Bite Of Winter (Fae's Captive #3)(25)

“It’s a movie. And, oh my god, I really hope we get to watch it together some day.”

“One of those moving painting things? I’m all for it. Does it have sex in it? Can you touch the people while they are inside the painting or do you—”

Gareth pointedly clears his throat, his glare unmistakable. “Cenet, we appreciate your care, but we cannot take another Vundi to the winter realm.”

“I have no plans to enter the winter realm.” He glances at Para. “Only to say my goodbyes in Timeroon.”

“It’s settled then.” Taylor motions Cenet forward. “If Para vouches for you, then you’re all right with me. Para?”

She nods. “He is a true friend.”

“Then I’m cool with it.” Taylor smiles. “He can accompany us into town.”

I climb up behind her. Gareth turns his scowl on us.

“You heard your queen. She’s ‘cool’ with it.” I guide Kyrin toward the road and the stone walls of Timeroon and keep one eye firmly on our newest companion.





12





Taylor





The doors of the city are wide open, weary travelers covered in crimson dirt arriving while others venture forth into the plains. Soldiers stand on either side of the high, metal portico, but they don’t seem particularly invested in the goings on. Instead, they chat amongst themselves and talk to the pretty fae who often pass by. Even so, one of them stands at attention as we approach, his gaze fixed firmly on Leander.

“Captain Tavaran.” Leander nods in his direction.

“You’re back sooner than I expected.” He glances at me, then stares. “And with more cargo.”

Leander’s grip on the reins tightens, and I get the feeling he’s debating whether to flay the fae captain.

“Hi. I’m Taylor,” I blurt.

“Well met.” His silver eyes don’t stray from me.

Leander’s knuckles turn white.

I look to Gareth with a silent “help me.”

He takes the hint. “Tavaran, good to see you manning the gate.”

The captain finally looks away. “You’ve got a changeling, as well? Are they giving them out in Byrn Varyndr and no one told me?”

“Oh, you’re funny,” Beth says, though her tone makes clear she finds nothing about him amusing.

“And two Vundi?” He eyes Cenet and Para.

“We’re popular.” Beth shrugs.

“Mouthy for a changeling.” Tavaran’s disposition sours.

“We’re for the crossing as soon as possible.” Leander guides Kyrin forward.

“Always a pleasure.” Tavaran doesn’t stop us, but he watches us until we’re swallowed up by the bustle of Timeroon.

This city is the busiest I’ve seen, though to be fair, Byrn Varyndr may have been busier if it weren’t for a couple of dark fae warriors fighting in the streets. The red road widens and cuts through the center of the town. Stone buildings rise on either side, thatch roofs holding off the unforgiving sun.

Changelings, fae, lesser fae, and creatures I’ve never seen before travel along the roads or lounge on the narrow front stoops. Horses pull wagons and carry travelers as we make our way down the main street. Smells of food, exotic spices, and the ever-present scent of horse manure coat the air. Turbaned vendors shout their wares, and people walk by chowing down on street grub. My stomach rumbles.

Leander whistles to Gareth who guides Sabre closer. “My mate is hungry.”

“I can arrange something with a street cook.” Gareth peers at a booth set up on a small side street with some sort of roasted fowl hanging along the front. “That way we don’t have to stop and can cross as soon as possible.”

My mouth waters. The Vundi root vegetables and dried jerky sustained us in the caves, but the scent of cooked, delicious food is a lure I can’t resist.

I’m about to ask Gareth for one of the tasty-looking birds when my breath catches in my throat, and then I scream so loud that Leander has to rein in Kyrin before he bolts.

“What?” Leander already has a throwing dagger in his hand. The street pauses for only a moment, then the creatures go about their business as if nothing happened. Are they nuts? Or blind? I squeal again and throw one leg over Kyrin’s side but can’t go anywhere when Leander grabs my dress with his bear paw. “Let me down!”

“Little one.” He lifts me with one hand until we’re at eye level. “What are you doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” I turn and see it again.

“What?” Beth follows my line of sight. “What is it?”

It’s the necklace all over again. “Is it invisible to everyone but me? Don’t you see it?” I point.

Leander arches a brow. “Ah.”

“Right. Ah. Now let me down! I have to pet it!”

He pulls me to his chest and dismounts, keeping me under his arm as we walk along the dusty street.

“Leander?” Gareth calls.

He points to what looks like an inn to our left. “Set up a room with food and toiletries. We’ll be along shortly.”

I prance forward and press my hands to my cheeks. “I can’t believe it. A real. Live. Unicorn!”