Page 46 of Fey Empire

I scowl before I can stop myself. A ghost of a smile tugs at the corners of Dyfri’s lips. He tilts his head and regards me intensely.

“You are pretty, and your magic is potent. And you are as guileless as a lamb. But I still don’t understand why Selwyn is obsessed with you.”

My eyes widen. Selwyn is obsessed with me? Surely not. Dyfri has to be mistaken.

Dyfri frowns. “I don’t like not knowing things.”

He steps towards me, and I step back. There is a sudden menace in the air. Fey are so confusing. So very changeable. Dyfri was concerned for me, now he is suspicious.

“Do you have any secrets for me, little human?”

I gulp. The light is glinting on the black horns that curve backwards from his head. All of a sudden, I’m very aware of how not human he is. Even worse, he is not even full seelie like the rest of the fey at court. He has unseelie blood, which everyone says is even more dangerous.

I gulp again as my mind flounders for something to give ‌him. Anything at all. “I…um… overheard talk of the Prime Minister’s son being married to a fey prince. I think Crown Prince Rhydian is making arrangements for you.”

Dyfri’s eyes widen, and he steps back. “Where did you hear this?”

“At one of Mother’s meetings. Before we came to court.”

He glares at me. “Mabon and Tristan are not wed.”

I nod hastily. “True. I’m sure they wouldn’t marry their pets if they had to.”

Ollie and Blake seem very fond of their fey masters, and I get the distinct impression that the feeling is mutual.

Dyfri’s expression turns positively ferocious. I hold up my hands in surrender.

“You wanted a secret!” I squeak.

He takes in a deep breath. “I did.”

He turns and strides up to the wall. He pushes at a spot that looks utterly nondescript to me. A portion of the wall slides back, revealing a pitch-black narrow passageway. Dyfri walks into it as if it isn’t the least bit terrifying.

The secret door slides shut behind him. I blink. I can’t tell it was ever there at all. I didn’t sense any magic. I think it is simply good engineering. A seamless door. Probably an original part of Buckingham Palace. I wonder how Dyfri discovered it?

And I really hope he has not left to go poison Crown Prince Rhydian. Not that I can do anything about it if that is his plan.

I shudder and look away. That was an… interesting visit. This family is certainly going to keep me on my toes.

I look up at my canvas. The light is going to fade soon, and my thoughts have been utterly derailed. And I’m now aware of how covered in paint I am. I think I’ll call it quits for today and have a nice long bath before dinner.

I clean my hands on a rag and head towards the bathroom. Selwyn’s rooms feel empty. I don’t think he is here. That’s fine. He is a prince. He has duties and responsibilities and a million and one things to do. He doesn’t need to babysit me. My role is to make his life easier, not harder.

I reach the huge bathroom. The water in the enormous sunken bath is lapping gently at the tiled edges. Stirred bysome unseen currents. The way the steam is gently rising from it is so inviting.

My hands go to my waist. I was paying extra attention when Peaony dressed me this morning. I think I might be able to do it.

My fingers pull at a lace, and suddenly, all my layers of silk are tumbling down my body to pool at my ankles. Leaving me completely naked.

Oops. That is one way to do it. Goodness. Note to self, never ever fiddle with the laces of your robes in public. That could lead to utter disaster.

But right now, that was perfect. Very efficient.

I step out of my puddled robes, and walk into the bath. I sink in down to my chin and let out a contented sigh. This is lovely. The heat is seeping into my muscles.

I find the seat along the edge and get comfy. I’m tempted to stay in here for hours.

A strand of my pale, shoulder-length hair drifts on the water. There is a splodge of purple paint on it.