“Look at me.”
The words brushed against my thoughts, and I jerked my head back. “Get out of my head.”
“I just want answers.”
“Shouldn’t you be leading your people instead of lounging in the halls like a bored lordling?”
“Lordling. That’s new. Usually it’s ‘blood-drunksavage.’” The Dreadfae’s smile was friendly. “Are we going to trade insults, or will you tell me what makes you so special that Kairos broke a century-old treaty?”
My throat was too tight to speak.
He tilted his head. “Silence, eh? You had plenty of mouth a second ago.”
“I don’t know what you want from me.”
“The truth would be refreshing.” He leaned against the table, studying me. “You’re human, and yet Kairos took you. So either you’re the world’s best fuck, or you’re valuable in some way.”
“Clearly not the first.”
“The clans want to know what we’re dying for. Because if Kairos started a war over some girl he’s fucking, half my warriors will desert before we even reach the battlefield.”
“Then maybe you should trust your king’s judgment.”
“I do.” Uther’s expression hardened. “In battle. But when it comes to pretty things that make him stupid? That’s where fae like me step in.”
“Fae like you?”
“I’m one of his oldest friends.” He sighed, sounding weary. “Which means I ask the uncomfortable questions. Like whether the human he dragged from another realm will get him killed.”
“I’m not hurting anyone.”
“Of course not, love.” His voice shifted into that honeyed tone. “You’re just a girl caught up in something bigger than herself. Isn’t that right?”
The words wrapped around me like a thick blanket, and my eyelids drooped.
“Look at me, darling.”
I blinked. When I met his eyes, the red didn’t seem as frightening anymore.
“Perfect. Now, what’s your name?”
“Aelie.”
His smile was gentle. “Such a beautiful name.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m Uther,” he said, inching closer. “I’m your friend, and you can trust me. I’m here to help.”
Help. The word settled into my chest.
“Aelie, I need you to answer me honestly. Can you do that for me?”
I nodded. Why wouldn’t I?
“Good girl. Tell me why you’re here.”
My mouth opened. The answer was there, ready to spill out.
