Page 52 of The Cursed Kingdom

I hate how he talks about me like I’m not even here.

Mason hums. “Barely.”

I turn and peer over my shoulder, quickly catching sight of a naked body. I don’t let my eyes linger, spinning back around the moment I confirm Mason’s no longer a giant animal.

“She’s dehydrated,” Mason continues. “Her urine reeks of ammonia.”

My cheeks burn, and I chomp my beef jerky stick between my teeth as the two discuss my body fluids. The least they can do is speak about it privately, saving me a tiny shred of dignity.

Kie frowns. “I forget how delicate humans are.”

We’ll see how delicate he is when I’m shoving my foot between his legs and burying my shoe deep into the underside of his balls.

“If we’re quick, we might be able to make it to Traul River by nightfall,” Mason says.

Kie straightens up. “You said it was swarming with shifters.”

“It is, but if we intend to bring Zaha a live human, we have no choice.”

Mason enters my line of sight, thankfully now dressed in his signature black clothing. Almost every inch of his body is covered in tight fabric, the outfit practicallyscreamingfor people to stay away.

Kie drags his fingers through his hair. “She’s turning out to be more of a hassle than I anticipated.”

Thanks.

Mason shrugs. “I can take care of that.”

I slide my backpack up my shoulders, debating whether or not now is the time to pull out my knife. Mason’s offering to kill me, so I’m leaning towardyes. I’m laser-focused on their every move, mentally preparing for the worst.

I regret ever coming to the faerie realm. I just wanted to save Lill. I’ve always been guided by emotion, and it’s coming back to bite me in the ass in the worst way possible. I couldn’t imagine a worse outcome than this.

A swift death might be better than a future with Zaha or her brothers.

“No,” Kie says. He stuffs his sleeping pad and tarp cover into his sleek, black bag, filling it to the brim. “We need all the goodwill we can get. We’re bringing her.”

I finish my beef jerky stick before popping a few nuts in my mouth. I’ve never been a huge fan of nuts, but they’re hearty and full of good nutrients. I need all the energy I can get.

I doubt Kie was lying when he said he’d drag me by the straps of my backpack if I find myself unable to walk.

Mason pulls what looks to be freeze-dried meat out of his bag, and I try not to stare as he and Kie work through several pieces. I’m still starving, but I won’t ask for their food. I won’t ask them for anything, especially when I already know they’ll sayno.

I tie my sweatshirt around my waist and adjust my backpack straps, keeping myself busy while waiting for them to finish. Thankfully, they eat quickly, and Kie takes the lead while Mason positions himself behind me.

It seems they still consider me a flight risk.

“What will Zaha do to me?” I ask the moment we begin walking.

They ignored me asking this last night, Kie pretending to be asleep and Mason unable to speak in his animal state. I don’t believe Mason would’ve answered me even if he could have, though. He probably thinks he’s too good to speak to a lowly human like myself. Hoity-toity asshole.

I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth when my question goes unanswered.

“That’s fine,” I continue, painfully aware I’m talking to myself. “I suppose I’ll just ask Zaha when I meet her. I’ll make sure she knows of my displeasure with this plan.”

It’s a risky statement, but given all their talk about Zaha potentially not wanting me, I assume she’s picky with the slaves she takes in. If I make an ass of myself, maybe she won’t want me. Maybe I’ll embarrass Kie and Mason, too.

Kie turns and peers at me over his shoulder, his cold gaze calculating. I wonder what thoughts are running through his head, but I have a feeling I already know. He wants me to stop speaking, and he’s likely debating letting Mason kill me.

“I don’t know,” he says. “I’m not in the business of questioning what the gods do with their subjects.”

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