Chapter 1
In a lot of ways, Ashling hated it when her family visited the city and brought her along. Their city house, while grand, was still much smaller than their country estate. There were fewer places to hide from her half-siblings and even occasionally her father. Usually, when they left for the autumn festivities in the great city, Ashling was left behind, which suited her just fine. Left to her own devices, she finally had moments of peace. She could sit in whatever room she liked, roam around the surrounding forest, and village. Sneak away for a bit of fun.
Yes, her family in the city for a full three moon cycles was more than just suitable; it was ideal. This time, she had been brought along, and it didn’t seem she would ever get to return to her childhood home again. She had come to the city to be sold. Sold to a human prince in exchange for trade with a human kingdom. It didn’t surprise her. Her father craved wealth and influence above all, and she was a half-human. A child born out of a short-term affair her father had with a human lady.
Ashling supposed her father had planned to leave her in the human realm with her mother, but when her mother did not survive the birth, the only honorable thing he could find to do was take the babe himself. Her father wasn’t cruel to her, not really. He even seemed to enjoy tutoring her and training her more than he did his own children. Late one night as she read in his study and her father had many glasses of wine, he even said she was the only child he had born with his quick mind.
Her siblings never forgave her for the sin of being born half-human. She was the youngest. The one who wasn’t born out of a proper Fae wife. She wasn’t supposed to exist, but she did. She had no say in the matter, so she wasn’t sure why they blamed her. It seemed to her that they should have blamed their father for his fascination with a human lord’s daughter.
Though her siblings made their disgust known and their father turned a blind eye to their cruelty, Ashling couldn’t say she didn’t have it better than most. She lived in a great estate in the Western Fae lands. Her father ruled over it for their king, and Ashling was called a lady. For some reason, her father insisted on it. She had those she called friends that most of her siblings mocked her for, as they were lower born, but unlike her siblings, she didn’t pick those she associated with by rank. She usually chose her campions based on wit, amusement, and loyalty. Of course, there were those she chose to spend a night or two with due to attraction, but who could blame her? She was half Fae, and her blood ran as wild and hot as any creature from their realm.
It was harder to sneak out of their manor in the city, but not impossible. Her siblings had gone to the party thrown by one of their snooty, boorish friends, and her father had been called away to a royal council meeting, which left her alone. She took advantage of the situation, dressing in a dark shirt and pants, throwing on a simple black cloak. She told her maid not to wait up and disappeared from the house in a glowing mist. She appeared on the side of the city her family would never dare to go, which meant it was exactly where Ashling wanted to be.
“A mark for your thoughts, beautiful?” said a voice behind her, taking Ashling out of her musings.
She turned with her cup to find a tall, broad man standing behind her. He wasn’t altogether unpleasant, but not enough to tempt her so early in the evening. Ashling took a long drink and smiled, tossing one side of her long, golden hair over her shoulder.
“I was wondering if there’s any amusement to be found here tonight? Perhaps a game or two of chance?”
He moved closer to her and leaned in to order a drink. His chest brushed hers as his head dipped down to whisper close to her ear. “Oh, I think I could amuse you more than any game of chance.”
Ashling smiled and pulled a coin out of her pocket. She turned and paid the barkeep, taking the man’s mug of mead. Turning, she kept the smile on her face and pressed it into his chest. “Here, my treat with wishes you find someone to take you up on your offer.”
He sputtered a bit as he caught his drink as she let go of it, a bit sloshing on his hand. Ashling started to walk past him, but he caught her arm, gripping hard. “It wasn’t really an invitation. Come with me, and you’ll see just how amused you can be.”
Ashling sighed. She really didn’t want to break a man’s arm tonight. Sure, she didn’t mind violence when it was needed, but she didn’t need to cause a scene in the city in case it attracted notice. His grip tightened, and Ashling rolled her eyes, preparing to twist his arm until he let her go, when the man suddenly went still.
“Let the lady go, or I’ll take you somewhere for some amusement,” said a deep voice from behind the man.
Ashling peered over the man’s shoulder to see another man behind him. One wearing a dark hood, covering most of his face, though she could see some of his dark hair poking out of the sides. He had a small dagger in his hand, the tip just grazing the back of the man’s neck.
The man in front of her eye’s cut to the figure behind him, and he sneered before throwing Ashling’s hand down. She stumbled back as the man said, “I doubt she’s worth it anyway. Probably as dead as a fish in bed.”
“If a lady has ever lain still in your bed, that’s your fault. Now go on and find your amusement elsewhere,” said the man in the hood as he pushed the man forward and put his dagger away.
The man dusted his shirt and sneered at Ashling before heading to the door. Ashling crossed her arms and looked at the man who was still wearing his hood. “I suppose you expect me to say thank you.”
