Skye told me the Night Realm was an excellent place to do it—because no one would see me here since the fae had almost entirely vacated the realm.
I should get back to practicing—or go back to the mansion and get back to work.
“Why did you do it?” Indigo abruptly asked.
I scratched my side as I reviewed the last few minutes of my life. “Make the shield?”
“No.” Indigo stiffened her shoulders and her eyes were unusually wary as she adjusted her glasses. “Why did you shoot at Lady Chrysanthe?”
“Because she almost hurt you—I mean, she did succeed in hurting your pony. You’re one of my people, and I’m not going to let others harm you.”
“But you said you didn’t want our loyalty. What value was there in warning her off like that?”
I crossed the courtyard, joining her on the other side. “I said I didn’t expect your loyalty—I never said I didn’t want it.” I didn’t really know what to do with my hands, so I settled for propping them up on my hips—fae grace, hah! Why get that trait when I could have their sparkling personality?
“I don’t expect,” I continued, “because I’m half human, and the likelihood of anyone really swearing themselves to me is about nil.”
“But if you don’t expect loyalty, why did you do that? Is there something you are seeking in return?”
Aw crud, I forgot about the stupid fae balance/not wanting to be in someone’s debt, thing. I pulled my elastic ponytail holder, yanking out a wad of my hair with it. “Nah. Whether or not other people are loyal has nothing to do with my own loyalty.”
“But it doesn’t benefit you.” Indigo curled her small hands into such tight fists, they trembled.
“Sure it does,” I said. “I feel better about myself, and I don’t want to turn into a slimeball like Lady Chrysanthe or Lord Myron. I win all around.”
Indigo stared at me, something big but inexpressible in her eyes.
“Look, I’m a human,” I said.
“You’re half fae.”
“Maybe by blood, but in the way I was raised, I’m fully human.” I winked and gave her a cheesy grin, but she didn’t react. “Ahem. Anyway, I’m fully convinced that humans are one of the best races because of their great capacity to love. Sure, they can be just as awful as us supernaturals, but they’re open, and the vast majority of them will respond with love if you reach out first. I want to keep that aspect, because if I become cold and hard like the rest of the fae nobles, life will become unbearable in a totally different way. I’ll protect my people. No matter what—and without expecting anything in return, or thinking that you’ll be in my debt.”
Indigo was apparently unmoved by my little speech, and kept staring at me.
Nothing like pouring your heart out and getting silence back in return. Talk about awkward! I turned back to the night mares—Nebula was investigating the pigeon-raccoon-griffin, making it squawk this awful, chittery noise.
“Guess it’s time to get back to practice,” I said.
“I’m into human pop culture,” Indigo blurted out.
I rapidly blinked. “Sorry, what?”
Indigo yanked off today’s cable knit sweater—which was a charming red—revealing the t-shirt underneath, which was emblazoned with a Lord of the Rings slogan about hobbits and second-breakfast. “I love Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Disney, Star Wars, Doctor Who, all the Godzilla movies, superheroes—all of it. I wanted the salary of a companion because I really wanted the money to buy books, movies, and memorabilia. My family disapproves because they think all of that stuff is silly, unrealistic, or makes a mockery out of our community, but I love human entertainment culture!” She’d spoken so fast she was panting by the end of her explanation.
I could only watch in surprise and think how awesome it was that she managed to smuggle her geekdom into boring socials by wearing her unassuming sweaters.
“I haven’t told anyone outside my family because the fae look down on human culture. They hate it, actually,” Indigo said.
I gurgled a little. “You don’t say? I never would have guessed.”
“But I want you to know, because I’m loyal to you, my Sovereign.”
Huh, I haven’t heard that title before.
“I know you might not believe me, but I swear to follow you for the rest of my life.” Indigo hopped off the bench and planted her hand over her heart. “Whatever I can do to help you—whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.” She paused, then added, “And I’m