Copyright © 2007 Kelly Madden
All rights reserved, Freya's Bower.
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Soonsee swallowed hard and quickly shut her eyes. There were stories concerning relationships with the Fey; men and women were enticed and never seen again, gone to the enchanted bowers of the inhuman creatures. She squeezed the necklace harder.
"Why are you here?" an oddly accented voice asked.
Soonsee cautiously opened her eyes, careful not to look directly at his face.
"I came for our Yule tree."
"You would take this tree we have made?"
Gulping, she realized her mistake. "No...not this tree. I was admiring it." She looked up slightly. "It's the nicest Yule tree I've ever seen," she said, remembering her mother's words about the great pride of the Fey.
He laughed, the sound of bells on the wind. "Your words are unneeded adornment."
Soonsee took a deep breath. "I'm not here to take your tree. I came to find a tree for our village and was drawn to this one. I only admire it."
"Better. Although, all the trees belong to us."
She nodded. "And I have brought a gift in exchange."
"Give it to me," he said, extending his hand.
Soonsee hesitated then reached in her pocket for the small stone...and remembered she'd placed it at the bottom of another tree. Her mind raced. She had the mistletoe, but that would be very dangerous, especially at this time of year.
He tilted his head slightly and smiled. Soonsee's stomach turned over and she willed the feeling of attraction away.
"Surely you have not forgotten?"
She shook her head. "I...I don't have it anymore."
He put a hand on her shoulder, and she almost swooned. "You know the price."
Soonsee nodded miserably. Her life—or at least, captivity.