Page 9

Oleander

I head straight for my rooms, at a near run, concern upon my face.

The moment I slam the door shut behind me and lean against it, a grin overtakes me. Masterfully done, I believe, even if I slipped up a bit.

Lonan is definitely sniffing at my skirts, just as I want him to be. Honestly, I feel an odd pull towards him too, but maybe it’s just that I’ve been planning on becoming his partner for years. In order to get the retribution I deeply deserve.

However, I cannot make this chase go too quickly or he’ll lose interest. He is only a man, after all. And I left the book, which I do really wish I had to read tonight, since I more or less got the night off, but leaving it was worth it. Gives him a reason to approach me again soon. I need him a simpering idiot, devoted, and ready to give me whatever I want. I have him well on the hook.

I strip and turn on the shower. As I step in, my flesh sings, my magic dancing along it, dying to be let out. I loosen my hold on it for the entirety of my long, hot shower, but before I turn off the water, I lock it back down.

I’ve only just dried off and put on my night shift when there is a knock on the door. Shit. Hopefully not Cook needing help .

I cross the room and open it and step back in shock.

“Com-commander Lonan,” I stutter, surprised. Not the move I was expecting from him. He must really want to get laid. I stare at the floor and before he can say anything, I continue, “I’m so sorry, Sire, I was... afraid and—”

He cuts me off by stepping into my room and shutting the door behind him. He steps closer to me, one hand raising to take the back of my neck. I stiffen without meaning to. The old fear of being harmed whenever I’m touched rising.

“Listen to me, Allie. I would never hurt you. Never. I... I will go at whatever pace you need me to, but know this: I must have you. I am drawn to you like none other. You must feel it too, surely?” His mouth clamps shut, as if he had more to say but thought better of it. I force my smugness down, keeping my face sweet and innocent. Stupid even.

“Are... are you a maiden, sweetheart?” He asks softly.

As if that’s the only possible reason I haven’t jumped on his dick. I struggle not to roll my eyes.

I keep my gaze locked on the floor. “I would not speak of such things with a man I hardly know, Sire.”

He makes a soothing sound deep in his throat and his hand on my neck tightens.

“Tell me, Allie. Please. I... I need to understand.”

Hmm, he’s not commanding it as my lord and master and savior. That makes me more amenable to telling him.

“No, I’m not, Sire.” No point in lying about something easily determined with a soothsayer in the keep.

He lets out a breath, almost a sigh of relief. Odd. I cannot quite figure this man out .

“Good, good.” He nods, seemingly relieved. “Then...” he’s so close I can feel his breath on my hair but I still keep my gaze locked on the tiles. “Then, the abuse.”

Lady, give me strength. Do not let me say something stupid about how perhaps some women simply do not like him.

“I... it is not that. Not wholly.”

He inches closer and if I don’t do something, he’s going to kiss me or lift me and neither are acceptable.

“Please, Sire,” I beg, pathetically, “I have no wish to have relations with you. I wish only to be a good employee, and helpful with my knowledge of RedWater.”

His hand immediately drops and he steps back. I look up slowly, meeting his—now despondent—eyes.

“Thank you, my lord,” I say softly.

“You are not attracted to Fae with cocks?”

Stones, he is an idiot. A determined one, but an idiot nonetheless.

I lean back, tilting my head. My exasperation must show for he blinks and his hand rises again. I step back quickly.

“I do not wish to sleep with my employer, my captor , no matter the organs involved,” I spit angrily before I can think better of it. This bastard is as dense as a brick.

Something flashes across his face. “Of course, Allie. I apologize. Here,” he responds in a near whisper as he holds out the book.

“Thank you, Sire,” I say, taking it. And he turns on his heel and leaves.

THE NEXT DAY PASSES as usual. But the morning after, I awake to a small package outside my door. I take it and go back into my room, even though I was headed for the kitchen. I tear open the paper and inside are two exquisite sets of hair pins. One set with leaf-shaped emeralds on the tops, the other a simpler pair, but made of a gorgeous rich red wood and the ends carved into a water droplet shape. I put them down and grab the note.

