The Story of the Trees - Sword, Ring, and Crown Book One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Before heading home, we stopped by The Mystic Fig to fill our bellies. By then, we were fainting with hunger, and I hoped the place lived up to its name. The centaur, the faun, and the half-giant were waiting outside when we arrived.

Luke had explained we'd need more paperwork to make the men my concubines, plus some hefty fees. I grimaced at the idea of essentially buying people—it felt archaic, disgusting.

"What are you guys doing out here?" I asked, stopping in front of them. "Why didn't you wait for us inside?"

"Centaurs aren't allowed inside," Brin said, standing tall but clearly embarrassed.

"And none of us are allowed in without the escort of a titled Lady," the faun added.

I threw the restaurant a dirty look, feeling my disdain for this city grow. The place reeked of classism, reminding me of all the horror stories of human caste systems. I had to wonder—would they even let me in, knowing my background?

"What about the pixie and the satyr? Where did they go?"

The three exchanged uneasy glances, staring at the ground.

"The constables took them before we could get them clothing," the faun said softly. "Xavian's mistress retrieved him—he's the satyr. Tylas, the pixie, is in jail for his attire."

"Hah... great." I muttered. "Wait. Are you all runaway slaves?"

They shook their heads.

"Only the satyr. The rest of us were cast out by our mistresses. He was the only one hiding. He took a chance that you might accept him."

I leaned on Dominic, my decision feeling heavy. "So... what I'm trying to find out is whether you're still technically owned by someone? Will I need to pay to set you free?"

Again, they nodded, eyes on the ground.

Great. Another weight to add to my ever-growing pile of responsibilities. Cons? I had to shell out money to get these guys on my team. I had to make them concubines, which felt like letting go of even more of my values. Pros? They had useful abilities, or so they claimed. They'd be loyal, and I'd have more people in my corner, which might give us a better chance. Plus, maybe I could actually help them.

Still, it felt like I was justifying a bad decision, no matter how I framed it.

I sighed and turned to Luke. "How did Marisol and Regina get all those extra people into their courts? I thought the Becoming ceremony included everyone."

"The Becoming unites you and your consorts," Luke said with a shrug. "Banmuinen and concubines can be added afterward, with proper rites."

"Of course," I muttered, puffing out my cheeks before blowing out a breath. "You need to sit down with me tonight and go over all these rules. Every single one."

Luke's lips twitched as though he'd expected this outcome. "Very well."

I turned back to the three beings. "Are you hungry? Can we get a table by the window so—" I pointed at the centaur, "What's your name? Not your true name, just what you go by."

"My name is Brin," he said, bowing by kneeling on his front legs.

"Brin—so that Brin can talk to us through the window," I finished, trying to ignore the unease settling in my gut.

"I'm sure we can manage that, Princess," Dominic said, throwing a glance toward the restaurant. "Doesn't seem too busy."

"Yeah, though if this place weren't one of the only options, we'd go somewhere else." I glared at the building before leading the group inside. The host frowned when I mentioned the faun and giant, and it took a few extra gold coins and my status to convince her. Begrudgingly, she opened the window near an empty table so Brin could be included.