“Is that safe?” I imagine the little people staggering around drunk. “They’re so small.”
Kirian barks out a laugh.
“Don’t let their size fool you. One thing I can say about gnomes is that they can handle their alcohol. They could drink all four of us under the table.” He gestures to Damon, Torius, and Kai.
“It’s true,” Kai says. “I challenged one to a contest once. I’ll never do that again. The next day I woke up naked in a sprite forest seven miles away. I still don’t know what happened that night.”
That sounds like some of the stories the high school seniors used to brag about after a weekend party. The longer I’m here, the more I’m noticing the similarities between their world and mine. Last night at the ball was especially tough for me. Being surrounded by all those fae nobles made me feel like I was fifteen again.
I realize that’s why I had an instant connection with the gnomes. Like me, they’re not given a fair chance.
“How could anyone possibly dislike them?” I ask Kirian. “They’re so nice and cute.”
“It’s not about like or dislike. By some, they’re viewed as lesser beings. They don’t live as long as fae. They can’t fight. They don’t have powers. In the past, they’ve been used for hard labor in the mountains because they’re small and they can fit into tight spaces. That’s illegal now. In the Night Realm, anyway.”
After we pass some trees, another neighborhood looms ahead. The farther we go into the village, the bigger the homes get. Through lit windows, I can see people milling about their kitchens.
Like a good tour guide, Kirian explains we’re going by the troll dwellings. Apparently, their average height is about four feet tall and they’re a versatile species. Some possess minor powers. A few dabble in witchcraft, but witchcraft isn’t exclusive to one type of person. Anyone can be born with the ability to cast spells and see the future, though it’s rare. To sum it up, not all witches are trolls, but some trolls are witches.
The two-story buildings on either side of us are full-size now. Inside, fae families are gathering around dining tables.
I can smell the food.
My stomach growls. I haven’t eaten since breakfast. We had canteen-like things the guys kept calling waterskins, and Kirian’s had the waterfall mist in it. Somehow, it stayed ice cold all day. He was right—very refreshing. So at least I’m not dehydrated, but I’d give just about anything for a sandwich right now.
“The inn is right here,” Kirian announces, coming to a stop next to a post to tie up our horses.
I look at the Tudor-style house. The roof is steep in several places, and the exterior is covered in a combination of wood planks and light-colored stone. There’s no sign out front to indicate it’s a business. If Kirian hadn’t said so, I wouldn’t have known it’s a hotel.
Although he doesn’t need to, Kirian helps me down from the horse. It’s flattering that he wants to touch me every chance he gets. As my feet land on the ground, he combs his fingers through my hair.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I answer. It’s the same response I’ve been giving him all day whenever he asks.
It’s not exactly the truth, and we both know it. But what else can I say? I don’t want to unload on him in front of all his big, tough friends. They probably already think I’m fragile and weak. Unfit for the title of queen. Not right for Kirian.
And they wouldn’t be wrong.
Bumping his forehead against mine, Kirian’s hands linger at my waist. “You have no idea how glad I am that you weren’t hurt today. It’s only by your own stubbornness you weren’t harmed. If you hadn’t been so ridiculously, unbelievably, infuriatingly impatient during our travel—”
Insulted, I interrupt him by clearing my throat.
He grins wickedly, but his smile disappears when he solemnly finishes, “You would’ve been in there. You’d be gone, Quinn. I’ve never felt this distraught before. It’s like I’m too devastated to be angry. I feel powerless, and I don’t like it.”
As his hands frame my face, I grip his muscular forearms. “You’ll keep me safe.”
Even with all the shit that’s happened, I still believe that. Today wasn’t his fault.
“What if I can’t?” His question is husky with emotion. “If I lose you, I’ll die. I can’t face the rest of my life without you. I live for you now. I—I think I always have, if I’m being honest.”
Wow, he’s intense. But I dig it. When he says things like that, it makes it really hard for me to stick to the plan of not jumping his bones.
I wrap my arms around his middle and press the side of my face to his bare chest.
Hugging is okay. At least the curse never said anything about that.
Kirian’s skin is warm, and his heart thumps loudly beneath my ear. There’s a small spasm inside my chest, and I swear our pulses sync up. Something about being near this man calms me. When we touch, it’s like all my problems fade into the background.
I’m aware of the guys waiting for us by the front entrance of the inn, though they talk quietly amongst themselves, giving us the illusion of privacy.
The streets are empty. All the fae families must be too busy eating to notice our arrival. Or they don’t care. Either way, I’m glad we have a minute to ourselves. I’m used to being alone with Kirian. Having him all to myself.
This is the first quiet moment we’ve had since we woke up this morning. I know it won’t last, but I want to keep it for a little while longer.
Unfortunately, my stomach chooses to let out an angry rumble.
“Come.” Kirian steps back and holds out a hand. “You’re hungry.”
Sighing, I go with him. When we get inside, the smell of food
