Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 81261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“Residents?”
“A lot of nobles live within the castle, which has multiple apartments. Many others travel here to meet with the nobles. Stay in the main areas and you’ll have less chance of someone harassing you. Now that my interest in you is known and will have spread around, that will make you of interest to other fae.”
“I don’t understand why I’m of interest. It makes no sense—I’m just a dead human.”
“And fae hate humans.”
“You don’t,” I point out. “You made a daughter with a human.”
“It’s an old bitterness that’s not been let go by most. Humans are seen as frail and weak, yet they have the privilege of the First Dimension. They serve no purpose to us, nothing more than toys, since their life is so fleeting. You’re also shiny and new since humans rarely stay here. But because you have my interest, others will want a taste. They’ll want to see why you’re good enough for a king. Others would just want to hurt you to hurt me.”
“But… I’m a servant who cleans your suite,” I sputter.
“They don’t know that, though, do they?” he counters. “I’ve told the council you’re off-limits and that news will have traveled. You stayed the night in my suite.”
My eyes flare with understanding. “So now everyone assumes you’re banging me.”
“Which will give you the best measure of protection.”
“That’s why you had me stay here last night?” I ask incredulously.
Amell grins. “Mostly, although one could hope that you’d ask me to touch you.”
“I won’t,” I maintain.
Chuckling, Amell moves over to a large desk against one wall. It’s covered in old books. He sits and opens one up and peruses. “Go to the kitchens and fetch my breakfast. Rhynda will have a tray ready. I had some clothes procured for you. They’re hanging in the bedroom closet if you wish to change.”
“Um… thanks.” I turn to head back into the bedroom because while this dress is beautiful, it’s not practical.
“Nyssa,” Amell says, and I turn to face him. “You may also use my bath any time you desire.”
I don’t respond, but I’m grateful. Taking one yesterday made all the difference in the world. This place doesn’t smell like fire and brimstone as so many stories led me to believe, but it was still nice to clean up.
In the closet, I’m stunned to find modern clothing from the First Dimension. At least I think they’re from there. They bear manufacturers’ labels, although I don’t recognize the brands. Of course, I was never a brand shopper to begin with, getting most of my clothing from Goodwill. I’m grateful not to be in those scratchy brown garments and almost sigh in relief as I slip into a pair of tennis shoes that feel like heaven on my feet.
I grab a comb from a vanity beside the bath, and that’s when I notice a small tray set out that wasn’t there before. On it are little luxuries from the First Dimension, including bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Even a toothbrush and toothpaste. I almost cry as I brush my teeth, and when I head back through the suite to fetch Amell’s breakfast, I thank him for the items.
He waves a hand, not even looking up from his book. “Not a big deal. We have imports come in from the First Dimension all the time.”
Amell is right. Traveling from his rooms to the kitchens is a direct shot, and there are many fae around. Several regard me with knowing looks, others with surprise. I suppose word about me hasn’t made it all the way around yet.
I pass Amell’s friend, Truett, as he walks with a female who looks just like him in skin and hair color. He nods politely.
When I glance back, he’s telling the woman something about me, and she looks over her shoulder at me in surprise.
Okay, word is getting around.
In the kitchen, Rhynda is as grumpy and intimidating as ever, but at least I know I’m safe from her whip.
“The king’s tray is ready, but he’s ordered that you eat first,” she says and gives me a tiny shove toward one of the tables. There’s a wooden plate with some bread and an apple. Beside it are crocks of butter and jelly.
It’s perfect, actually, and I wolf it down. I’d kill for coffee, but I haven’t seen a hint of that around so I make do with a cup of water.
The rest of my day passes far too slowly. After bringing Amell his breakfast, I put new linens on the bed and clean the entire suite with materials I found in the closet. Amell left after he ate and didn’t return for lunch, which means I basically sat around and did nothing. I poke around the books on his desk, but they’re in languages I don’t understand.
I unmake the bed and make it back up, just for something to do.