Page 80 of The Fae Girl 1

I didn’t have time to think, to hesitate, I just got out, clambering onto the ledge, easing my body against the stone and slowly, carefully, I began to descend. My fingers gripped the walls, and my feet slid a couple of times but I kept my hold.

I glanced around seeing a bridge across to the city itself, if I could make it there, then I could run, then I could actually be free.

Shouts echoed above. I looked up before I could stop myself. Faces stared down at me. It was more than obvious that I’d been spotted. Only I hadn’t been captured yet.

I started to climb quicker, I knew I had only seconds left but as I descended my fingers slipped and before I could register it I was falling.

The air whistled past, my hair whipped at my face. I cried out, knowing that any moment I’d be colliding with the hard stone of the path and boy was I going to feel it. My dress flapped in the freezing air and I shut my eyes tight, bracing myself for the pain, bracing myself for the impact.

Only it didn’t come.

I gasped in disbelief as I saw I was hovering just above the ground.

“Put her down.” Prince Fain said.

Jelric pulled his magic back letting me fall the final few inches.

I winced as I hit the ground before Fain was there, hauling me to my feet. “What the hell were you thinking?” He snapped.

“Let me go.” I said.

He shook his head. “You made an agreement.” He stated. “Why the hell would you then run?”

“Because I’m not safe here.” I snapped.

“What?” He frowned.

“You heard. I’m a sitting duck, just a plaything to you bloody princes and I’m not just going to wait until something happens.”

“What are you talking about?” He asked.

I fell silent, biting my tongue, suddenly afraid. Suddenly ashamed too, though I knew I didn’t have any cause to be. “Rillon.” I said really quietly.

“What?” He replied. “What did he do?”

“You want me to fight for the High King? To help him? Then keep Rillon away from me.” I said glaring at him like he was responsible for his creepy brother.

He narrowed his eyes scanning my face, no doubt trying to figure out if the fear there was real, or some other trick of mine.

“He won’t go near you again.” He said. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“He better not.” I retorted pulling myself free from his grasp.

Fain sighed looking at Jelric, who’d evidently heard every word.

“Let’s go inside. There are too many prying eyes.” Jelric said.

“Agreed.” Fain replied.

I let them lead me back in, playing obedient again. I guess that’s what I’d signed up to, what I’d agreed. I only hoped the Prince would keep his word about his brother.

Not that there was a lot I could do if he didn’t.

Jelric didn’t mention the escape incident again. He acted as though the whole thing had never happened. If the High King heard of it I don’t know but I hoped he hadn’t. We had a deal after all, I didn’t want him to think I he couldn’t trust me.

But I hoped Prince Fain took my words seriously. That he didn’t just see it as another trick of mine.

I spent each morning, just as agreed, with Jelric, in his rooms, practising and practising. Drawing my magic, feeling the pull and then releasing it.

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