“Now I know you’re full of it.”
His lips quirked. “I’m not. When a powerful fairy’s affinity first begins to manifest, it’s quite malleable. If a fairy attempts to force it, alter it, or in any way manipulate it too early, it can shatter the potential of one’s affinity.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve never heard of that.”
“It’s because it’s not common. Most affinities manifest, and their power level is set from the moment of its first appearance. It can still take time for the fairy to learn how to wield their affinity, but their power won’t diminish. But with very powerful fae, that’s not the case. One’s affinity can only reach its true potential if it isn’t manipulated too early, too quickly.”
I scoffed. “And you think I’m one of those powerful fae.”
“I do, which is why I haven’t intervened or told you what I suspected. When we first met, I could tell that you had no idea what was happening to you, nor did anyone else. But when I saw your garden, and then I saw your black hair, I knew that it was possible you could create orem given how prolific your garden was, but I needed your magic to grow on its own without interference. That’s why I brought you here, locked you away, and didn’t tell you my plans. You needed to fully manifest independently in order to reach your full potential.” His voice gentled, and a shiver ran down my spine when it turned slightly husky. “Our land needs you, Ilara. The magnitude of that need was too important to jeopardize, but now your affinity has truly been born, and you’re past the initial stage when it could have been stilted. It will only grow from here, and with proper training, it could be immense.”
I nibbled on my lip and avoided the urge to fidget. “If I can actually create orem, and if I can somehow replenish the crops on our continent, what’s in it for me?”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Saving our race isn’t enough?”
“Not to sound cold, but no. I want something in return if I’m to devote my life to this.”
He stroked his chin. “Are you trying to bargain with me?”
“I am.”
His lips pressed together, and for a moment, I thought he was going to laugh. “What makes you think you have any authority?”
I crossed my arms and scowled. “I don’t, but I also know that you’re quite desperate to have me help you, and I think getting something in return for saving the continent isn’t asking too much.”
He crossed his arms too. “Very well. What is it that you want?”
“To return home. To be allowed to live in peace.”
His expression flattened. “You wish to be free of me and the court.”
“Yes.”
“Would you be more willing to cooperate if I agreed to this?”
“I would.”
“In that case—” He started to hold out his arm, but I held up a hand.
“Wait. I’d also like to be allowed to come and go from my room freely. I don’t want to ever be locked in the Exorbiant Chamber or any chamber, room, cage, lodge, or confinement ever again. And I want to see my sister.”
His lips twitched. “Have you bargained before?”
“No.”
“You should consider joining the courts as a magistrate.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop my reluctant smile. “You’re very funny.”
“Am I?” The corner of his mouth kicked up. “I don’t often get told that.”
“And sarcastic.”
“Now, that, I’ve been told a time or two.”
“You’re stalling.”
“I’m not. I’m merely considering what you’re requesting.”
“They’re not requests. They’re demands.”
“Everything with me is a request. You cannot make demands of your crown prince.”
“Really? Because I think I just did.”
He sighed. “I’ve killed fae for such insolence before.”
Since his tone was teasing, I didn’t know if he was serious or not, but I still replied, “I’m sure you have.”
“Yet you don’t even flinch when you make such remarks.”
“Maybe I’m not as weak as everyone thinks I am.”
He studied me quietly. “I think you’re right. In fact, I don’t think you’re weak at all.” Before I could really contemplate that response, he added, “But I can’t agree to you leaving your chambers freely. It would be too dangerous considering the unrest that’s currently taking place within the court.”
I shivered. Given the rumblings I’d heard, he wasn’t wrong. “Then assign me a guard.”
He grunted. “I don’t trust any of the guards enough to entrust them with your life.”
“Then assign me one of your personal guards. You seem to trust them.”
“True.” He tilted his head. “All right, fine. I’ll assign Nish to you.”
I scoffed. “You must hate me if you’re going to force Nish on me. How about Haxil?”
His eyes shuttered. “No.”
“Why not? I like Haxil.”
The muscle in his jaw ticked. “As I’m aware, but my answer remains. No.”
I blew forcefully through my nose. “Then Sandus or Ryder?”
“Fine. Sandus.”
“Do we have a deal then?”
He shook his head in amusement or annoyance, I couldn’t tell. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“Is that so? Do you make bargains often?”
“No, in fact, I try to avoid them, and come to think of it, you’re the first female I’ve ever done this with.”
“Are you saying I’m deflowering you?”
His eyes twinkled. “You are.”
My cheeks reddened, and I cursed the alcohol for loosening my tongue and making me say such brazen things. Flustered, I held out my arm so we could seal our bargain, but he didn’t take it. “Why do I get the impression again that you’re stalling?”
“Because I am.”
I waved my arm at him. “Quit stalling. I won’t save the continent until you agree to this.”
His curved lips turned into a grin. “Why, Ilara Seary, you’re positively turning me on. I’ve never had a female speak so plainly with me before, and I have to say, it’s quite arousing.”
My eyes bugged out. I couldn’t tell if he was messing with me or not. My heart beat harder, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
His strong fingers finally wrapped around my forearm, his large hand completely encircling my elbow. I did the same to him, or tried to, but his forearm was so thick with muscle that I could only get my fingers around half of it.
A spark of pleasure spiraled up my arm when our contact sealed. I tried not to flinch. What in the realm was that? I knew bargains elicited our realm’s magic, but I’d never heard of them feeling palpable before any words had been uttered.
The prince’s brow furrowed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d felt it too.
Raising his eyes to mine, he said, “Ilara Seary, daughter of Mervalee Territory, I hereby agree to a bargain that ensures you’re returned to your home to live in peace after you replenish the Solis continent’s dying orem, and while you’re staying under my care at the Court of Winter, you shall be allowed to leave your chambers and all other chambers, freely as you wish under the accompaniment of one of the guards of my choosing, and your sister shall also be allowed to visit you while you’re replenishing our continent’s orem. I hereby end the terms of our agreement. Do you accept this bargain?”