I didn’t have time to ask questions. Adeline was gone, leaving a stack of clothes on the counter.
After getting dressed, I had to admit I was impressed. Adeline hadn’t picked out a ridiculous, revealing fae outfit. Instead, she brought me simple slacks and a basic tunic.
I could actually move freely. And I wasn’t covered in blood or wearing Malachi’s clothes.
Consider me grateful.
After a few minutes of walking, Adeline and I found ourselves leaving the castle and heading into the jungle-like woods that encapsulated the entire back half of the estate.
“Does Malachi know we’re heading into the woods?” I asked Adeline.
She rolled her eyes and groaned. “What Mal doesn’t know won’t kill him. Besides, it can be really beautiful out here. He would just ruin it.”
I followed her down a narrow stone path, the light around us slowly diminishing even though the sun had just fully risen.
She wasn’t lying. The beauty of the castle should have been a huge indication as to how beautiful the jungle was going to be. Even so, the castle hardly compared. Thick vines weaved through massive trees, filling the space with a variety of greenery. Thick moss covered the stones we walked on, silencing every step we took further into the jungle. The sound of water pouring in the distance grew stronger and stronger as we continued.
I was about to tell Adeline to stop when we entered a clearing, revealing a small waterfall that was almost hidden in the vast stone structure behind it.
Hidden. Like it was here just for Adeline. Just for us.
“Saints,” I mumbled. “This is what you dragged me out here for? It’s gorgeous, Adeline.”
She gave me a knowing smile and trotted forward, perching herself onto a bench-like structure I assumed she was responsible for.
“See!” She said. “It’s not so terrible here, is it? You’re a fighter, Jade. I knew that as soon as I met you. You’re going to stick around, I just know it. So, you might as well not absolutely hate this place while you’re here!”
I couldn’t help but smile. This was undoubtedly the nicest thing anyone had done for me. Granted nobody ever did nice things for me at home, and all Adeline did was drag me into the jungle, but it was still true.
I couldn’t believe it.
“I’m assuming this is where you hide while your brothers continue whatever feud they have going on.”
“You have no idea, honey. I feel like I’ve spent years out here with all the fighting they do. But family is complicated. Mal knows that. I’m sure you’ll learn about all of their silly politics soon enough.”
Now it was my turn to groan. “I feel like I’ve learned enough already.”
Adeline’s eyes were full of pity when she looked at me. “I know this must be hard for you, Jade. You don’t know who to trust and you don’t know what to believe about us. After what happened…”
“It’s really okay—“
“Mal can be terrifying. I could smell the blood the second I walked into that room, Jade, and that was after they had cleaned it all up. I’ve seen him kill. I’ve seen him slaughter people dozens of times. Just because I’m fae doesn’t mean I’m heartless, despite what you humans may think.”
I shoved her shoulder playfully, then she continued.
“This world can be daunting, and Malachi has been through a lot. He’s had to turn into someone he doesn’t want to be.”
“He seemed pretty proud of himself after ripping that man’s head off.”
“For nearly killing you!” She said. “I would have done the same thing!”
I took a deep breath. This was all too much to process. I was starting to believe everything I had been told about Malachi, despite Adeline’s confusing claims.
“How am I supposed to believe he’ll protect me when he has the reputation that he has? I’m just a human. I’m nothing here.”
“You’re not nothing, Jade. You’re Malachi’s wife. That makes you untouchable.”
“Well, his last wives were pretty touchable.”
She gave me a look of pity. “This is going to be a never-ending cycle, Jade. The facts are that you’re Mal’s wife now, and you’re also a Rewyth Princess.”
“I’m not a princess,” I mumbled.
“But you are. And you can either live here in fear every day, or you can do something about it. I know you’re trying to help Mal find out who’s been doing this. I don’t have to tell you to be careful. You already know that.”