Page 96 of Kingdom of Death and Hope

“I know you are stepping up for my father and are worried about me, but I am happy with him. He takes great care of me and makes sure that I’m healthy and doing okay.”

“I don⁠—”

“Flynn, it’s okay. I’m glad you are doing this, but I just wanted to let you know that while he says you can come at any point to talk to him, there are times when he might not be able to see you right away. Kieran won’t say it, so I will,” I say confidently.

“Your father would be proud of you,” Flynn whispers before looking at Kieran. “We should have an afternoon together to get to know each other.”

“You let me know when you are available and I will set some time aside for it,” he replies.

Flynn nods. “If you have any problems, let me know. I will be there in a heartbeat for you and your mother, plus baby James. And if he does anything bad to you, let me know and I will come and beat him up.”

The guard next to me stiffens and I take a step in his direction, trying to block Flynn.

“Flynn,” I say. “Don’t say that in front of the guards.”

“It’s okay,” Kieran says. “If I ever do something to harm you or your family he is more than welcome to come and beat me. I will gladly stay still to allow him to do it.”

My mouth falls open as I look at Kieran. “Are you serious?”

He nods. “I never want to harm you or your family. If it ever happens, I want there to be consequences.”

“I’m starting to like you a little more,” Flynn whispers. “I have to go, but I’ll let you know when I’m free.”

Flynn walks off before I can say anything.

“Kieran, you can’t be serious,” I finally say.

“I’m dead serious and I will let every Fae know so if it ever happens—which I hope it never does—I don’t want them to interfere,” he replies.

“You have already gotten whipped twice because of me,” I point out. “I don’t think you should get harmed any more.”

“If I ever harm you, I want Flynn to come,” he says. “Enough about this. Let’s go get the ingredients and hand them to Nila.”

“Don’t you think this is too much?” I ask as I look at the bags in Kieran’s hand. “I think this could feed hundreds of people.”

“But it’s only going toward you, me, and your mother. You love this candy and I don’t want you to run out,” he replies.

“I don’t want her to work too much,” I whisper.

Kieran stops walking and turns to me. “Sweets, she will be more than happy to make this for you. She was over the moon when she heard you loved them a lot.”

“I just feel bad,” I mumble and look away from him.

“Don’t.”

“Easier said than done.” I roll my eyes.

“Is this her?” a lady asks. “Is this the High Lady?”

My head pops up and I look around. A group of people are standing several feet away from us, looking directly at me. My hand automatically finds Kieran’s arm as I grip onto it.

“This is the High Lady, Adeline,” Kieran replies. “She’s a little shy and might get overwhelmed but you can say hi and introduce yourselves.”

“I’m Nila, the one that made candy for you several weeks ago. I’m so glad you enjoyed them.” An older lady walks up to me and wraps her arms around my body before I can do anything. “Any time you want candy, you just let me know and I will make it for you. No matter the flavor, you just let me know.”

“Oh, thank you,” I whisper, not knowing what else to say.

They know me and my name and who I am.