The man tilted his head back, the hood slipping as he laughed slightly. He half-grinned at Ashling as she took in his face. She couldn’t help but smile. He was more than handsome.He was absolutely beautiful, especially for one from the city. Many of the men there were a bit dainty for her. She preferred men who worked out in the fields or trained in lords’ forces. Fit, muscular, and sturdy were words she usually used to describe men she chose to spend her time with. This man, while lean, was still not insubstantial. He was tall, over a shoulder and head taller than her. She was rather short compared to full Fae females, but this man would even tower over her older sister. His hair was dark, his eyes a bright brown. His skin was not like that those who usually stayed in the city. Instead of pale, his skin was golden brown. She took a deep breath, his scent washing over her, the smell of sandalwood and a hint of vanilla. It was somehow familiar and comfortable.
“Your thanks aren’t needed, miss, though I hope you take more care in the future.”
Ashling rolled her eyes. “I can handle myself just fine, though you saved me the trouble of making a bit of a scene and breaking a man’s arm.”
The man cocked his head, and Ashling had to take a step back, feeling magic seep off him. She slowly raised a hand, seeing if she could recognize whatever spell he was casting. All she could sense was some simple magic. She lowered her hand and shrugged to herself. If he was hiding something, it wasn’t her business, and his face and body made a conversation pleasant. “You’re so sure you could break his arm?”
“Very sure,” said Ashling as she looked at her nails noticing a small hangnail. She fiddled with it. “Wouldn’t be my first time.”
He smirked, and though she didn’t show it outwardly, her stomach flopped over at the sight. “I heard you were looking for a game, perhaps?”
“Only if there’s a way to increase my fortune with it.”
He rubbed his chin. “I’m not sure this is the best place for you to find any winnings, especially as it’s growing late. Perhaps something closer to the center of the city might suit you.”
“Is this your way to get me to leave with you? Will you offer to show me a better place?” asked Ashling boldly.
“If I wanted you to leave with me, I wouldn’t need any tricks.”
“Now who’s sure of themselves?”
“Do you have a name, miss?”
“Don’t most creatures?” asked Ashling. “Of course, I have a name. Whether I give it to you is another matter.”
“Fair. How about I offer mine first, and then, as a courtesy, you might give me yours?”
“I’d rather you just show me what I’m looking for, but if it will speed up the process, then you may proceed.”
“Well, aren’t you agreeable?” said the man.
“Only when I’m pleased. I’ve been known to be rather cross and not very good company when my mood turns.”
“Then I’ll endeavor to stay on your good side. I’d rather not see if you are as sure as you say about breaking a man’s arm.” He shifted on his feet, taking his hood all the way down. “Trev.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m Trev. My name. That’s it,” said the man.
“Oh. I thought perhaps you were clearing your throat.”
“I see flattery isn’t one of your talents,” said Trev.
“I can be quite charming when I wish.”
“Then give me your name and some charm me while I find you a decent game of chance,” said Trev.
“Ash,” said Ashling as she crossed her arms. “I’m Ash.”
“Is that short for something, lovely?”
“Is Trev short for something, sir?”
Trev laughed. “Fair enough.” He leaned against a nearby chair and surveyed the room. “Now, let’s see if….” He smiled wildly. “All, yes, perfect. Right this way.” He held out his hand to Ashling, who half rolled her eyes and walked in the direction he indicated.
They came to a round table in the corner. A thin, wiry, older creature sat in the seat closest to the wall. His face was ruddy and slightly lined, his hair a whisp of light gray over his round head. His ears were pointed and arched like most Fae, but his eyes were large, his nose round, and his forehead slumped. Ashling thought he must be at least half ogre or goblin, but she wasn’t stupid enough to ask. Instead, she slid into the chair Trev held out for her, and he took the one next to her.
The strange creature looked at Ashling and then turned to Trev. “And who is this lovely blue-eyed creature you‘ve brought before me?”
“This is Ash. She’s looking for a game of chance. Thought I’d bring her to the best.”
The man turned again to Ashling and leaned in, his large, round nose moving as he sniffed. “Well, well, how interesting. What does such a lovely being as yourself have to do with this place? Especially a half-human.”
One eyebrow cocked up slightly on Trev’s face, but otherwise he showed no surprise. Perhaps he had already figured out what Ashling was. She could fool many with her lineage. She didn’t want to be vain, but she knew she was lovely, as lovely as any other full Fae woman. Her ears were as arched as her siblings, and her skin, sun-kissed and nearly flawless. Perhaps her eyes were slightly different than a normal Fae, but only a few ever guessed on their own without prior knowledge.
“I’d rather know whom I’m speaking to before I answer any questions,” said Ashling.
“I’m Flint, beautiful, and I have no want to harm you. I just wish to converse with a lovely creature.”