“So that you may use your pens for writing. –Lonan P.S. Water”

A water Fae? I ponder that as I quickly unbraid my hair and wrap it up with the simple sticks. That would have been my last guess.

The rest of the day is normal, no sign of Lonan. The fact that I have the second most powerful and the first most feared Fae in the realm on the run does wonders for my mood and restlessness.

The next three mornings, I awake to packages. First is the three books of the EarthSea series, for me to keep. Next is a new nightgown, with tiny pearl buttons and delicate embroidery around the hem, and lined with flannel, for the winter. Third is a potted miniature rose bush. I brought it in and pruned its dead ends and sung it to it immediately.

He thinks he can buy my cunt with pretty things. Well, I’m going to let him, that’s for certain . But he needs to chase, to win me if I want him as devoted as I hope he’ll be. To rule a realm, I need a disinterested yet indulgent husband.

When I open my door the fourth morning there is nothing. I pin my hair up with the emerald sticks and head for the kitchen. I round the corner and run directly into Lonan’s muscular chest.

“Oh, Allie,” he gasps, surprised, as he grabs my elbows to steady me. He doesn’t let them go.

He smiles winningly, “I guess I’m running a bit late this morning.”

I look down, heart hammering at his touch. He affects me so strangely. This Fae is my mark and yet he has me nearly twitterpated, thinking of him at all hours of the day. And night . I bite back a grimace.

“Here. This is for you.” He holds out an envelope, other hand still cupping my elbow gently.

I dip my head, “Thank you, my lord.”

He steps back as I take the envelope and hold it to my chest.

“Please, call me Lonan.” His voice is near-desperate.

He needs the crumb . “Lonan,” I respond in a whisper, as though I was saying the true name of the Goddess herself.

Men are fools.

It does feel nice to say it though. What in the stones is wrong with me? I cannot explore what these feelings mean right now.

He steps back and I feel a pang at the distance, but he nods and strides away. I stand, frozen for a few heartbeats, struggling with the unusual, tight ache in my chest, before remembering the envelope.

I tear it open and read it hungrily.

“Allie, I have spoken with several residents of Thistle Grove and have found you employment with a merchant and a room to rent with a family. Shall we speak of it tonight, after dinner, in my rooms? I promise I will maintain my distance, if you wish it. -Lonan”

Fuck fuck fuck, I think, as I read it over again. No. This is not what I had planned. I have overplayed my ‘coy’ hand. Well, I guess this meeting tonight will have to involve a bit of excitement. The idea inexplicably sends a thread of heat through me. Mayhap I need to get laid as badly as Lonan does.

AFTER brEAKFAST, THE door breezes open and the black haired Captain, Caspian, strides in.

“Cas,” Cook says, continuing grinding the nuts to make a nut butter for the sandwiches she has planned for lunch, “Are you here for trouble?” She waggles her gray eyebrows.

Cook’s a flirt at heart.

“As always, my love,” Caspian replies smoothly, smiling and slipping onto a stool at the one work table. He’s wearing all black, well-fitted clothes.

“Allie, dear,” Cook says, eyeing the slant of light coming in the windows, “the bread.”

I grab the gloves and turn and pull out the huge tray with five loaves. They are perfectly golden and round.

I chuckle, “I’ll never have the sense of time you do, Cook.”

Caspian looks at me. “Ah, little maid, glad to see you alive. And looking much rested. Cook’s been at it for three thousand some odd years, so no need to beat yourse—” He cuts off with a yelp. He manages to snag the apple Cook threw at him as it bounces off his head.

“I’m four hundred and twenty seven years young, ya wretched bird.” She glares as Caspian and I laugh.

“Now, you’re no longer welcome in my kitchen unless you’re helping.” Cook glares but I can see the teasing edge to it. Cas holds up his hands and stands, going to grab an apron. He quickly ties it on his slender body. He sees me watching and throws me a wink.

