“He did come back,” she said in a plaintive tone. “I’m glad.”
I stroked her back and gave the signal for the zephyl to start moving again, Farris zipping around behind the carriage before racing forward and back again.
Reyla studied everything, taking it all in.
“I saw the manors from the ship, but I didn’t expect them to look like this.” Her low voice revealed her wonder. “They’re huge. Opulent.”
I wanted to let my pride show and tell her that these homesheld nothing on the castle, the might and power behind my court, but I'd rather see her reaction when she took it in up close and for the first time.
“I noted inner walls, but I saw the outer one stretching behind the castle.”
“More protection from predators.”
“They could get past the outer wall?”
“Some could back then, but remember, there may be predatorswithinthe outer wall.”
“You mentioned that already.” She reeled around to look up at me, her surprise giving way to confusion. “You're not teasing.”
“There was a time when my ancestors were not as kind to the people as they should be.”
“You said the lesser fae and powerless work inside the castle, that you pay them.”
“Payment is a relatively new thing.”
“Ah.”
I tilted my head, watching her face. “Another ah?”
“When did your family start paying them?”
“My father was the first, but I’ve aimed to do more.” He’d done as much as he dared. I’d do better.
“This can’t be true. Only one out of many generations?”
I winced, though I wasn’t responsible for those who’d come before me. “In the past, they were granted the use of land for their home and tilling the soil, and in exchange, they served inside the castle.”
“Do you still maintain control of the land?”
“Much of it, though I'm slowly granting it to those who have worked in the castle the longest.”
“Change takes time,” she said, and I was grateful she understood. Even more grateful to see her admiration for me shining in her gorgeous brown eyes. “I like that you're trying to do the right thing.”
And that was what mattered. It wasn't long ago that I faced what was coming alone. I had my friends, and if anyone was sympathetic, it was Lorant, but my fear of what I couldn't control wasn't something I could talk about to anyone. I'd share what I could with Reyla, and I was sure castle gossip would feed her more questions than answers, but this was how it had to be.
At least I didn't feel quite as alone any longer.
The carriage took us higher, one hill after another with manor houses buried in the woods along either side. Then we reached the winding road that would take us to the castle itself. Dense forest closed in, sending cool air out to drift across our skin.
No one had been offered land here. My ancestors made sure of that.
When a shiver tracked down Reyla’s spine, I turned her to face me. So pretty. So much potential. If only I could bring that potential out and make it work for me.
Of course, I couldn't escape staring at her mouth. I should remain on guard. It wasn't long ago that someone tried to kill her, but I was lost almost from the moment I met her.
I accepted it. I needed it.
If I didn't succumb, all would be lost.
