Page 3 of Treasured By the Fae Royal
He regards me with an air of mockery as he looks me up and down. I lift my chin, withdraw the sealed letter from my pocket, and clutch it close as I wait for the opportunity to reveal my protected status.
Why can’t I find my voice?
“What have we here?” His deep voice thrums through me and somehow causes my face to flush. “Little human, there isn’t a village for miles and miles. Are you lost?” His tone is as mocking as his expression.
Still, I can’t speak. Aside from a few conversations with Warden Valloc, who I sort of trust since he’s happily mated to my best friend, this golden creature is the only other fae who’s ever addressed me.
Given his ethereal but masculine beauty, and the certainty that he could end my life in mere moments if he wanted to, I find myself struggling to breathe let alone form a proper response to his question.
When he steps closer, the heat of his body wafts over me again, an immense warmth that chases away the winter chill. I also detect the pleasing aroma of star jasmine, honeysuckle, and gardenia. A result of his Summer Court magic, no doubt.
“Are you lost, little human?” He encroaches further on my space, and fuck if I can even remember my own name right now. I feel as though he’s hypnotized me with his wild beauty.
“No-no,” I finally force out. “I-I’m not lost.”
“Not lost?” He makes a tsking noise. “What in the fires are you doing out here on the road all by yourself? Aren’t you worried that a ravenous fae male might swoop out of the sky, steal away with you, and keep you as his pleasure slave?” His eyes dance with mischief, and I pray he’s joking.
Problem is, plenty of young women and men went missing during the early days of the fae’s occupation in Trevos, most of whom were never seen again. It’s well known that the fae like to keep human pleasure slaves and concubines. There’s a good chance he’s not joking.
A shiver courses through me, along with an unexpected warmth that pulsates between my thighs. My face heats anew. Gods, I’m not attracted to this beastly creature. I’m not.
He smiles, revealing white, sharply pointed teeth. Teeth that could easily tear a hole in my neck. I take a few steps back, only for him to match me step for step.
I clutch the letter to my chest and try to summon bravery. If he senses my fear, that will only encourage his wickedness. That’s what everyone says about the fae. That they love to feed off the fear and pain of humans, particularly virgins.
Another shiver rushes through me because I’ve never even kissed a man before. Does this golden-winged fae know just how innocent I am?
“Why are you out here all by yourself, little human? I asked you a question, and I expect an answer.” This time, his voice isn’t as mocking as earlier. There’s a bit of sternness to it that makes me tremble. I suppose he doesn’t like having to repeat himself.
I clear my throat. “I am running an errand for my aunt,” I say, not wanting to reveal the full truth. If he knows how desperate I am, he might use it against me. “I’m on my way to Sorsston, and I have a letter of protection from the Warden of Trevos himself. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. Warden Valloc. He’s also known as Lord Kaiden, and he hails from Linnshire in the Summer Court.” I pray Warden Valloc’s reputation as a powerful highborn fae is enough to scare the golden creature who’s towering over me with his wings flared wide.
“A letter of protection from Warden Valloc?” He grins again. “My my. You must be someone of importance if you garnered the favor of the Warden of Trevos. Who, exactly, are you? Hm. Let’s find out.” He plucks the envelope from my hands, breaks the seal with a long fingernail that might as well be a talon, and withdraws the letter.
The warmth of summer increases, swirling through the air, as the golden fae scans the letter. Then he places it back in the envelope. Blue light emits from his fingers for a second or two, and the seal becomes intact again.
“The letter appears authentic enough.” His eyes dance with dark glee. “Miss Yvette Harmon of the Kingdom of Trevos. You’re a long way from home, sweetling.” He places the letter back in my pocket, and his abrupt closeness and brief touch causes goosebumps to rise all over my body.
“So, you’ll step aside and allow me safe passage?” I try to refrain from shaking while he stares down at me with an increasing smirk.
“Alas, I cannot drag you into the forest and ravish you as I was planning. I must honor Warden Valloc’s wishes and allow you to pass.” He clutches his chest and feigns a look of sorrow. “Ah, but what a pity I can’t turn you into my little pet. You look delicious, and I bet you moan so prettily.”
I flush from head to toe. I’m relieved he plans to let me pass unharmed, but his words are a bit shocking. From time to time on the streets of Trevos, I’ve found myself on the receiving end of unwanted bawdy talk, but until now it’s never been directed at me by a highborn fae.
He steps back and his wings flare wider. “Perhaps I’ll dream of you tonight, little human.” He winks at me, then shoots into the sky and soars away, leaving me equal parts stunned and reassured.
I quickly resume my travels north, running at full speed. I keep glancing at the sky, but he seems to have disappeared. Thank the gods. Still, I can’t help but feel paranoid that he might return.
If it weren’t for the letter of protection, would he have honestly stolen away with me? Would he have ravished me in the forest and proceeded to keep me as a pleasure slave? I shudder to think about what might be happening to me at this very moment had Mira not asked Warden Valloc to write the letter.
I’m so focused on running as fast as possible while keeping one eye on the sky that I fail to notice the newcomers until it’s too late.
Without warning, I find myself surrounded by over a dozen human males. I come to a halt and spin in a slow circle, looking from man to man. There are no friendly faces to be found, and I go cold all over. My fear deepens when I notice a wagon holding a large cage being guided in our direction. I spot a few people, both women and men, inside the cage.
Flesh traders.
Oh, gods, I’ve encountered flesh traders.
I withdraw the knife from my belt, the very knife I used to kill the mangga just yesterday, and hold it at the ready. My action causes the men to laugh, and I flush with anger. How dare they threaten me? How dare they mock me? My mama is dying and I don’t have time for this.
