Page 20 of Bound to the Fae Assassin

“Magic is forbidden on my side of the wall,” Farrow said carefully.

The Queen gave her a slow, sad smile, as if acknowledging what Farrow had not said as much as what she had.

“She is a baker,” the Queen said loudly. “And her favor has bound the Prince to her until his obligation is fulfilled.”

“Persy,” the King breathed, looking furious.

“She is what she said,” the Queen said archly. “This is his mess. Let him clean it up.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Farrow said, dropping into another curtsy.

When she straightened, she saw that the Prince was staring at her in horror, and remembered her father’s words.

Never thank the fae. It implies an obligation.

How could she have forgotten the most basic etiquette?

“Very well, my dear,” the Queen said, looking like the cat who drank the cream. “You shall bake for me again at my command.”

Farrow lowered her chin in assent, keeping her mouth shut this time.

At my command could mean anything. It could mean Farrow would bake every second for the rest of her life without rest, until her heart or her hands gave out.

But there was no time to think about it.

“We have to help my friend, please,” Farrow said, turning her glance to the Prince.

“Very well,” he replied. “Walk with me.”

Chapter 11

Farrow

Farrow held her head high as they walked out of the square.

“You know what you’ve done by thanking her?” the Prince asked quietly.

She nodded, too miserable to reply.

“What were you thinking?” he whispered.

“I was thinking that I need to save my friend,” she replied honestly.

“Come on then,” he told her. “I can get us there quickly.”

She watched as he approached his horse, taking the reins from the footman.

“Farrow,” he said, turning back to her with his hand out.

She went to him, allowing him to take her hand.

A sensation shot through her at his touch. It was something like the feeling in the air during a lightning storm, like a hum of recognition. She pulled her hand away and stared at it for a moment, but it looked as it always did.

“I can lift you up,” he offered, not meeting her eyes.

“I’m fine,” she told him, scrambling onto the beautiful creature’s back before he had time to touch her again.

Of course, she hadn’t thought about the fact that he would swing up onto the horse behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist to catch the reins in his hands.

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