Page 61 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

I immediately put it in my mouth and look at my hand as my mother starts gently applying the gel. Despite her care, the pain radiates across my hand.

“Almost done,” she says urgently. “Just a little more.”

I don’t know how much more I can take. Black dots appear in my vision just like they did back at the palace. I suck in a deep breath as she stops. Taking out the piece of leather, I cradle my hand against my chest, making sure not to touch the gel anywhere, as I relax in my chair. This is not going to be good if I can’t do anything with it. How am I going to get things done around the house?

“I need to go for a walk.” I stand.

I need to not be inside where the air is stiff and the reminder of me sitting at a table getting my hand whacked with every mistake. I need to get away from this all and let my body calm down.

“Don’t be too long. The cold air will help your hand, but I don’t want you getting sick again.” She doesn’t even try to stop me.

“I’ll be back soon,” I reply. “It’s far too cold for me to be out for hours.”

When I step outside, there is still snow on the ground. There will be snow for several more months until the weather starts to warm up. I can’t wait for the day when I can take longer walks. Maybe I can take the baby out with me for some fresh air so I can walk longer.

I immediately head toward the forest, away from the prying eyes of the townspeople. I need the swelling to go down before anyone sees me. The rumors people will spread when they see that I’ve just come back from the palace with a hand looking like this.

I don’t want to think about that.

My shoulders sag as I take a deep breath of the air in the forest. If I could be in the forest forever, I would. Being surrounded by animals, fresh air, and plants is my happy place. Part of me is jealous that the Fae get to do it every single day, but they are better equipped than me. They can stay warm in the cold.

“Why were you in pain today?” Kieran asks.

I whirl around, hiding my left hand behind my back as I point a finger at him. “You need to stop scaring me. One day you are going to kill me.”

An exaggeration, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“Answer my question. Why are you in pain? Why were you nervous all day?” he asks, taking a step closer to me.

“How did you know all of that?” I ask, deflecting the question back onto him.

I do not want to talk about what happened today. Especially as he has this weird obsession and protectiveness over me. He can’t do anything, but I just have a feeling he won’t forget. And if the Fae ever get out of the spell, he will go after those responsible.

“You will not ask questions right now.” He leans down so we are looking at each other. “Why were you in pain and nervous?”

I sigh and close my eyes for a couple of seconds. There is no way of getting around this. He knows something is wrong, and he isn’t going to let it go.

“I had some lessons at the palace, and I was nervous. I didn’t want to mess up,” I gently say.

That is part of the truth. I spent the whole morning leading up to Prince Archie coming to my house as a nervous wreck. I didn’t want to get into trouble and bring something bad upon my family.

“Lessons about what?” He cocks his head to the side.

“How to eat properly,” I mutter. “Apparently, I don’t know how to eat properly and need to be taught.”

According to Hilga and Maria’s standards, they are correct. I would stick out if I ate like them in Bellhollow. That is not how we eat here and never will.

“Let me see your hand.” Kieran holds his own out.

I take a step back, anxiety rushing through me. He knows something is wrong with my hand, and by the look on his face, he isn’t going to give this up easily.

Calmness spreads through me like it has done so many times, and I look at Kieran, confused. Is that him? Is he the one who keeps making me feel calm? I felt it once today when I was heading to the palace, but it was very short and didn’t help much.

“You don’t need to be afraid,” he soothes. “I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to see your hand. I want to make sure you are okay.”

I shake my head once again. “It’s really nothing. I am fine. I really should get home now.”

Kieran just stares at me for several seconds. “Can I please see your hand?” he asks politely.