Page 33 of The Fae Warrior's Queen

“No. Because you exist.”

I wait for him to elaborate, but when he doesn’t, I ask, “That’s it?”

“It’s that simple. Everyone changes the world in their own way. We all have an impact just by being here. You’re moving the pieces as we speak, and as soon as you realize that, you’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

I thought he was going to say something about my royal status. About how I’ll be revered in the history books as a sacrificial lamb. Instead, he humbled me, in a good way.

He humanized me.

That’s all I’ve wanted for so long—to be seen as a person. Not a queen. Not a victim.

Just someone who matters.

I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. Kai has rendered me speechless with his refreshing willingness to give me his differing opinion.

In my experience, warriors don’t argue with queens.

After Zander took over, he granted me with the same authority as himself, and I had some frustrating discussions with his men where they’d go along with whatever I say. No matter how ridiculous or nonsensical it was, every request was met with enthusiastic agreement.

I could get them to do anything, and one time, I tested the theory, which resulted in quite a fiasco.

“You’re smiling, so I’m assuming I haven’t offended you.” Kai’s statement draws me out of thought.

“What?” I touch my stretched mouth. “Oh. Just remembering something funny.”

“Will you share the memory?”

We continue our walk, and after prefacing my story with my curiosity about the undying loyalty of Zander’s men, I admit, “I took it a little too far. I told a man to go to the main fountain outside the palace at dawn in his underwear and sing “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am” while prancing around in the water. I said not to stop, even if someone tried to force him. He followed my instructions, and he was arrested. Just dragged away, soaking wet, belting the song at the top of his lungs. His sanity was seriously questioned, and it wasn’t until I told them to let him go that they cleared him of his charges.”

There’s a tightness around Kai’s lips, and creases frame his blue eyes.

That’s the closest he’s come to a smile yet.

“You say you and Princess Zaylee are not alike,” he quips, “but I’m going to call bullshit.”

I grin at him. A big, silly smile. It’s weird to make an expression my facial muscles aren’t used to, but I like it.

Unfortunately, the light moment doesn’t last long.

Turning my head to the left, I gaze at the open area in the middle of the maze.

We’re at the courtyard.

Ro

Stopping just inside the entry point, we look out at the desolate square. Cobblestone pathways lead to a crumbling gazebo in the middle. The marble dome ceiling has caved in on one portion, and the columns are cracked and corroded. Four dry fountains are placed around the perimeter, and there are some concrete benches here and there.

Oh, what I wouldn’t give to sit down.

My stamina is lacking, and I can’t ignore the pain on the bottom of my feet any longer. The rocks have been digging into my flesh with every step, and my bare soles feel like they’ve been through a meat grinder.

Lifting the bottom of the robe, I peek at my feet to see if I’m bleeding. I’m not. The callouses I’ve built up have protected me, but it still hurts.

“You will wear my socks,” Kai orders, rapidly taking off his boots.

Before I can protest, he’s barefooted and guiding me over to a partially broken bench. Giving my shoulders a light push, he applies pressure until my legs buckle. I have no choice but lower myself to the seat, and I sigh with relief once I’m not standing anymore.

Kai crouches down to shove the dark brown coverings onto my feet.

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