Page 6 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
“You said that you’ll take me with you,” I remind Rainer of his promise.
“It’s too dangerous. You’re an heir to the Wiolant House—”
“Then how come Aerin can go?” Tears well in my eyes as I stare at him. “It’s not fair.”
“Rhianelle…” Rainer raises his hand to touch my head, but it falters mid-air before reaching me.
I run to his leg and wrap my arms around his calf. “Don’t go, Uncle.”
He gives a nearly soundless sigh. “I must.”
“Then don’t leave me here. I’m scared,” I say, gripping his leg tighter like a python. “You said you’ll take me wherever you go.”
I feel his hand stroking my hair. “Sweet child, you will not survive the war camp. Your lungs can’t tolerate the cold in the north.”
“I want to see the dwarves. I hope they’ll invite me to their house.” Mother does not like this kind of rubbish talk, but I know I can tell Rainer whatever that is on my mind. “I read in books that they have little chimneys with fire from Astraea herself.”
“We’re going to war against them.” My uncle’s voice is suddenly filled with concern.
“But why?” I ask, meeting his stare.
“We just do. It’s the way things are.”
That reply doesn’t answer anything at all. But I have more important thing to tell Rainer right now. “If you go… you’ll miss my birthday.”
He slants his head to look at my face, affection softening his eyes. “I’ll send you presents, new dresses—”
“I don’t want them.” I shake my head.
“They will have ribbons. Coral ones.” My uncle knows me well. I’m slightly tempted. But Rainer’s bribe will not work on me this time.
“I want to come with you,” I insist stubbornly, staring at him.
“You can’t.”
His sharp silver eyes gaze into mine, intense and unrelenting. It’s the kind of look that made his enemies tremble and yield. Rainer’s decision is resolute. Not even Aerin dares to talk back to him whenever he has made up his mind.
The determination on his face unsettles me. My heart shatters into a thousand broken pieces. It’s set in stone then… I’m staying.
I break the stare and look to the ground, disappointment taking root. “I want a scarlet one too. And fulvous, turquoise, and emerald.”
“Done,” Rainer says quickly.
“I want a music box that plays twelve tunes,” I make another request.
“You got it,” he confirms, relief coating his tone.
“I want hair clips, rose wreathes, a giant dollhouse, a three-pocket backpack, a painting set with one hundred colors, eight new notebooks with art supplies, cat stickers, and a golden pony with soft hair.” I pitch in every difficult wish I can think of until I’m breathless. “Do you need a quill, Uncle? I listed a lot.”
“I’ll remember.” Rainer watches me closely with keen attention. “You’ll have them all for your Nameday.”
I don’t really need those things. I’m just trying to trouble Rainer so he’ll take me with him.
“You’re really going…” I mutter, my voice breaking.
He nods.
“I really can’t come?” I try again.
