“Wren, please tell us what happened,” His Majesty says. “All I’m getting out of Lord Yelling is, well...” He waves at the man still fuming between two guards.
I lick my lips, and Her Majesty calls for water. Before long, a servant brings us all bottles of water from the human realm, which makes me chuckle before I drink down a few gulps.
Yelling seethes beside me. “He’s a snake. A vicious snake.”
I replace my water bottle on the offered tray. “I simply used the education I was given as a courtesan. We’re taught to please and give a memorable time. We do not intend for our patrons to fall in love with us.”
Yelling snarls and lunges at me. “You slut. Whore. Trollop. Strumpet?—”
“Enough of that!” Her Majesty waves her hand and Yelling’s lips seal shut.
Her Majesty looks to the king.
I pace as I continue. “I have found Lord Yelling a pleasing partner in our times together, even until his proposal of companionship. He’s never treated me badly until the rejection.”
Yelling stops struggling against the mouth restraint. Fae can’t lie, and he knows that. We all know that. I don’t even dance around lies because things get too complicated if I do.
“Of the folks I entertain, Lord Yelling has consistently been one of my favorites because of how he treats me. However, I do respectfully request never to see him again. In my bed or in court.”
It’s a huge ask, but Yelling chose to hit me and we have a good rapport. What will he do to the others when he’s upset?
“I believe that’s a reasonable request,” His Majesty says. He takes Yelling’s hand and slashes an X upon his palm. “You’re banished from the Winter Court at least until you can behave yourself and prove you’ll never abuse anyone ever again. We run a peaceful court and you’ve sullied that. Go back home.”
What have I done? Yelling controlled trade with the goblin market. We get all our silk from them. They’ll never work?—
“Wren?” Her Majesty cups my cheek. “What is it, dear?”
I drop to my knees and press my forehead to the floor, desperate. “I petition to be released from my contract. I—I don’t have fancy words. I’ve tried writing them down, but please.” I lift my head to see the frown on the king’s face.
“One incident shouldn’t scare you out of service.”
“This isn’t the only time someone has proposed companionship and I rejected them.”
“How many times?” The queen asks. She motions for me to stand.
“Yelling was the seventh.”
“You’re popular.” His Majesty chuckles as he scratches his bearded jaw.
“I don’t wish to be. I wish to be free. To choose who to love. Not be told who to act like I love.”
Her Majesty’s eyes soften. “I’m sympathetic to your plight, dear one. But please remember, you’ll need to have yourpetition turned in next week, when it’s proper to hear of these things. We will, of course, think about it.”
“Yes. Of course. Thank you.”
“You’re dismissed.” His Majesty waves me off with a chuckle as he pulls his queen to his side.
“Thank you.” I bow all the way out of the throne room. What if they won’t release me?
I shake the memory. It’s just as bad as the dreams. Oh, they released me, but not the way I’d expected.
“Wren?” Sparkle bounds up beside me and grabs my hand. He swings our hands as we walk.
I hadn’t realized where I was going as my mind played back the reel of my last interaction of Lord Yelling and I’m basically at Hex Grocer.
“Wanna shop together?” Sparkle holds up a list the length of his arm. “Mama sent me out to do the running. I’m glad to be out of the house. The kittens are loud today. Not much longer till summer break, then everyone will be home all the time. I’m not looking forward to it.”
“You’re welcome to move in with me. Wick said as much. He said they offered you the place, but you kept rejecting them.”
