The Woods

Chapter Thirty-Four

Someone was in my room.

I kept my eyes closed, stiffening at the sound of footsteps. They approached my bed, but it didn't seem like they were trying to be quiet. Who was it?

I waited until I was sure they loomed over me, before I whirled over and raised my fist to strike them. I would take no chances.

A very startled Cain looked down at me, catching my fist before it hit him.

We stared at each other for a few moments, neither of us knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry," I blurted. I had tried to punch the king . . . well, not a good start to my morning.

His expression shifted from startled to amused and he let my hand go. "Apologies. Maalik decided he wanted to meet earlier than expected, so I came to wake you."

I was confused to why he was apologising. Did he not care that I attacked him? Although, I supposed that with the millennia he had trained, I could do little damage.

"Oh," I said, the only thing I could think of. "You couldn't have gotten a maid?"

"And risk their life? What sort of king would I be then?" I scowled while he chuckled, and he turned to go. "We need to leave right after you're dressed."

As soon as he was gone, I let out a sigh and slipped out of bed. My eyes felt heavy as I tried to choose a dress to wear. I hadn't used as much magic as usual in training the day prior, so I didn't fall asleep immediately, as I usually did. I had spent most of the night practicing using magic until exhaustion dragged me asleep. Looking back, it wasn't such a good idea.

I eventually settled on a simple blue dress, grateful for whatever maid found me a selection of simple day dresses to wear. While the customary dresses of the Fae were beautiful, I preferred practicality.

When I finished dressing and braided my hair, I went to find Cain, who leaned against the wall outside my door. He flashed me a smile before holding a hand out to me. I had forgotten that magic was needed for us to travel there. My stomach twisted and I silently prepared myself before gripping his hand.

Almost immediately, it felt like we were falling, and I clung to Cain as if my life depended on it – it probably did.

"What would happen if I let go?" I squeaked, my voice barely loud enough to cut through the wind.

"You would likely be dropped somewhere in the Woods." He peered down at me and added, "Don't let go."

I was relieved when the wind stopped and we stood on solid ground once more. My stomach felt as if it was full of rocks, and I was grateful that Cain gave me a few minutes to recover.

When we walked towards the tower, I was surprised to see that it was Anwir who greeted us rather than Maalik. He bowed as he moved aside to let us in.

"Maalik is upstairs," Anwir said as way of greeting. "He is waiting for you."

"I'll leave you to it," Cain said, offering me a smile. I nodded, watching as he turned and took a few steps outside. With a gust of wind, he was gone.

"Come, Fida," Anwir said, "I will take you to him."

I followed him as he led me up the steep stairs, pleasantly surprised to find a sunny parlour. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and the only furniture was two settees, a coffee table, and a smaller table with a vase and flowers. Maalik sat on one of the settees, looking up and smiling as we entered.

"Ah, how nice it is to see you, Fida," he greeted. With a hand, he dismissed Anwir and waved me to the other settee. "Please, take a seat."

He snapped his fingers as I sat, and I jumped as a platter of food suddenly appeared on the coffee table. It had cheeses, fruit, pastries, and a pot of tea. I tried not to look too eager, but I hadn't eaten breakfast yet, so it was difficult.