Page 48 of The Fae Girl 1

To really sleep.

I headed for the door wondering how much alcohol might do the job.

“Perhaps you will allow me to train her.”

I paused at the door. “You want to increase her powers?”

He shook his head. “Not increase. Hone. If there’s something wrong perhaps I will pick it up.”

I narrowed my eyes. I wanted to say no. I wanted to deny him the way I had every time he’d made the request since she’d arrived. “If there’s a risk…”

“With respect Prince Fain, I don’t think the High King will be happy we’ve waited so long.”

“I’m sure when he learns of the circumstances.” I snarled. But he was right. Uther wouldn’t be happy. He’d want some progress at least. “Fine.” I said. “Start training her. But only the basics. And I mean basics.”

Jelric nodded as I left him to it.

Morning came not a moment too soon. I’d sat by the fire, watching the flames turn to embers.

And then finally to ash.

Refusing to sleep. Refusing to even shut my eyes.

Mira was curled up on the couch opposite me. For a moment I wondered where exactly her rooms where, where she actually was meant to sleep. I glanced to where Indi was asleep and Nela was reading.

Neither of them seemed to leave me either. Like they were all perpetual shadows.

I got up, feeling the chill in the air and grabbed a log. I chucked it onto the ash and then wrung my hands. What was the next step?

“Want a hand?” Nela said.

I turned nodding.What idiot didn’t even know how to make a fire?

She pulled the log off, stacked a few smaller ones and then placed it on top. “If you start with the big one it won’t take.” She said.

I nodded. Grateful that she wasn’t mocking me for my ignorance.

As she struck the flint and the spark took light I stepped back side eyeing her. “Do they teach you that as a soldier?” I asked.

“Yes. But I knew before. My father taught me.”

“How long have you been in his army?”

“Ten years.” She said. “I joined up when I was sixteen. After he died.”

“I’m sorry.” I murmured.

She gave me a tight smile. “No need. He died in his bed. Peaceful. How every man would wish to go.”

“What made you join then?”

She let out a small laugh. “Did you think the only motivation a soldier has to fight is revenge? No, I chose to fight because it’s what I wanted to do, what I’ve always wanted to do.”

“But why?”

She tilted her head, scrutinising me. “Why would I not fight?”

I shrugged. Remembering what Indi had disclosed last night. The battle that she’d fought in, the battle she’d almost died in. “You have to kill people.” I said quietly.

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