Chapter Seven #2
“Close to what?” I asked, feeling uneasy as I tried to reposition myself on the saddle.
“The Nymph Lake.” He muttered, the words turned my blood to ice.
The lake was whispered about in the slave markets. I had heard so many stories about bargains made with the nymphs and bodies that had been dragged into their home and never pulled free.
Water Nymphs had claimed the lake centuries ago, and under Rhael’s rule its borders had expanded. They were not inherently cruel creatures, but they were tricksters. Unpredictable at best, it was what made them dangerous.
“You are their King, surely they would let you pass?” I questioned carefully.
“No,” was his only response. The word was calm, but I heard the faintest hitch in his breath.
Before I could respond, the trees parted and the lake stole any response from my mouth.
It stretched before us like melted silver beneath the greying sky. Pale mist curled upwards in tendrils, like ghostly fingers reaching towards the forest. It didn’t look deep, but I knew better than to trust the illusion.
“We shouldn’t linger,” Rhael said in warning. “We bargain quickly and we cross.” His arms wrapped around my waist, holding it there, as he pulled on the reins of the horse.
The lake surface broke, drawing my attention, I watched as a woman's face slowly rose from the water. She was impossibly beautiful.
Dark hair clung to pale skin, slick with droplets that glimmered like tiny crystals. More of her body emerged as we moved closer. She was graceful, but barely concealed by the fabric that seemed to be woven from the water.
“Rhael Sorenthis, what brings the Shadow King to our shore?” she crooned, her voice rippling like disturbed water.
“Soriah,” Rhael replied cooly, dismounting while leaving me on the horse. “I seek passage.”
I replaced his hands on the reins, trying to keep the horse steady. I knew that if the Nymph refused, we would have to travel around the swell of the river, and cross where it was most shallow. If they would even allow that intrusion.
“You brought a human. Is she payment?” Soriah asked, stepping closer to me. Her cold gaze sweeping across my body.
“No, she is my companion,” Rhael snapped. The answer was sharp, causing Soraiah to pause, studying him.
“Such a shame,” she mused. “Humans make lovely offerings to the water. They are so…fragile”
Soriah ran a hand over Rhael’s shoulders, slow and sensual. Leaving behind a trail of water droplets that fell down his leathers. It was intimate, a clear sign of attempted seduction to get what she wanted. Me. Drowning within the river.
“She is under my protection,” Rhael explained, his voice remaining calm, though tension coiled beneath it. I could do nothing but watch, hoping his protection meant something.
“Pity.” Soriah sighed, drifting towards the water once more. “Perhaps I must think of another bargain worthy of allowing you to cross.”
“Name your price Soraiah.” Rhael ground out, his eyes locking with the Nymph’s. He was not in the mood for making long drawn out bargains, and if I could tell, so could she.
“For you?” she smiled slowly, a devious look in her eyes. “Prove your loyalty to this human, convince me she is truly your companion.”
“How?” Rhael questioned, crossing his arms over his chest. More than once his eyes had darted to me, perhaps contemplating if drowning me was a better option. Or just making sure I had not bolted.
“You tie your life to hers. From the moment you cross until you return.” Soriah said, her smirk sharp. It was clear she enjoyed seeing Rhael squirm.
My breath caught as soon as the words left her mouth. If Rhael accepted this bargain he would feel everything I felt. One arrow through my heart and the Fae King would be dead. I expected him to refuse.
“Done,” Rhael said.
The word shattered the silence as the lake rippled. A pulse of pale light flashing beneath the surface as the bargain sealed itself. Cold crept down my spine as I watched it.
Beside me Rhael let out a slow, pained hiss. His hand lingering on his ribs as if something had struck him. I opened my mouth to question the pain, but his eyes glancing at me were a clear sign I should say nothing at all.
“You may cross,” Soriah finally announced, sweeping her hand in a grand gesture. Welcoming us through her home.
Rhael returned to the saddle behind me, his hands holding on to my waist, not out of comfort but as protection. Only when he took the reins and turned the horse did I realise that it was deliberate. All part of the act we were playing.
Before us, the lake parted, revealing a narrow path through the water. Soriah stood at the edge, watching, although I could feel others' eyes on me. She wasn’t alone.
If either of us drowned, both of us would die. So, I did the only thing that seemed convincing. I shifted backwards in the saddle and lent against Rhael’s chest. My head against his shoulder as the horse stepped carefully along the watery path.
If it bothered him, he said nothing. Then again, there were no signs he was pleased either.