Page 55 of Bride of the Fae Prince

Ash gives a little laugh. “She is pleased to meet you, too.” He glances sidelong at me. “She also says you need to freshen up.”

My eyes widen and I pull away from him. “Does that mean I smell?”

“She doesn’t mean it like that,” he says, and immediately Hylath lets out a shriek—startling me—and covers her nostrils with her hands. And runs straight out of the room.

Ash’s mouth is twisted, both humorously, and a little sourly.

“What . . .?” My question trails off. I suppose I’m not exactly sure what to ask.

“You cannot smell it then?”

My eyes widen further. Is this some fae sense of smell that is extra strong? Alarm makes me take another step back. “Do I smell that bad?” Oh dear, this is quite unseemly of me!

“Notyoursmell—the smell in the air.”

Frowning, though undeniably relieved, I take a big whiff. The air carries a light, natural perfume from the blooming flowers along the walls and the herbs on my windowsill. Even the coverlet from the bed gives off a lovely floral scent. Nothing offensive. I love how this room smells.

“I thought so,” says Ash. “I simply wanted to confirm.”

“Confirm what?”

“That you cannot smell lies.”

I think back on the words we just exchanged. “You lied about what Hylath meant about my smell. Is that why she ran out?”

“The air stank like iron.”

“Then why did you lie?”

“Because I didn’t want you to be self-conscious.”

I blink. “Then Idostink.”

A sheepish grin. “I don’t mind.”

I glare at him and dodge around his hand reaching for mine, going to the far side of the room.

“I said I don’t mind,” says Ash with a laugh. “But I shall issue Hylath back in. The tailor is coming this morning for your new clothes. This afternoon, I need to leave the palace. You’re welcome to come with me.”

“To go where?”

“To visit a friend. I think you’d rather enjoy the excursion.”

“Will anyone try to kill me?”

He shrugs. “Unlikely. You’ll be safer at my side than staying here in the palace.”

I wish Icouldsmell lies. His face doesn’t seem to be one of concealing a bitter flavor, but I imagine he’s adept at hiding it. I draw a deep breath, consider my options, and eventually nod. “Very well. I will be honored to accompany you.”

“Then I shall leave you to ready yourself for the day. Breakfast awaits you in the common rooms.”

With that, he turns to leave, grabbing his sword. He hesitates. Looks back at me. Then quickly turns back and leaves.

I have a moment of reprieve to sink my toes into the luxurious, moss-like carpet on the floor. Then the door opens, and one eye peeks in. Its lid closes in a slow blink.

“Come in,” I say, and resolve myself to get used to her appearance as quickly as possible. Perhaps I can convince Ash to introduce me to all of his staff, so I don’t have any more frights. I ought to know friend from foe, anyway.

Hylath rummages through the set of drawers against the far wall of my room, pulls out various clothing items, lays them over her arm, and beckons me with a trill to follow her. I grab a robe and wrap it around myself before venturing out of the haven of my room.

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