Chapter 20 The Rogue
THE ROGUE
I stiffened. “Who are you?”
“Uther, love. Just Uther.” His soft voice was edged with enough gravel to be threatening. “And you are?”
I kept my mouth shut.
His brow arched. “It’s rude not to reciprocate.”
“Guess I’m rude.”
He chuckled, stepping closer.
Panic rose in my throat. The stories had always said Dreadfae were predators—creatures born in shadow.
They didn’t just kill. They drank their victims’ blood.
Usually lured them with illusion runes carved into their eyelids and tongues.
Runes that bound people to their will. A tiny flicker of pressure tightened under my ribs. I shifted my weight, ignoring it.
“Stay back, faerie.”
His smile sharpened. “Most people who threaten me don’t get to do it twice, but I’m feeling generous today.”
He took another step forward.
I stood up so abruptly, the chair fell on its side.
He held up both hands. “Easy, love. If I wanted you bleeding on this table, it’d already be done.”
“What do you want?”
“I heard the rumors about a human but had to see for myself.”
His swagger reminded me of fae males that visited Nectar. Their sharp smiles, the way they draped themselves over the silk-lined chairs, scattering coins like bait. How their fingers trailed along a girl’s jaw before choosing her.
“Your scent is all over the castle,” he drawled. “Followed it here.”
“Who are you?”
“I lead the Mountain Clan.”
The door wasn’t far. Twenty steps, maybe less. But he was faster. He’d catch me before I reached the hallway.
My fingers itched for a weapon. There was a heavy book near my hand. If I aimed for his face—
Amusement sparked in his red gaze. “You won’t make it.”
Don’t look at him.
I averted my eyes.
He stepped around the fallen chair. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Such a warm voice. It slid through my mind like honey—thick, slow, sweet. The panic in my chest didn’t vanish, but it dulled.
“Look at me.”
The words brushed against my thoughts, and I jerked my head back. “Get out of my head.”
“I just want answers.”
“Shouldn’t you be leading your people instead of lounging in the halls like a bored lordling?”
“Lordling. That’s new. Usually it’s ‘blood-drunk savage.’” The Dreadfae’s smile was friendly. “Are we going to trade insults, or will you tell me what makes you so special that Kairos broke a century-old treaty?”
My throat was too tight to speak.
He tilted his head. “Silence, eh? You had plenty of mouth a second ago.”
“I don’t know what you want from me.”
“The truth would be refreshing.” He leaned against the table, studying me. “You’re human, and yet Kairos took you. So either you’re the world’s best fuck, or you’re valuable in some way.”
“Clearly not the first.”
“The clans want to know what we’re dying for. Because if Kairos started a war over some girl he’s fucking, half my warriors will desert before we even reach the battlefield.”
“Then maybe you should trust your king’s judgment.”
“I do.” Uther’s expression hardened. “In battle. But when it comes to pretty things that make him stupid? That’s where fae like me step in.”
“Fae like you?”
“I’m one of his oldest friends.” He sighed, sounding weary. “Which means I ask the uncomfortable questions. Like whether the human he dragged from another realm will get him killed.”
“I’m not hurting anyone.”
“Of course not, love.” His voice shifted into that honeyed tone. “You’re just a girl caught up in something bigger than herself. Isn’t that right?”
The words wrapped around me like a thick blanket, and my eyelids drooped.
“Look at me, darling.”
I blinked. When I met his eyes, the red didn’t seem as frightening anymore.
“Perfect. Now, what’s your name?”
“Aelie.”
His smile was gentle. “Such a beautiful name.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m Uther,” he said, inching closer. “I’m your friend, and you can trust me. I’m here to help.”
Help. The word settled into my chest.
“Aelie, I need you to answer me honestly. Can you do that for me?”
I nodded. Why wouldn’t I?
“Good girl. Tell me why you’re here.”
My mouth opened. The answer was there, ready to spill out.
No. I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain cutting through the fog. “Get. Out. Of my head.”
His eyes gleamed. “You’re strong. Most humans fold after the first push.”
The door slammed open.
Elwen stood in the doorway, her expression thunderous. “Uther. Step away from her.”
Uther didn’t move, his gaze locked on mine. “We’re talking.”
“You’re interrogating her without my permission.” Elwen stormed in. “That’s overstepping.”
“The clans have questions.”
“The clans can wait.” She marched straight to my side, her topknot bouncing and a thick gold necklace glinting at her throat. “Or better yet, they can bring their questions to me. Like they’re supposed to.”
Uther folded his arms. “You’ve been dodging us for days.”
“I’ve been managing the shift in power while you lot sharpen your swords and bellow about honor.” Her eyes flashed. “So forgive me if I didn’t make time for every single warrior.”
“This isn’t just about me being nosy, Elle.”
“Then maybe start by not terrorizing the one person he gives a damn about.” Elwen turned to me, her brows knitted. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
“Did you use compulsion on her?” Elwen snarled.
Uther shrugged. “Barely. She broke through it fast.”
Elwen fumed. “Do not do that again.”
“I need answers. Kairos brought a human from Skaldir. Carried her in his arms, from what I’ve heard. Sat vigil at her bedside.”
The image of Kairos beside my bed churned in my gut. I didn’t want to be someone he watched while I was too weak to stop him.
Elwen’s jaw tightened. “Keep that to yourself. The last thing we need is the entire camp speculating.”
“Too late.” Uther’s gaze cut to me. “Half think she’s a spy. The others believe his mind is broken.”
“He’s my kidnapper,” I snapped. “In case that got lost in your gossip.”
Uther studied me for a long moment.
“Kairos has his reasons for taking her,” Elwen said carefully. “Even if I don’t agree with all of them.”
“Then we need to get those reasons. Now.” Uther’s tone left no room for argument. “Before the clans decide Kairos isn’t a king they’ll follow.”
Elwen sighed. “Fine. But don’t push him too hard.”
“He can try to kill me. Won’t be the first time.” Uther headed for the door, then glanced back at me. “You’re coming too, love. Since apparently you’re what this is all about.”