soldiers outside. Four in total.

But still, my gut told me it wasn’t enough. My gut told me we’d need more.

The girl lay unconscious on the bed. Unmoving.

Jelric called for a healer and then stood huffing beside me until the woman appeared bowing to us both.

“Check her for injuries.” Jelric said.

“She has some cuts on her arms.” I said.

Jelric shot me a look narrowing his eyes. The accusation there for all of us to see.

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