A lean white dog with red tips on its ears and tail wandered
in to her alcove. She quickly wiped away her tears and held
out her hand. The dog trotted over for a sniff, and then a
second dog rounded the corner. How many were there? Before
she had time to fear the dogs, the gray-eyed man stood in
front of her.
He leaned against a tree and smiled. “Now why would a
Lady just back at Court be so sad?”
She searched his smoky gray eyes for a hint at his
intent, but saw no malice.
“You leave a lover behind?” He took a step closer and the
alcove seemed to grow smaller around them.
Who was this Lord? His clothing wasn’t brightly colored
and it didn’t glitter with gems, and yet this close, she
could see that the fabric was covered in delicate stitches
that shimmered in the light. The cuffs of his shirt were
undone, the ties dangling. His dark brown hair was pulled
back, but strands fell around his face, softening his
otherwise sharp cheekbones and nose. He was beautiful even
by fairy standard—and he’d followed her out here.
She glanced at the dogs sitting obediently at his feet.
He’d sent them after her. Was she talking to the Lord of the
Hunt? Her heart gave an extra beat.
Taryn shook her head. She didn’t want him thinking she
was crying over a human lover. “My family.”
“Ah. They are in the mortal world.” He nodded as if
confirming his information. How did he know? “Brownies, then?”
“Yes.” Being a Brownie was as good as it got in the
mortal world, living in the home of a changeling, or more
rarely a human, and keeping the house immaculate. A home
within a home. A small exchange between human and fairy
sealed the pact. It didn’t matter where fairies were; rank
and social standing was important. She’d thought the stuffy
all-girls school she’d attended had prepared her for Court.
It hadn’t.
The dogs laid down and looked relaxed, but their eyes
never left her. And neither did his. He’d sought her, which
meant he wanted something. What could a man with almost as
much power as the King want from her? For half a second, she
wanted to give him anything he asked for if he would help
her get her father’s pardon. But that wouldn’t be a smart move.
She almost smiled—she did know something about Court and
Annwyn politics, but caution made her careful. She had to
confirm who he was first. “Your dogs?”
“They are, but don’t worry. They are well trained and
won’t harm you.” He moved a little closer to her. “But there
are plenty of others who would.”
