Page 90 of The Fae Girl 1

“Because it’s bigger than you. All of this is. Do you think we want to treat you like this? That we enjoy keeping you under guard?”

“Prince Fain does.”

Jelric huffed. “No he doesn’t. You have to see beyond the hard façade. He’s not a monster. He’s a decent man, as is the High King.”

“Right but we have to make sacrifices don’t we?” I said. “I have to make sacrifices.”

“One day Alice I hope this will make sense. That you will be at peace with this.”

“Is that what you want?” I asked.

“I’d want you to be happy. This world is your home now.” He stated.

“It’s not my home. I don’t have a home. I’ve never had a home.” I half snapped.

“Never?” Jelric asked frowning.

“Never.”

“How is that possible?”

I shrugged. “My parents died when I was young. I have no family.”

“Then maybe you need to change your thinking. This could be a new start for you. A new chance. You could build a home here, a life.”

“What sort of life could I have here?” I asked.

“Any life you choose.” Jelric said.

I scoffed at his words. “Like the High King would permit that.”

“You’re not a slave. You might belong to him, but you still have rights.” He stated.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

“Just, don’t judge us too harshly.” He said. “And don’t act like an idiot either. Take the chances this world has given you and just maybe you might even find yourself happy here.”

I scoffed at his words biting back the retort. Like hell I’d ever be happy here.

* * *

Nela and Indiwalked behind me. Maybe they knew my head was off somewhere because neither of them spoke.

As usual I chose to take the scenic route, wandering through the gardens, savouring the fresh air before I would be locked back up in my rooms for the rest of the day with nothing but Jelric’s dusty old books to read.

I walked ahead, pushing the boundaries I guess but it wasn’t like I was going to try anything. Besides I was surrounded by the castle walls. I couldn’t make any escape attempts even if I wanted to.

A guard approached me.

I paused frowning at him as he passed me a note.

“What the…?” I murmured out loud as I popped the ridiculous wax seal.

As I scanned the contents I frowned more. The High Queen was requesting an audience with me? What could she possibly want? Not another ball I hoped.

I headed where it said albeit reluctantly. Suddenly being locked in my rooms again seemed far more appealing.

As I spotted the fountain ahead I looked around, trying to notice where exactly she was.

---