Page 98 of The Fae Girl 1

“She tricked me.” He said looking round at all the men still seated beside the High King. He started shaking.

“What’s the matter brother?” The High King asked with an edge to his voice that made me shiver.

“I WAS DOING IT FOR YOU.” He yelled. “I was doing it for you.” He repeated looking at High King Uther.

“Doing what?” Uther asked coldly.

“You needed Fae powers and I was trying to give you that. I was trying to help.”

“That’s not what you were doing.” Uther replied standing up. “You were helping yourself, as usual. Sticking your hand in the cookie jar and taking whatever you thought you could.”

“You made Fain commander of your armies.” He snarled pointing at Fain who was still stood beside me like some perverse sort of guard. “What else was there for me? How else could I prove myself to you?”

“Don’t make this about Fain. He has proven himself time and time again. This is about you. Taking what you wanted. Taking what you thought you could get away with.”

“But I didn’t take anything.” Rillon said suddenly switching tactic. “I didn’t harm her. Not really. Brother please. She is unharmed, I barely even touched her.”

I looked away at his words. He might believe that but I could feel his hands on me, his grip on my leg, his fingers jabbing inside me where they had no right to be.

“You did enough.” The High King said. “Members of the Council, I think we’ve heard enough from High Prince Rillon.”

“Agreed.” The balding man said looking repulsed. The others nodded beside him.

“Take him away to the dungeons. We’ll hear the rest of the evidence without him here.” Uther ordered.

Two guards moved to grab Rillon who tried to brush off their hands.

“I’m a High Prince, you will not touch me.” He said but they ignored him and grabbed him harder, yanking him from his chair.

Uther didn’t take his eyes off him as they dragged him from the room.

As he passed me he hissed. “This isn’t over girl. By the time I’m finished with you you’ll wish I fucked you senseless back in that garden.”

Fain moved in an instant and floored him with a punch. The guards hauled him back to his feet and took him away.

“Perhaps we should have a short recess?” Jelric asked. “I for one could do with a drink after that.”

The High King nodded beside him and the servants hurriedly brought out trays laden with silver goblets and wine.

“Drink.” Fain said forcing the cup into my hand.

“I don’t want it.” I said glaring at him. “All I want to do is get away from here. From this room. And all those people staring at me.” I added quietly feeling myself heat with more shame.

“We’re a long way off that.” He replied.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“They will probably try Rillon for treason now based on what he said.”

“Treason?” I repeated shocked.

“It’s no less than what he deserves after what he attempted.” Fain said not quite meeting my eye.

I looked away feeling the bile rising in my throat again. The fact that everyone in the room knew what had happened, knew that he had assaulted me, knew that he had tried to rape me, made it unbearable.

“Can I not be excused? Surely they don’t need me anymore?” I pleaded. I’d done my part. I’d confirmed what had happened. What further need was there for me?

“I’ll try.” He said.

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