I woke up in a comfortable bed in a room I didn’t recognize. My head hurt, a lot. I touched the sore spot and wasn’t surprised to feel a small lump. I remembered biting into Kennet, then flying through the air toward a tree. I guess the tree won, because I didn’t remember anything else until just now. I had no idea where I was but I wasn’t worried. If Kennet had won, I wouldn’t be sleeping in a comfy bed.
I sat up slowly and moved my legs around to stand up. I wasn’t surprised at all that I was naked. I’d been in cheetah form and must have shifted back while I slept. Nudity never bothered me anyway. Growing up around werewolves cured me of any sense of false modesty I might have possessed. They were so nonchalant about the whole thing when they transitioned, both males and females, I could never understand the human hang-ups.
I noticed a small room to my right and happily discovered it was the bathroom. After using the facilities, I jumped in the shower. Oh man, it felt so good to get clean again. After my shower, I wrapped a towel around my body and looked around for something to wear. Nothing. My backpack wasn’t here and neither was anyone else’s gear. Apparently, I was the only occupant of this room. There was no TV, no phone and not even a book to read. I walked to the door to turn the handle and guess what? I was locked in.
Okay, so now I was pissed. I banged on the door. “Helloooooo. Is anyone there?” After a few seconds I heard footsteps and someone turned the handle. I backed up. Two fae females in green tunics came through the door, one carrying food and the other carrying clothes and my backpack. They both looked at me as if I was pond scum.
The first one put down the tray of food on a small table and turned to speak to me. “Bridgett Brownlow, while you are here in Faerie you must stay in your room. You will only be allowed to leave this room under the orders of Lady Dinestri, or if your sister, Jacqueline Cuvier requests your presence. We will bring you whatever food you desire and will furnish you with books, paper and writing implements. You may not use your cell phone in Faerie. You may listen to your music.”
“Could you tell me what happened? Is Kennet captured or dead? Are Jackie and Garrett okay? Is Liam okay? And Aedus?
Her eyes glazed over for a second and she spoke again. “Lady Dinestri will be here after you eat, to speak to you about all that has happened.” She turned to leave.
I grabbed her arm. “Please just tell me that Jackie is okay.”
The look she gave me was brutal. “Please remove your hand from my arm.” I did and backed away, stunned by her obvious contempt. “Your sister is fine and is doing all she can to heal Lord Aedus, who may not survive.” They turned and left the room, closing and locking the door behind them.
This was not good. I was a prisoner in Faerie. I dressed in the breeches and shirt they’d provided, then looked at the food laid out on the table. Any appetite I’d had before had gone the way of my good mood. I picked up my bag, fished out my iPod and crawled back onto the bed, scanning through to one of my favorite songs. When it came on I closed my eyes and imagined William in the bed with his arms around me.
I must have dozed off because I felt someone shaking me gently. “Bridgett, wake up.” I pulled the earplugs out of my ears and sat up, rubbing my eyes. A very lovely Fae woman stood beside my bed and smiled at me, so I hesitantly smiled back at her. “I’m Lady Dinestri, one of the Fae Council of Elders. Will you please try to eat something? I know you’ve been through much over the past week, but you need to be strong for Jackie and Garrett.”
I did what she said, although I still didn’t have much of an appetite. As I picked at the fresh bread, cheese and fruit, I asked her, “Would you tell me what happened, Lady Dinestri?”
She told me everything she could about what had occurred during the battle in the woods. I was so relieved to know that Jackie and Garrett hadn’t been injured, but concerned for Aedus and Liam. When she told me about the Wild Hunt I was shocked, but thrilled that Kennet was going to get what was coming to him. It would’ve been way cool to see them ride off after him. Will would have liked to have seen it too.
I thought about the attitude of the other two fae and decided to ask Lady Dinestri about what I’d discussed with Liam. “Liam mentioned to me that there’s a ritual or a ceremony for a formal apology. I’d like to personally apologize to the fae that my father imprisoned, if they’ll agree to it.”
This time she looked shocked. “Do you know what the ritual entails?” I shook my head. “You apologize to the group in your own words. They have the right to respond individually. Some may accept your apology but others may not. They are able to take out some of their aggression on you. Although they may not use magic, they may curse at you, hit you, or spit on you. They may not touch your face or cause you any serious or permanent injury. You may not retaliate in any way. The ritual would be held in front of everyone who wishes to watch and I am certain you would have quite a large audience. Do you still want this?”
“I was told by Liam, that afterward I would be more accepted by the fae community. You’ll be calling on me for my two years of service very soon. I thought we might be able to work together better if people saw I was sincerely sorry.”
“What he says is true. Even the fae who don’t accept your apology will treat you with respect, because it takes a great deal of courage to do what you suggest, particularly for a non-fae. I will make the arrangements.” She watched me carefully, then smiled. “You have much in common with your sister.”
“I wish.” She looked at me curiously. “Sorry, I mean thank you. Do you think I could see Jackie? I know she’s okay, but I haven’t really spoken to her since before she was kidnapped.”
“Come with me, Bridgett. She’s working, so you must be very quiet and not speak to her. I’ll allow you to sit with her for an hour.” I stood up right away, anxious to see Jackie again.