Despite the late start, Cara still managed to sell almost two dozen eggs in town. A few people even asked where she had been yesterday, commenting on how much better her eggs were than who they bought from in her absence. She thanked them and lied, saying she had slept too late. If anyone in town knew of the Fair Folk, she doubted they would buy from her again, insisting she had lost her mind.

She was beginning to feel like maybe she had lost her mind. Making a deal with a Fae, giving up her firstborn for her mother. An innocent, unsuspecting child for a woman who has lived her life and didn't seem grateful for the second chance she was offered. What had she done?

And then she had suggested to bear his children. What had possessed her to say that? He was an attractive man, true, but implying she wanted his child meant spending more time with him, growing attached to him, before he ripped her child from her arms.

Cara chewed on her bottom lip the whole day, until everyone began returning to their homes. She gathered what little supplies remained, weighing the coin purse and feeling satisfied with the day. She took her time going home, enjoying the warm sun and gentle breeze. She had wanted nothing more than to be able to come home to her mother but now she was terrified of her reactions. Was that worth giving up her child?

Footsteps sounded behind her, the gravel crunching beneath new feet. "You seem deep in thought. Is everything all right?"

"Is this going to be a daily occurrence now?" Cara demanded, irritation spiking. After a day of berating herself, dealing with Kiran had been taken off her To Do list. She had only wanted a quiet, peaceful walk home.

"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 her shoulder at him, she noted his eyes were silver again. "I didn't convince you."

"I am a Fae. My mind isn't as simple as a man's."

"Right. Because humans go around trading babies for nuances too." Her tone was venomous, mostly because she was angry with herself.

"You seemed to think it was a fair trade. Barely a hesitation when presented with the idea."

"How was your tithe?" she asked to change the subject. "Did your sister enjoy her sport?"

His footsteps skidded to a stop, kicking up tiny rocks, hitting the backs of her ankles. She turned to see him looking into the forest, his eyes sharp. When he spoke, it was no louder than a whisper. "That is not a matter I can speak of freely. There are ears everywhere."

"Right." She kept walking, knowing once she got home, he wouldn't follow her anymore. Not with her mother there. And she didn't believe he was allowed inside unless she invited him. He had said not to let anyone inside in the future. That should mean he wasn't allowed to come in either.

His footsteps trailed behind her but he said nothing more. Finally, the farm came into view and Cara quickened her pace the slightest bit. His hand grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. Slowly, she pivoted, staring at his handsome face. A face that appeared 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?"

Cara knitted her brows. "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 the baby. Probably best if he doesn't know my name as well." She studied Kiran's face, looking for some type of emotion. "Am I supposed to have a certain type of man involved?"

He released her. "No. It may be any man of your choosing. Still, you should choose quickly to give yourself enough time."

Her heart twisted in her chest the longer she gazed at him. His chiseled jaw and sharp nose aligned perfectly with his thin yet plump lips. His dark brows shadowed his light eyes, though Cara wasn't sure if she preferred seeing them scarlet. His entire face was perfection. Her eyes lingered on his lips before she shifted them up to meet his warm gaze.

Without giving herself the chance to decide if it was the right choice, she licked her lips, said, "Actually, there is one man I had in mind," and pulled his face toward hers as he opened his mouth to say something.

***Cara's taking control! But how will it be received?***