Page 83 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“You went through this one faster than the last time. Trying to get everything done before the baby comes?” the shop owner chuckles.

“Yes, we are. Trying, but I don’t know how well it’s going.” I smile.

“Well, if you need anything, you let me know. Your mother has done so much for me over the years, and I would love to repay her for everything. A lot of us would.” She hands me the thread, and I give her the money.

“I will let her know. Thank you,” I reply before leaving the shop.

Prince Archie and I walk several feet before he speaks up.

“I would like for you to have dinner with me in the palace,” Prince Archie declares.

I don’t look at him. How am I going to get out of this? I am not comfortable enough to eat with him and his father.

“Adeline?” he prompts me.

“Sorry, but I’m really not comfortable with that idea because I’ve only had one lesson and I was terrible at it. I bet you heard how many times Hilga had to strike my hand,” I rush out. “I don’t want to make a fool of myself or be displeasing. If I could have another two months to be able to practice and have more lessons, I would really appreciate it.”

Prince Archie stops walking, and I halt next to him. He searches my face, and my stomach sinks. He isn’t going to let me have that extra time.

“Are you trying to get out of it?” he asks. “First, ignoring me, and second, trying to get out of dinner. It’s almost like you don’t want to be near me.”

I shake my head. “I promise I’m not trying to get out of it. I’ve only had one lesson and I don’t feel like I am good enough to eat in front of you or your father. I don’t want to be an embarrassment. I want to make a good impression and I think two more months would be enough time for me.”

Sure, I am trying to get out of it, but there is also some truth behind it. One lesson is not enough for me to be able to eat in front of Prince Archie and the king. No way.

Prince Archie nods. “All right. I’ll ask you again in two months to see how you are progressing. I expect you to be improving with every lesson. I will be asking Hilga for reports after each session.”

Now I just need to learn a little with each lesson, but still not be good enough to eat in front of him and the king in two months. A balance that I will have to play with very carefully.

“All right,” I reply as I feel Kieran’s eyes on me.

I quickly turn my head and catch his eyes before looking away and back at the prince. But suck in a breath when Prince Archie glares at Kieran.

“Guards! Grab him!” Prince Archie yells and points to Kieran.

Gasping, I take a step forward, but Kieran shakes his head. Shit. I shouldn’t have looked over. I shouldn’t have. I knew better with the prince right next to me. How could I be so foolish?

Two guards bring Kieran over, and it takes everything inside of me not to beg and ask Prince Archie to let him go, to tell him that Kieran has done nothing wrong. But I stay silent and don’t look at Kieran.

“You are to get whipped for looking at Adeline,” Prince Archie declares.

I take another step forward and look at Kieran this time, tears pooling in my eyes as I stare at him. But he just stares at me.

No. Do not get in the way. Kieran’s voice fills my head.

I close my eyes and take several deep breaths, trying to calm myself. Don’t react. Do not react. But everything in me wants to tell the prince not to do this, that he didn’t do anything and doesn’t deserve it. But Kieran told me not to, and I shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t since I could get into major trouble and put everyone in my life in danger. It’s not only I who will get hurt.

“Twenty lashes and everyone is to watch, Fae and human,” Prince Archie yells.

I take a step back, but I run into a figure. Looking behind me, I see the same guard who walked me to the gates from the palace after my lesson standing right behind me.

“You aren’t going anywhere,” he says. “The prince said everyone here is to watch and that includes you, especially you. The Fae looked at you, and he is going to get punished. They need to know humans won’t walk away, that they will stay and watch.”

But everything in me wants to leave and not come back. I don’t want to watch him be punished for just looking at me. Am I going to feel his pain like he feels my emotions?

The guard grips my arm and starts dragging me toward the center of the town where they whip people.

“Please,” I silently beg. “I don’t like violence. Please just let me slip by and get out of here before it starts.”