Page 54 of The Fae Girl 1

I don’t even know why I was being so mouthy. Perhaps it was the frustration, the annoyance, at this entire situation.

Instead of being angry though he just chuckled. “Do all women behave like you do in your world?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Talk back, assert themselves, pick fights even when they’re going to lose.” He stated.

“Is that what I’m doing?” I asked grinning slightly at his tone.

He laughed.

“I take it the women here are more subservient then?” I said.

“Yes, they know their place.” He said.

“And where is that?” I asked. I wasn’t exactly what I’d describe as a militant feminist but I sure as hell wasn’t going to just roll over and pretend I was a second class citizen, that my existence was secondary to a man.

“Obedient to our whims.” Jelric said.

“You mean men?” I replied.

He laughed. “I don’t mean to offend.” He said.

“Oh it’s not offensive, it’s just archaic.”

“Perhaps we can agree to disagree?” Jelric said.

“So you think I should be like that?” I asked.

He paused considering it. “Perhaps. It might be safer for you. I’d certainly advise it with the High King.”

“And everyone else?”

“I’d say it depends on the person and the situation. You’re welcome to be as you are around me.”

“Very kind of you.” I muttered.

“…But I’d be more wary around the other, Prince Fain especially, he’s used to be obeyed without question.”

“Like a tyrant.” I cut in.

“No, he’s a soldier, a commander. He makes decisions and he’s used to everyone following what he says.”

“Right.” I said folding my arms.

“Let’s focus on the magic.” Jelric said sounding like he was deliberately changing the subject.

“And the fact I’ve got none.”

“You have magic. You are magic, it’s just so dormant in you, we’ll need to prise it out. It’s like a little locked box, we just need to find the right key.”

“Pandora’s box by the sounds of it.” I stated.

“What’s that?” Jelric asked.

“Nothing. Just a story from my world.” I couldn’t be bothered to explain it.

“Right. Hold your hands out, take one branch in your left hand the other in your right.” He instructed.

---