Read Prince by Blood and Bone: A Fantasy Romance of the Black Court (Tales of the Black Court) for Free Online Page B

nothing you eat, or don’t eat, will change that. Be assured, your eating has nothing to do with my ability to keep you here.”
    Even though she believed him, she felt less reassured than before. But the food smelled delicious, and she didn’t know when she might see it again. A lifetime of having to pick up and run had taught her to be practical. Escape on an empty stomach would be difficult. Escape while starving, impossible.
    “At least come sit with me. It seems odd to be eating here, with you over there.” And maybe she’d learn more about him so she could get out of here.
    “As you wish.”
    She approached the near end of the table where her place had been set, but he stayed far away, seating himself at the opposite end where the light from the parade of silver candlesticks didn’t quite reach. She pulled out a chair and sat. The blue froth of her dress poofed out around her as she took her place at the gleaming table. The oddly-shaped forks and spoons were heavy, ornate silver, and she had no idea of which ones to use. There was more money laid out for her to eat off of than she had ever had access to in her entire life. She ran a finger along the fat line of gold that edged the goblets and examined the strange blue and gold picture of a stag in the center of her plate.
    “I’m afraid you’ll have to serve yourself. I’ve sent Beezel away. I wanted to be alone with you.”
    She pulled her starry wrap closer. She wasn’t sure if her shiver was from the icy cold that crept into the thin soles of her slippers, or the fact that she was alone with this strange man in a locked room where no one would come to her rescue.
    She lifted the heavy silver lid off of the first dish, releasing a waft of savory herbs and meat. Colorful vegetables she couldn’t identify and warm bread and butter soon filled her plate, but she hesitated and glanced at her captor, a wash of hunger nearly making her faint.
    “It’s all right, you may eat.”
    “It feels weird, eating alone. Are you sure you won’t join me?”
    A hollow laugh escaped from under his hood. “Thank you, no. But you should. Be welcome at my table, Bryanna.”
    “Thank you.”
    She dove in, devouring meat that was possibly deer or elk with a flavorful, unique sauce that tingled on her tongue and, just before she swallowed, burst into an unfamiliar citrus. She ate until she wished she could loosen her corset strings, washing it down with cool, clear water, and avoiding the large goblet of ruby red wine. Finally, she wiped her lips with the white linen napkin and laid it down next to her plate.
    “It was delicious, thank you.”
    “I’ll tell Beezel you said so.”
    “Is he the cook?”
    He snorted. “Of a sort. Kitchen magic is one thing Beezel has been granted use of. And the goblins sometimes help.”
    She frowned. “Those white things?” Her food roiled in her stomach at the thought of the rubbery ghouls creating her food, and suddenly she wished she hadn’t eaten so much.
    “Oh, those are just the hobgoblins, they’re more pests than anything else. The other goblins are more help, when they show up. Enough about the kitchens. Is your room comfortable?”
    “Yes…thank you.” She laid a hand on her stomach and tried to convince it that goblin- made food was just food.
    “Good. I want you to be comfortable.”
    Bryanna played with her fork and wondered how to again broach the subject of her leaving. It seemed rude to do it now as she enjoyed his hospitality, but she needed to do it sometime. The complex was deep underground and the twisting stone hallways and corridors were confusing. She’d yet to see any sign of a door or a window that led out. If she wasn’t to be lost in the dark, she’d need a guide to find the exit.
    “You’re a gypsy witch, correct?” he asked. “Have you been Underhill before? Tell me about your experiences.”
    “I’m not sure I should. I don’t know where you stand with the Faery Queen.”
    “Once again,