Despite the late start, I still manage to sell almost two dozen eggs in town. A few people even ask where I was yesterday, saying how much better my eggs are than who they bought from. I thank them and lie, saying I slept too late. If anyone else knows of the Fair Folk, I doubt they'd buy from me again, insisting I've lost my mind.
I'm beginning to feel like maybe I have lost my mind. Making a deal with a Fae, giving up my firstborn for my mother. An innocent, unsuspecting child for a woman who's lived her life and doesn't even seem grateful to have a second chance. What have I done?
And then suggesting to bear his children? What possessed me to say that? He's an attractive man, true, but implying I want his child means spending more time with him, growing attached to him, before he rips my child from my arms.
I chew on my bottom lip the whole day, until the people return to their homes and I gather what remains. I take my time going home, enjoying the warm sun and gentle breeze. I had wanted nothing more than to be able to come home to my mother but now I'm terrified of her reactions. Was this worth giving up my child?
Footsteps trail behind me, the gravel crunching beneath new feet. "You seem deep in thought. Is everything all right?"
"Is this going to be a daily occurrence now?" I demand, irritation spiking. After the day of berating myself, dealing with Kailan was taken off my To Do list.
"I was told to check on you, get updates. Have you talked to any men?"
"It's not that simple."
"Is it that hard to convince a man to share your bed?"
Glancing over my shoulder at him, I note his eyes are silver again. "I didn't convince you."
"I am a Fae. My mind is not as simple as yours."
"Right. Because humans go around trading babies for nuances too." My tone is venomous, mostly because I'm angry with myself.
"You seemed to think it was a fair trade."
"How was your tithe?" I ask, to change the subject. "Did your sister enjoy her sport?"
His footsteps skid to a stop, kicking up tiny rocks. I turn to see him looking into the forest, his eyes sharp. When he speaks, it is no louder than a whisper. "That is not a matter I can speak of freely. There are ears everywhere."
"Right." I keep walking, knowing once I get home, he won't follow me anymore. Not with Mother there. And I don't believe he's allowed in unless I invite him. He told me not to let anyone inside from now on. That should mean even he can't come in.
His footsteps trail behind me but he says nothing more. Finally, the farm comes into view and I quicken my pace the slightest bit. His hand grabbing my arm stops me in my tracks. Slowly, I pivot, staring at his handsome face. A face that now appears conflicted. What would a Fae have to be unsure about?
"Do you have an idea for the man you want to share your bed with?"
My brows knit. "I just need any man to bed me, so long as it results in a child. He wouldn't even have to know of my pregnancy, nor of the baby." I study Kailan's face, looking for some type of emotion. "Am I supposed to have a certain type of man involved?"
He releases me. "No. It may be any man of your choosing. Still, you should choose quickly to give yourself enough time."
My heart twists in my chest the longer I gaze at him. His chiseled jaw and sharp nose align perfectly with his thin yet plump lips. His dark brows shadow his light eyes. His entire face is perfection. My eyes linger on his lips before I shift them up to his warm gaze.
Without giving myself a chance to decide if this is the right choice, I lick my lips, say, "Actually, there is one man I had in mind," and pull his face toward mine as he opens his mouth to say something.