Page 27 of The Fae Girl 1

“Seford?”

“There was an attack.” He replied.

“What kind of attack?” I asked. Like I didn’t already know.

“Spectral.”

My fist tightened round the glass at the word, as the images of the last city I’d seen attacked flashed through my brain. How the glass in my hand didn’t shatter I don’t know.

“Any survivors?” I asked.

“We don’t know. That’s why he went. High King Uther had to see it for himself.”

“He didn’t have to go himself. He could’ve sent me…”

“But you were otherwise disposed brother.” Rillon’s drawl rung out as he sauntered rather than walked into the room.

I narrowed my eyes as Jelric shifted.

“What?” My brother said looking between us with a smirk. “Have I walked in on a private conversation? Or perhaps a conspiracy between the two of you?”

“There’s no conspiracy here Rillon.” I replied.

“Well now, then what else could you be talking of? The harvest? The bad weather we’ve had of late? Perhaps you were discussing the Fae girl?”

I stared right at him.

Of all the people to know it had to be Rillon.

But of course it was. Rillon had a knack for always being in the wrong place at the right time; he was a born opportunist. But it begged the question of who else already knew of the girls existence.

“What? You didn’t expect me to not know?” Rillon said pouring his own drink.

“Who told you?” Jelric asked.

“Who? Everyone knows. It’s the worst kept secret in this place.” Rillon shrugged as he slowly sipped his glass.

I shook my head slightly, if everyone knew then it was only a matter of time before the Agnai sent assassins. I’d have to do far more than put a guard outside the girl’s door to protect her.

“So” Rillon said looking from me to Jelric and back again. “What do we plan to do with her? We could take back the Udwood, could depose all of all the Lesser Kings, hell, we could take over all of Herani.”

“We will do no such thing.” Jelric snapped.

Rillon burst into laughter and clapped his hands together. “This couldn’t be more perfect could it? You Jelric, the greatest Magi anyone has ever known now surpassed by a mere girl. And you, my dear brother, forced to protect her, after everything that’s happened…”

“I’m not forced to protect her.” I said.

“After your poor dear Elynn.”

“Don’t you dare talk about her.” I growled throwing my glass against the wall. Rillon had the decency to flinch then as it shattered.

“I think it best you go High Prince Rillon.” Jelric said.

“Fine. As you like. I wouldn’t want to stay where I’m not wanted.” Rillon smiled at us before giving a dramatic bow and sauntering back out.

In the silence of the room we both glowered until I had to ask. Had to say it. “What do we do about the Agnai?”

“We do nothing.” Jelric replied. “We don’t even know who is Agnai and who isn’t so there’s little point putting more guards around her. All we can do for the moment is wait. And if they attack then we’ll handle it then.”

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