Page 61 of Song of the Shadow Prince
He shrugged. “It just is. You don’t need to know the details.”
“Will thedetailshurt me in any kind of way?” I asked, trying to reduce the number of ways this deal could come back and bite me in the ass.
He shook his head. “No.”
“Are you lying?”
He shook his head again. “The fae cannot lie.”
“The truth can be subjective.” I narrowed my eyes. “If I do this, will you tell me more about the song?”
“This deal will only get you out of the forest. If you want more information, you must make another deal, little human,” he answered with a grin.
I gritted my teeth. “God, you’re such a shithead.”
He tilted his head. “I do not know what it is you called me, but I sense it was not very nice.”
“No,” I said dryly. “It wasn’t.”
“Hurry, little human. My offer will only last for a limited time.” He began to walk circles around me, closing in ever tightening rings.
I didn’t know why the hell I would need his protection. What good would he do me? I could protect myself fairly well… but then again, I struggled to handle the vampires. They possessed supernatural strength and speed. I could fight humans, but I learned how pitifully matched I was against non-humans.
“Am I in some sort of danger that I need your help from?” I asked warily.
He shrugged. “I do not know, but I smell the Shadow Prince on you, and that, little human, cannot be good.”
“He’s just a… friend?” I said as more of a question than a statement and wanted to slap my forehead for showing my cards.
“Is he now?” Klaus smirked. “I did not know that the Shadow Prince had friends other than his uncle.”
“It’s a… recent development.” I smiled nervously. “He won’t hurt me…I think.” I muttered the last part to myself. “Either way, I don’t see myself getting into any danger.”
Klaus tilted his head to the side and his curtain of snowy white hair cascaded down his broad chest. “Are you sure about that, kitty cat? I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you here in Elaria.” He wore a knowing look as he stepped toward me, forcing me to take a step back. “All these different beasts and creatures of the night that can hurt you with just their pinky. And here you are, a frail human.”
I snorted. “I’m anything but frail.”
He took another step toward me and I took another step back, and we continued this dance until my back hit a tree. “Oh, but you are, my little human.” He trailed a slender finger across my collarbone. “With the tiniest bit of pressure, I could snap you like a twig. And that is the case for many of those that roam Elaria. If you were smart, you’d take me up on my offer. A fae’s power is quite formidable.”
I furrowed my brows and peered up at the stunning creature before me. “I thought the fae couldn’t leave Faelight Forest?” My heart raced at his proximity.
Klaus smirked and tipped my chin. “You’re a smart one, aren’t you kitty cat?”
“I’d like to think so.” I looked up at him, relishing his cool touch on my skin.
“The fae cannot leave Faelight Forest; you are correct. But with my mark on you… Well, it’s sort of a loophole in the system.” He grinned devilishly.
I chuckled. “Sothat’show you benefit from our deal? You want out of the forest?”
He nodded but didn’t say a word.
If I freed him, would I get in trouble? Whether intentional or not, he had lied to me. Iwouldget hurt for doing this. Thenagain, there was a loophole in his answer. If I had his protection, I wouldn’t be hurt. So technically he didn’t lie. Damn, these fae were sneaky.
The big question was this: Was the risk worth the benefit?
“We need a time limit on this deal.” I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at Klaus, proud of my savvy wheeling and dealing skills. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, and I don’t want to be attached to you forever. What if you follow me into my world? Hell nah. We need limits.” I tapped my right foot.
Klaus chuckled. “You’re a smart little human indeed. Very well… Ten years.”
