Page 3 of Bound and Beguiled

“Uhhh...no. Thank you!” I said, weakly. This was surreal. “I don’t think he’ll come looking for me, or anything. I’d like to just...move on.”

“Well, I’m for it.” Katarina gave Fenn an approving look. “You’re so thoughtful.”

Unable to think of a single rational response, I shook my head.

“I’d like to make you an anti-tracking charm, if that’s alright.” Sid gave me a soothing smile. “Just in case.”

I caught the flicker of her eyes as they took in my cousin beside me, and sighed.

“That’s probably for the best.” I was going to clank when I breathed. Ymet’s bands around my wrists were bad enough, but to add yet another amulet to the two I already wore; one for sun protection and the other for accelerated healing? Ugh.

“Thank you,” Sid said, holding up a tiny, golden...something. “Katarina said you don’t like jewelry, so I thought an ear cuff would be the best option.”

“Ohhh, that won you some points.” I beamed, tucking my hair behind my ear, and tilting my head to give her better access.

Sid chuckled, fitting it into place. Tingling heat rose as she wove the spell connecting the tiny stone within the cuff to my personal energy.

Fenn grunted, pushing to his feet. “I’m going to go reinforce the wards. Tereza, good to meet you. Let me know if you change your mind about your ex.” He crooked a finger at Katarina. “C’mere, Li’l Bit. I need a snack to see me through until tomorrow.”

She hesitated only long enough to catch my wave before preceding him eagerly out the door, jumping when he slapped her ass.

I chuckled, then hissed as pain flared low in my belly. The amulet I wore was supposed to shorten my post-procedure bleeding and take the edge off the discomfort I’d been promised would be “moderate”, but the nurse and I must define that word differently.

Sid laid a hand on my shoulder, steady and quiet until the wave lessened and I squeezed her fingers. “Can I get you anything before I go? Hot pad? Tea? Run you a bath?”

A tear slid down my cheek, but neither of us commented on it as I wiped it away. “I think I’m just going to lie down, but thank you.” She rose, nodding, and I held out a hand to stop her. “Actually, I did want to ask you something. Katarina mentioned that you might be willing to hire me on as a waitress?”

“The job’s yours if you want it. It’s hard work, but I pay well, and we have a good time at the Broken Crown.”

“You do know I’ve never waitressed before? Closest thing I’ve done is work the farm stand at the market.” I plucked awkwardly at the weave on the pillow I clutched.

Sid shrugged. “I can train you.”

“Then, yes. I’d love the job. I can’t wait.” My cheeks hurt, I smiled so wide. By the oath, it felt good to have work. I needed to work in a way that some people didn’t understand. I needed the structure, the satisfaction of doing something well. I loved the way my body felt in the evening when I’d pushed myself that day. The few times I’d been forced not to work for one reason or another I’d been miserable.

“You will wait.” Sid’s voice was uncompromising. “Heal up. Rest.” When I harrumphed, she leaned closer, pinning me in place with eyes that swirled with a widening expanse of purple. “You hearing me?”

My teeth clicked shut, and I nodded. She said a few other things, “nice to meet you” things, then I sat on Katarina’s couch, heart pounding, trying to figure out what the fuck had just happened.

Chapter Two

“You better be here for a drink and no other reason.” Sid was at my side before my eyes adjusted to the dimness of the bar, the gentle curl of her fingers around my elbow belying the harshness of her words. It was early Sunday afternoon and there were only a handful of people scattered around, so she had no trouble finding an empty booth to usher me into.

I mouthed “sorry” to the group of fae she’d abandoned. They watched us with liquid black eyes, their long ears curled at the tips in unabashed curiosity. One of the women closest to me—her wide round face creased with a cheerful grin—winked. I felt my cheeks heat and quickly looked away.

“So. About that drink?” Sid prompted, leaning her elbow on the table, and raising an eyebrow pointedly.

“I wouldn’t say no to a beer, but I’m here to work. If the offer’s still open,” I added, when she frowned at me.

“Of course, it is.” She flipped a hand dismissively, then tapped her knuckle on the tabletop between us. “But you’re supposed to be resting. Healing up.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not.” She snorted, her eyes softening as she leaned closer. “It’s been four days. You’re still bleeding. And this line here,” she drew her finger vertically between her own eyebrows, “is the same one Katarina gets when she’s hurting.”

I sighed. “Okay, yes. I’m still kinda...tender. But I suck at sitting around, Sid. I’m making the plants depressed.” And after this morning, a distraction was even more necessary. “Please. I need this. I’ll take it easy. I promise.”

Sid growled. “Fine. I’ll show you around. Give you the rundown. But if I catch you pushing it, I’m kicking you out, you hear me?”

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