"Peace, friend. She’s just been freed. We should sort out the broken bath in her room,” I mutter. The panic taking hold of my heart is too much. “And I need to speak with her."
Vann's expression is wary, but he nods. "Very well. I’ll come with you."
We hurriedly make our way to the queen's suite. Technically, a tunnel connects the king and queen’s suites, but I will not use that until she can look at me without crying. I may force her to stay in Enduvida, but I will force nothing else.
My heart races with every step, and I can feel the butterflies in my stomach. I know she hates me, but I cannot help but hope that this time she will realize what I am to her.
When we arrive, the redhead is standing outside the door. She looks up at us with narrowed eyes while pressing into the door frame. She fears us. I can see the bruises on her arms from her former masters, yet she is prepared to defend my mate. A flicker of admiration passes through me before I push it away.
"Firelocks," Vann says.
She hisses at him. "What do you want?" Her voice is rough and filled with anger.
"I need to speak with the woman inside," I say, trying to keep my voice calm and steady.
She glares at me, an animalistic rage burning in her eyes. "No. You can't go in there. She's sleeping."
"I can sense she is not. She needs to see me," I insist, my patience wearing thin. "I can help her. Please, let me through."
Vann steps forward, and her head snaps in his direction. "The king has asked you to do something. We are patient but don't expect us to respect insolence. Let us pass."
She steps forward and holds her finger out accusatorially. The absurd bravery these human women possess is enough to bring the greatest hunter to his knees. "You said we were free—that means you can’t force her to do anything. She belongs to no one,demonio1."
Vann grins, and I realize that he has put on his teeth armor again. He's trying to frighten her. He’s always been one of the most avid human language learners, but she peppers in insults that even I do not know.
My friend steps forward again until her finger pushes into his chest. Still, she doesn't back down. Her chin lifts higher. “I do not belong to you creatures, either.”
"You belong to the court now. As we all do," he says.
The tone makes me wince. I don't think he realizes how he sounds, but I hear it. Of course, our duty has always been to our people. She has never been given such a choice.
"Vann," I start.
"Firelocks—”
"My name is Arlet."
The display between them is heated to molten levels. I don't think he recognizes that her heat is hatred, while his comes from interest. What I wouldn’t give to be so blissfully undeterred.
"Lord Vann, leave us," I say with finality.
My friend looks up, the spell broken. He swallows once, bows, and then retreats back into the castle.
The redhead, Arlet, looks back at me. Some of her fire has faded, as if it took something out of her to tell off Vann.
"Arlet," I say gently, stumbling over the words. "I feel I owe you an explanation."
She juts her chin out. "You owe me nothing. Let us go."
I nod once. "I will let you leave any time you want."
This catches her off guard, and she regards me with suspicion. Now is the time to win her confidence through honesty. "What game are you playing?"
"No game," I assure her. "The Enduares do not eat humans. We do not steal you for food—that is a lie the giants tell you. We free slaves every visit."
To say she is shocked would be an understatement. “I—I can leave?"
I nod. She is not mated to anyone. Vann would have told me if he felt something at the sight of her. "I will personally send someone to help you pack a bag. Our storehouses are open to you."