His eyes dip to mine, and a small smile curves across his lips. “Though most parts of Grager are welcoming, others are more suitable for nighttime explorations. I could bring you back and show you those as well.”
“Oh?” My eyebrow quirks. “And what places are better experienced at night?”
“The kind that had that female staring at you.”
I snort. “She wasdefinitelynot looking at me. I’m surprised you didn’t feel her stare with how long she gawked at you. We can go back if you’d like to visit her.”
His head lowers to meet my stare. “I am precisely where I want to be. No need for extra company.” He drops my hand from his arm, but before I can object, he grabs my hand and laces our fingers. His is warm and callused—the hand of someone familiar with the hilt of a sword.
We continue strolling and taking in the city. The farther we go, the more I am enthralled by it all. I would love to spend more time in Grager, especially with him.
Ahead is the small café he promised, but as we near the door, a voice rings out from the crowded street. “Send the human thrall where she belongs. She’s not fit to walk amongst us.”
Whatever joy filled my heart moments before plummets, and Niethal’s face darkens as he halts but doesn’t let go of my hand. The crowd falls silent. Parents shove children behind them and rush inside to hide. The few onlookers who remain stand motionless, not daring even to breathe.
“If someone has thoughts on the company I choose to keep, please, come forward.”
No one moves.
The only outward sign of Niethal’s anger is the tightness around his eyes. “No one? Do not be mistaken; whoever spoke those words will be found. I will tolerate no one speaking of her in such a manner. Do we understand one another?” Those brave enough to stay on the street nod before scurrying away. Niethal lets out a deep sigh and looks at me. “I apologize for whatever fool said that. They will pay for their insolence.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. I’m sure seeing a human with their king is just shocking.”
He stares at me and says in a low, firm voice, “No one speaking against you is acceptable.”
An ember of glee sparks in my chest. “I’d still like the scone. That is, if you still want to have breakfast together.”
The darkness fades from his face, and his easy demeanor returns. “I would enjoy nothing more.”
Words from the stranger forgotten, we walk hand in hand into the café.
We sit on a small terrace facing the woods, which reminds me of being home, sipping tea on my porch. Well, except for the handsome male seated across from me.
“I hope the dresses sent to your room were to your liking,” he says around a mouthful of scone.
“They are wonderful. Thank you for them and for everything.” I grin and sip my tea—something citrusy with honey.
“Careful, or we’ll both be indebted to one another, though that may be a fun game to play.”
I take another sip and say over the brim of my cup, “That sounds like a dangerous game to play with the fae. One I would likely lose.”
He reclines in his chair and crosses his legs. “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything scandalous. For that, I want you a willing and eager participant.”
Thoughts of Niethal and the scandalous things he’s insinuating play through my mind, and a sudden warmth heats my core. His leg drops to the floor and he sits up straighter, giving me a mischievous grin. “Though I don’t believe eager will be a problem.”
“You seem certain of yourself. What if I have someone back home?”
“Do you?” he speaks into his cup as he takes a sip, though his eyes stay locked on mine. I raise an eyebrow and take a sip of tea as well, remaining silent.
A feline smile stretches across his face. “I didn’t realize how boring my existence had become until you stepped into my throne room. You exude happiness, and it’s infectious. You’re not bad for a human.”
I snort. “Not bad for a human? Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“Considering the humans I’ve encountered in my life, yes. It is.”
“Well, thanks, I guess.”
A deep laugh rumbles through his chest before he holds up two fingers and smirks. “Two debts to me. You were right; you are terrible at this game. It almost seems unfair. But do not worry. I will only call in my debts for pleasurable things. I wouldn’t dare waste them on anything else.” He takes a sip from his cup, and when it comes away, he still has a self-satisfied smile on his lips.