Page 138 of King of Death

Together we walked to the front door and stepped outside, stopping at the top of the steep staircase. A warm breeze ruffled my hair as I looked down at the unseelie village below.

Unable to stop myself, I gave Lonan one more kiss, keeping it brief in front of the guards posted by the doors, before turning to leave.

“Be safe,” he called as I started making my way down the stairs.

I lifted a hand in goodbye as I descended the steps. When I made it onto the grass, I paused and looked over at the village. Many of the Folk had stopped to watch me, but some didn’t seem bothered. Even though I was a king now, I probably wasn’t all that interesting to them. They were already used to me, and it wasn’t like I was their king.

I started heading away from the palace, but a faint voice calling my name made me pause again and look over my shoulder.

“Ash!” I heard it again, the voice becoming familiar as it got louder.

I blinked in surprise when I saw Caom running towards me from the village, arm waving frantically in the air. When he reached me, I tensed and took an automatic step back. We hadn’t exactly parted on terrible terms, but I’d wanted to see him less and less after the night of the Winter Solstice, when he’d grown vicious and forced me to play the role of oak king.

“Hello, Caom,” I said warily, wondering what he wanted after all this time.

“My gods, look at you.” He grinned, looking me up and down. “I knew being full fae would suit you.”

I frowned, glancing up at the palace. Lonan was still standing there, a lone black figure against a backdrop of pale, icy blue and white. Strands of his long hair moved in the breeze, but he was completely still. I knew he was watching.

“You saw me the last time I was here,” I reminded Caom. “I remember seeing you. When the Carlin froze everyone in place with her shriek.”

He rolled his eyes, reaching out to give my shoulder a gentle shove. I stepped back before he could touch me. “I’m just saying that you are utterly breathtaking like this.” His voice lowered, growing sultry. “You were beautiful before, but now…”

I stiffened. “I don’t know how many times I have to say this, Caom. I’m not interested. I’m with Lonan—King Lonan,” I quickly corrected. “I love him.”

The smile froze on Caom’s face, becoming sharp and vindictive as he stared at me in silence. Then, voice soft and sinister, he said, “You owe me many favours, Ash.”

“What?” I snorted incredulously. “I don’t owe you anything. I didn’t ask you to bring me food and clothes, Caom. You were doing it because you were hoping I’d fuck you.”

“Not those. I don’t mean those.” His smile grew wider, darker, showing off his sharp teeth. “I mean all those thanks you gave me. I collected them, Ash. I made note of every single one. When I told you about the Carlin’s sons. Twice when we walked to the lake. Another when I took you home after your welcome party.”

He stepped closer, and this time I held my ground, glaring at him as his smile turned smug. “You really shouldn’t thank the Folk, Ash,” he said softly. “Because one day, they will demand something in return.”

“I was mortal then,” I got out between clenched teeth. “So they—”

He cut me off with a snide laugh. “That’s not how it works, and you know it.”

My heart thudded hard, a sickly feeling creeping into my gut. Was I actually indebted to him?

What was he going to demand of me?

I parted my lips to speak, but heard a sudden flap of wings before Lonan appeared out of thin air beside me. Caom jumped violently, the blood draining from his face as he took a step back.

Lonan stared at him in silence, his face a blank, emotionless mask. Caom looked terrified, his breaths coming fast. Without a word, he spun and started walking quickly back to the village, a tremor running through his frame.

“Don’t worry about him,” Lonan said quietly, still watching Caom’s retreating back.

“Okay.” Fidgeting, I nervously told him, “He said I owe him—”

“You don’t need to worry. Go. I’ll see you soon.”

I hesitated, then pressed a kiss to his cheek, because he still hadn’t looked away from Caom. “I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He still hadn’t moved as I turned to walk away, even though Caom was now disappearing into the village.

I didn’t look back, walking fast as I clutched the strap of my satchel.

I was pretty sure I would never see Caom again.

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