I shook my head. “No, no.”
My breaths hitched, becoming more choppy. I wobbled over to the table and gripped the wooden chair for support, everything spinning.
His body is gone?
Horrifying images of wolves attacking Crispin spun through my mind.
This can’t be happening. This can’t be real.
Closing my eyes, I imagined this was all a dream. A horrid nightmare and I just needed to wake up.
“You don't have to wear it the entire day,” Liora said, reminding me of the torturous reality that was now my life. “We can't bring a donkey up here. It doesn't mean that you're giving up.”
“Yes, it does,” I said, turning to her, wiping my eyes. “The moment I put that collar on my neck means that he's won. How can I give up so easily?”
She placed a hand on top of mine. “I know this is very frightening and I am sorry for your loss, but you need to be strong.”
“Why are you being so nice?” I asked, yanking away from her. “You’re fae. You belong tohim.”
She blinked, and for the briefest moment, her pupils transformed into slits so similar to a cat’s. Or a snake’s. After blinking again, her eyes returned to normal. It happened so quickly I almost didn't see it. Was I hallucinating from all the stress?
“He may be my king, but he does not own me just like he will never own you.”
I rubbed my nose and face, pushing back my hair, trying not to look like such a mess. Even though that’s exactly what I felt like.
“Think of Boots and how scared he is and how happy he willbe to see you. Yes, your power will be dampened, but only while you're outside and if you show the king you will follow the rules, you won't have to wear this for long and you certainly won't wear it once you're queen.”
I looked at the wooden box.
Boots.
Liora was right. I needed to see him just for a little while. I opened the wooden box and picked up the leather collar. It didn't seem like much, and yet this powerful stone could bind any magic user.
There was a strange metal latch to the back with a keyhole. “Who has the key to this?” I asked.
“I'm sure His Majesty does.”
“Wonderful. So not only do I have to wear it to go anywhere, but he's the only one who can take it off.”
How could I possibly agree to this? Not only would my magic be snuffed out, but the one responsible for Crispin’s death would have complete control of me, making escape utterly unattainable.
Gripping the beautiful, yet binding necklace, I thought of my options…
I miss Boots. I need to see him and he needs to know that I’m here.
Tears in my eyes, I handed the collar to Liora. “I'm only doing this to see my donkey and make sure he's okay.”
“Of course,” she said,taking the choker from me.
I lifted my hair. She wrapped it around my neck, and the moment the clasp latched, my power disappeared. It had been muted before, not being able to sense the grass or the trees, and that strange feeling changed to an empty hollowness.
“And I see you dressed yourself,” Liora commented.
“Almost. I couldn’t tighten all the straps.”
She began tying the remaining strings on the back of thedress.
All the clothes at the temple were very simple frocks.I brushed my hands down the smooth yellow and green brocadematerial. Back home, many women wore beautiful dresses like this. I had never worn anything of this quality. The thick fabric had little stitches of roses and ivy, intricately detailed patterns that highlighted all the curves of a woman.