Ash half-grinned as she reached into her pocket for her coin pouch. “Too much flattery and I’ll know you’re up to something, Flint.” She placed a few coins on the table. “Now to answer your question, I imagine I have the same motives as everyone else in this place-to find a bit of amusement and escape my reality for a while.”
“Oh, is your current reality so bad?” asked Trev.
“I’m better off than most, but my life, like any other, has its irritations. Now, what game are we playing?”
The game turned out to be a card game Ashling was familiar with. Her knowledge, practice, and a secret power she kept hidden helped her to win multiple rounds, just stumbling on purpose enough to keep Flint from being suspicious. She had always been able to read moods, even as a young child, but as she grew, so did her power. It wasn’t long before she had some mind-reading power. She didn’t like to use it often, and usually only for amusements such as this. Winning was satisfying, and it provided her with a bit of coin. She couldn’t always depend on her father remembering to give her some, and her brother, who had been put in charge of much of their family coffers, was sure to snub her time and time again.
After many rounds with Ashling’s power and her pouring much mead around the table, she had managed to pile up quite a bit of winnings. Flint didn’t seem to mind, chuckling as he poured her another mug as she stood up slightly to pull in more coins. Trev suddenly pulled her into his lap, his arm wrapping around her waist. She was too happy and full of mead to care, deciding a night with a handsome man might be the perfect way to wrap up the evening.
“Seems like I should be given a bit more attention after all the money you’ve won off me,” said Flint as he leaned back in his chair and rubbed his forehead.
“You’ve won four times this amount off me in the past, Flint. Now go find some others for your game. Perhaps you can still salvage the night,” said Trev before he tilted Ashling’s chin up with his nose and placed a soft kiss on her throat.
Flint stood up and drained his cup. Ashling leaned forward and pushed half of the pile she had just raked in back to Flint. “Here, you’ve given more than my share of amusement for the night. Take this as a small reward.”
Flint laughed and pushed it back towards her. “I’d rather you keep it. I’m not sure how you beat me so soundly, but I’m an honorable creature. It’s yours fairly. Perhaps you’ll visit again and give me a chance to win it back.”
“Perhaps I will,” said Ashling. She picked up her mug and toasted Flint before taking a long drink.
Trev went back to kissing her neck as Flint walked off, still laughing. She wrapped her arms around Trev’s shoulders and tipped her head back to give him better access.
“Fuck, you’re so lovely and warm,” he said as she slightly moved in his lap.
She hummed and dipped her head down to look into his deep brown eyes. “Perhaps there’s somewhere we can go?”
“Oh I think I could arrange something,” said Trev as he leaned in and brushed her lips with his.
She went to deepen the kiss when she noticed a small commotion just to the right of them. She turned to see a man burst through a gathering of four people and move straight towards Trev. Trev kept his arm firmly around Ashling’s waist as he leaned away. The man bent down and whispered something in Trev’s ear. He sighed and shook his head, answering back in a low voice. “Give me a moment.”The man nodded and moved back.
“It seems I’m being called away,” said Trev as his hand moved against Ashling’s side.
“You have a better opportunity come up?” she asked, looping her arms around his neck.
“Not in the slightest. There is not much I’d rather do than take you somewhere a little more private, but I seem to have a commitment I must keep.”
“I suppose it would be wise for me to return home as well,” said Ashling. “I might be missed at some point.” She started to push off Trev’s shoulders and rise, but he held firm.
“Perhaps you might find your way here again one evening soon?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t think my time in the city will be long,” said Ashling.
A slow, indulging brush of lips caught her off guard. Trev’s mouth on hers, warm and insistent. He tasted of mead and honey, his tongue a gentle promise along her bottom lip. She let him in, a dark thrill shivering through her as the kiss deepened—thorough, hungry, and in a strange way, claiming. The inside of her skull buzzed, heat pooling in her core and thrumming out to the tips of her fingers.
He drew back, just enough so she could see the mischief in his eyes. “Try,” he whispered. “Try to come again, soon.”
She nodded, knowing it would probably be impossible.
He stood, pulling her with him, and for a moment she thought he’d drag her through the city’s winding backstreets to some quiet corner. Perhaps he would ignore whatever pressing business had come his way. Instead, Trev lifted her, careful, like she weighed nothing, then set her on the ground beside his chair. His hands lingered at her waist, fingertips slipping beneath the hem of her shirt, brushing the bare skin of her hipbone. He straightened, caught her eyes with his, and bowed a little.
“Ash,” he said, voice low. “I do hope you’ll come back.” He looked at her for one more moment before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
She sat back down and drank the rest of her mead, letting her head fall forward, caught between laughter and bitterness. There was little chance she would see him again, though a part of her hoped she might.