I look away quickly, hoping I’m blushing a bit. Gotta play the part.

“Direct away, dear Cook.”

She points, “Divide and feed the sourdough.”

He nods and sets to work. He needs no further direction, so he must be at least somewhat of a regular here.

I go back to what I was working on, catching Caspian humming softly now and then. We settle into a comfortable silence. I am just starting on the loaves for tomorrow’s bread, albeit earlier than I normally do, since I already cleared my evening off with Cook, when the kitchen door swings open.

“There you are!” Tazi chirps, long blue hair braided and draping down to the bottom of her back.

“Me?” Cas asks, eyebrow raised, as he stirs cake batter.

“‘Course not,” she says, grinning, “You!” She nods to me.

“Me?” I question. I haven’t interacted much with Tazi before, just passing hellos.

“Yes. I’ve decided we’re friends. You’re Lu’s friend, Lu’s my friend, so you’re mine by association.” She grins, revealing dimples. She’s absolutely adorable. Maybe because she’s small. I’ve never met a Fae as small as her. She doesn’t come up past my chest, and I’m on the shorter end for Fae women, given my human blood.

“Cook,” Tazi says, not pausing to breath, “Keep Cas to do Allie’s work, I’m stealing her.”

“What?” Cas sputters.

“Shut up,” Tazi spits in a sweet manner before taking my arm and leaving me towards the door. She tosses over her shoulder, “I’ll have her back in a couple hours.”

“Wait, wait,” I laugh, “Let me get my apron off and wash my hands!”

She huffs adorably and I catch Cook’s indulgent look. I quickly get ready as Tazi waits impatiently at the door.

She grabs my arm again and leads me out of the kitchen, out of the keep and into the village.

“So,” Tazi chirps, “What are you wearing for the Mabon Festival?”

“Oh, um,” I start. “That’s in a couple weeks? I heard Cook and Lu talking about it a bit.”

“Yup! And you need a good outfit.” She smiles winningly as she leads us through town.

“Here we are!” She grins.

I look at the broad wooden building. A wooden sign hangs over the door: a painted fiddle with a sad face.

Tazi continues, “The Disappointing Fiddle!”

I chuckle, “Quite the name.”

“Only tavern in town. The beer is alright, the food is great.” She pulls open the heavy wooden door and gestures for me to go in.

As my eyes adjust to the dim light, I see a huge stone fireplace, around which sit many comfortable looking chairs, most taken up by older Fae who are having a lively conversation. I turn and see the oblong bar with stools around it and a heavy-set Fae with yellow skin. His hair is a shocking green and he has a friendly smile on his face.

“Tazi!” He calls, waving.

“Alfie!” She counters, tugging me up to a stool. “This is Allie. She’s my new friend.”

“Um, hi,” I say.

His face is so open and amiable that I can’t help but feel at ease.

“Good afternoon, child, and what can I get you?”

“Uh–”

Tazi cuts me off, “There’s only one kind of beer and you only offer a daily special from the kitchen, ya lemon.”

He chortles merrily, “Right, right, lemme grab those for ya,” and he heads to the back.

I turn to Tazi just as a pretty woman with rose-red hair sits down next to her.

“Rosetta!” Tazi chirps. “This is Allie!”

Her sparkling green eyes take me in. “Ahhh. So Lilac was exaggerating when she said the new maid was ugly as a tuber.”

My mouth drops open but Tazi snorts. Rosetta leans to pat my hand. “Don’t worry, dear, I didn’t believe her.”

“Lilac would call the Goddess herself ugly compared to Rosie here,” Tazi teases.

Rosetta blushes. “I’m very content with my heart mate. Perhaps if you found a mate you’d be less of a pest.” She sticks her tongue out at Tazi and I laugh in surprise.

She turns to me, “So, you’ve met Tazi, and Lilac, and Cas is who found you—lost and bedraggled if rumors are true. Kai is never far from the Commander, so surely you’ve had the pleasure of meeting him. Have you seen much of town?”

