Theron’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
“Can’t lie, asshole. I have fae blood just like you.”
His eyebrows flattened as if he didn’t believe me. I wasn’t surprised. The idiot didn’t even know that half breeds like me had rounded ears. So he likely knew nothing about my fae blood.
He probably didn’t think I had fae magic, either. This would work in my favor.
I clapped my hands loudly, and he flinched. “Come on,” I said, striding for the door. “If you aren’t downstairs in fiveminutes, I’ll send someone up to fetch you. And he will befarless pleasant than me.” With a wink, I left the room. I heard him swearing from the other side of the door, the sound like music to my ears.
I made my way downstairs and adjusted the satchel on my shoulder. Not for the first time, my fingers itched to dig through it and pull out my stepmother’s mirror. To see the true nature of my condition. I had packed it, along with several extra daggers, right after my meeting with the rebels. I had wanted to be prepared before meeting the queen’s dreaded assassin.
Not now,I told myself, though the urge to look into the mirror grew stronger every day.
I couldn’t risk anyone seeing it. But I also couldn’t leave it in Knockspur. It was too valuable. Too necessary. It was the only thing that could reveal the truth of Calista’s nature.
If I wanted my people on my side, I needed to expose her as a Demon Fae. Otherwise, the kingdom would never follow me. They would always be loyal to her.
But first, I needed to get to her. And I couldn’t do that without Theron’s protection.
The innkeeper grumbled something about “unwanted visitors” when I turned in our key. I paid him a few extra coins and whispered conspiratorially, “For your trouble.”
He shot me a dark look but took the coins. “That fellow is dangerous, lass. You shouldn’t be around him.”
“I know what I’m doing,” I said, forcing a smile. “Besides, he can’t hurt me.”
“Not yet, at least,” muttered a voice behind me.
I stifled a yelp, whirling to find Theron standing there with a scowl on his face. His dark eyes were clearer now, and he had his bag slung over his shoulder. I had expected hisbumbling steps to echo around the inn, but he’d been stealthier than I’d expected, even hungover.
His bitter expression brought another smile to my face, and I hooked my elbow through his. His face pinched in disgust, but I tightened my grip on his arm, trying to ignore the massive size of his bicep. Shivering bones, he was strong. He could likely kill me with a single jab to my throat.
Bless you, fae bargain,I thought. “Thank you for the lovely room,” I said to the innkeeper, guiding Theron forward.
In response, the innkeeper spat at Theron’s feet.
Theron went rigid, his eyes burning as he glared at the man with all the intensity of a bloodthirsty killer. He was likely contemplating the many horrifying ways he could end this man’s life.
I dug my fingernails into his arm and breathed, “Don’t even think about it.” If he dared to lay a hand on anyone in this village, I would make him pay for it.
For a long, tense moment, Theron and the innkeeper stared hatefully at one another. I impatiently tugged on Theron’s arm. When he still didn’t budge, I feared Iwould, in fact, have to make good on my threat to have him dragged from the inn.
How many men would Theron take down before they hauled him out of here? I didn’t want to think about it. My free hand inched toward my dagger, recalling what Stella had taught me about the best places to cut. A few severed arteries would certainly slow him down. Perhaps I could stab him in the groin, too, for good measure…
Just when I thought Theron was about to unleash chaos, he turned away from the innkeeper and allowed me to steer him toward the door. I let out a breath of relief as we stepped outside. A fresh blanket of snow covered the ground, and thestillness of the wintry air was like a soothing balm. I inhaled deeply, relishing the feel of it. I loved winter mornings. They were so peaceful.
When I moved toward the woods, Theron stiffened, stopping us short. He jerked his arm out of my grip.
“The stables are this way.” He gestured down the narrow road. “My horse is there.”
I smirked. “We won’t be riding a horse.”
He merely blinked at me, and I relished the look of shock and confusion on his face.
“Come on, then.” I turned toward the forest.
Theron didn’t move. “I’m getting my damn horse, princess.”
I snorted. “No, you aren’t. You expect me to trust a beast that has been trained byyou? Not a chance.”
