Page 109 of A Fate so Cruel

“It really does rival the one in Nàdair,” Selina said.

“Do you think the Fairy Folk come to this one, too?”

“I don’t see why they wouldn’t.”

“I always thought they only visited Nàdair, you know, because of the trees and all.”

“Who’s to say they don’t attend both?”

Rion looked at her. “It’s across the continent; it wouldn’t be possible to attend both.”

“Not for us.”

“You think they just, what, magically disappear?”

She shrugged. “Why not? They vanish in the forests. How do we know they don’t go somewhere else entirely?”

“And here I was thinking you were the reasonable one.”

“I am, I’m just speculating based upon what I’ve seen.”

“And you’ve seen them disappear?”

She made a motion with her hand. “Into thin air.” He didn’t want to mention how much time he’d spent around the Fairy Folk. It would only lead to questions he wasn’t ready to answer, not until he knew he could trust her completely. Maybe not even then.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“Liar.”

He smirked and spotted a small bench with tiny trinkets and boats and leaves all shaped for the Fairy Folk’s use. Nàdair did something similar. The small creatures always seemed delighted by the offerings. Most were made by children, and theytoo were often just as delighted to see the sacred beings playing with their creations.

They were such strange and enchanting little creatures. Powerful, most claimed, yet none had ever seen the extent of that power. Mostly because the Fae didn’t challenge them. They were sacred on a level that rivaled the gods.

He remembered watching the Fairy Folk play tricks on a few younglings after their failed attempts to capture the tiny beings. They were kind, but clearly possessed a sense of humor. Two of the children had ended the night covered in honey and feathers.

“Well,” Selina said, looking out over the sea of people. “I’m willing to bet at least half the inns are already full.”

“Don’t worry, a vacancy always appears when I walk in.”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course it does.”

“You haven’t complained before.”

“Well, maybe I don’t want to piss anyone off today. I would like to enjoysomeof the festivities.”

He rolled his eyes and they kept walking. Selina looped her arm in his and he glanced down at the female.

Her eyes were practically beaming. She paused at a few stalls, admiring the wares, and proceeded to tell him every detail about some unimpressive jewelry. The shop owners were more than happy to let her try things on. She purchased a few trinkets, but promised others she’d return once she had a room to store her possessions.

Rion had to resist rolling his eyes a number of times. But when hers lit up and she acted as though his opinion meant the world, he didn’t have to feign interest. He wanted to know how to earn her favor. Wanted to know how to keep that smile on her face.

A shop owner declared himself partial owner of an inn that resided closer to the city’s center. After seeing the gold inSelina’s hand, he’d practically barreled over other patrons to tell her they had ample space.

The shop owner had a young male escort them.

It was charming, immaculately clean, and intricately decorated, as were most structures toward the inner part of the city.

Selina, of course, requested their finest room. The young male was only too happy to oblige and led them to the third floor. He announced breakfast and lunch schedules and excitedly told Selina about a restaurant around the corner that served the best cheese she’d ever taste. She promised to visit.

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