I smile at her easy manner, “No, Tazi here is the first Fae to spring me from the kitchen.”

She frowns. “Working you hard already? That won’t do.”

Alfie returns with rounded bread loaves filled with savory-smelling soup and two foaming mugs of beer. My stomach rumbles.

“A round for you, Rosie?” Alfie asks and she nods enthusiastically.

I start to dig in as she offers, “I’d be happy to show you around a bit. There are some lovely hidden spots in the woods or on the bay if you need to get out and away from folks a bit.”

I swallow a bite of the—frankly incredible—soup. “That would be so kind of you, Rosetta. I would appreciate that.”

Tazi wrinkles her nose, “We’ll all go together after this pint. I just gotta get her back this evening so Cook doesn’t blow a gasket.”

I look at them both, smiling back, and nod happily.

“Best way to spend an afternoon,” Rosie says cheerily.

“Outside?” I suggest.

“Outside in the company of friends,” she grins at me.

I WIPE OFF MY HANDS and remove my apron, making sure my emerald green dress is laying right. This one has enough shape that it doesn’t require a corset and I think the idea that a mere layer separates his hand from my flesh will egg Lonan into touching me.

“See you in the morning,” Cook grins, a barely repressed smirk on her face.

I huff, “Quit, you rotten old matchmaker.”

She giggles like a school girl as I wave and head out.

I hurry to my rooms to grab the book I need to return, pausing a moment to make my braid a bit loosier and messier. Give that after-sex look men like.

I hustle out and climb the stairs. I stand in front of Lonan’s doors and my stomach flutters. Ugh. I need to get my shit together. I remind myself that this is a job; an alliance for my own purposes.

I knock and almost immediately there are footsteps headed down.

Lonan tosses the doors open and stands before me. His brown hair is nearly black in the dim light but I can see his waves are tied back in a small bun and it leaves his delicate pointed ears visible. His eyes are dark and he’s in a loose white shirt that is left open enough that I can see the tattoos on chest. He’s also endearingly barefooted again.

His eyes drink me in and I find myself preening under the attention.

“Sire,” I say softly.

“Allie,” he blinks a few times before stepping back. “Come, please.” He holds out his hand. I look down, demurely, and take his hand with just the tips of my fingers, allowing him to “help” me up the stairs.

Once in his apartments, I cross to the large window. The sun is low in the sky and I can almost see the water over the treetops. Not far from Misery Bay, on the Forsaken Sea, Thistle Grove is not a port town, but is close enough to have a hidden harbor that they use for missions, I believe. It’s also a fairly easy flight to Guivre Shores from here, if you have wings.

“Allie,” Lonan says quietly, “Would you have a glass of wine with me?”

I nod, looking at him over my shoulder before I turn my body. “Just the one, Sire.”

He swiftly pours and crosses to me. “Come now, we’ve been over this. You were calling me Lonan this morning.”

I smile at his flirting and take the wine glass. I take a small sip.

“You wanted to speak?” I prompt, as I widen my eyes, looking at the floor and blinking rapidly as if trying to not cry. “About sending me off?”

“What? No, not ‘sending you off’ Allie—”

“Have I displeased you my lord? I most sincerely apologize if so...”

“No, no, of course not—”

“But you no longer want me in your kitchens? I have made a mistake somehow, and I’m so sorry for it. Sire, please, keep me, I don’t want to go out, unprotected, and sleep under a...”

Lonan has set his wine down and taken my elbows in his hands, pulling our bodies close.

He blinks, those blood red eyes keen. “Unprotected?” His brow furrows. “Sleep under what, Allie?”

I manage to summon tears to my eyes beautifully; you’d think I had water Fae in my line.

“Sleep under,” my voice drops to a whisper, “A different roof than you.” I look up, meeting his eyes, “...Lonan.”

I hear him take a small, surprised breath. His eyes study mine a moment and his hands tighten on my arms. “Unprotected?” He repeats. “What are you worried about, sweetheart?”