“Pick out some books.” the fey man directed.

“Where are the novels?”

“That wall over there.”

I went forward, then paused, and turned, “Will I be able to read them? Or are they in Faerie?”

“There are plenty in both languages, so you should be able to find something to read.” he told me.

“Okay!” I looked through the books for a while, and finally selected four. One was an old favorite, the other three I was unfamiliar with. “Can I take these?”

“Yes.” he said, then went to the door and called in another language.

A servant girl who looked like she was only a little younger than me, although probably was a lot older, came into the room, bowing to him, and then to me.

“Oh, don’t bow to me!” I mumbled, embarrassed.

The servant looked to Fen, who waved his hand at me as if to quell my concern, then handed her the books, and she scurried off.

“Glade only speaks Faerie.”

“Oh, well, tell her not bow or anything to me, it…it’s weird for me. Tell all of the servants not to bow.”

“That won’t do. Not because I care whether or not they bow, but because often when you give people an inch, they’ll take a mile. That holds true in Faerie. Not that Glade there would try to take advantage of your kindness, it’s just in general. Word would spread, and perhaps others would cause problems or be disrespectful, or worse, because they feel they don’t have to value you as a ‘proper’ guest, though you are one.”

“Well, not really.”

“I consider you a proper guest.” he shook his head. “Despite how you feel, you’re deserving of the same amount of hospitality I’d show someone who was here for a dinner party. More, quite frankly, given this whole situation.” Fen sighed. “But it’s no matter. Come, we’ll go to the gardens.” He strode from the library.

I hurried after him. “Don’t walk so fast, I’m short!”

“I’m not much taller than you.” he rolled his eyes.

“But you can move a lot faster than me! I guess it’s because you’re fey. Are your people really strong and fast?”

“Yes.” he nodded.

“I see. You lot got all the luck. Pretty, strong, fast, can use magic.”

“We’re also brutal, cut-throat, cold, fickle, unfaithful, and notoriously war-like.” he sighed. “So maybe we lucked out in some ways, but we make up for it in others, I’m afraid.”

“Well, our initial issues aside, you’ve been relatively pleasant.” I said, surprised at his description of his people.

“Because I want you to like me so I can satisfy my curiosity.” he shrugged. “And I’m responsible for all of this.”

“I could see how you could be described as cold, but you don’t come across as the other things.”

“I meant my people as a whole. Rose doesn't fall into any of those categories.”

“No, she doesn't.” I agreed.

“She and Axl are gems.” he told me.

“I would like to know Axl better.”

“You’ll have the chance, he’s around a lot.”

“So I gather.”

“We grew up together.”

“Oh?”

“I’m a little older, but we were playmates as children. It only seemed natural to hire him as my bodyguard once we were older.”

“It must be nice to have a good friend who you can trust in that kind of job.”

“It is.” he nodded.

“What about your other bodyguard?”

“Breya has been my guard since I was born. She’s probably one of the only people in my home that’s actually older than me. She’s extremely loyal, but not overly fond of humans, which is why you’ve not met her yet.”

“Ah, I see. Well, thank you for that. I’d hate to get on her bad side.”

“No, it’s not a fun place to be.” he snorted. That was as close as he ever seemed to get to a laugh.

“You don’t laugh much, do you?”

Fen shrugged, “Not unless I’ve been drinking.”

“Pity, you seem like you’d have a nice laugh.” I smiled. Although I couldn't imagine it, to be honest.

Normally, I found it hard to talk easily with good-looking men, but somehow, Fen seemed to be an exception to that rule. Maybe because he wasn’t human, or because of the sheer amount of shocks I’d gone through that had involved him. Like a trauma bond of friendship. Oh well, whatever the reason, it really didn’t matter.

-

Watching Mercy as he showed her around his home was amusing. Fen realized he’d never brought a human from the other world to Faerie before.

In the past, humans brought from their world weren’t typically there by their own volition. Some had been tricked into making a deal with a fey person, or had walked through a mushroom-ring trap laid by one, or had simply been stolen and enchanted. That wasn’t the case anymore, Fen had outlawed it when he realized it would be necessary for them to begin interacting more frequently with the human world. Now, all humans who came from their world to Faerie were there because they wanted to be, for the most part. Some of his people still did break the law, longing for the old times, but he did his best to crack down on that and return the humans who’d been stolen to their own homes, though some did choose to stay. The only reason a fey person was really allowed to enchant a human now was in order to keep them from harming themselves or someone else. That had seemed an acceptable exception.

Fen had wanted to outlaw harems as well, but that had caused far too much of an outcry. But he tried to live by example and steadfastly refused to have one, which was a shocking thing for the High King of the Fey. So he’d once more ruled that members of harems had to be there of their own volition as well. The problem with that was that, though it wasn’t difficult to tell if someone, especially humans and very weak fey, had been enchanted, it was hard to tell who had enchanted them, and even harder to get proof of that in order to prosecute the offender in court, so the person who a harem belonged to could claim innocence, and say that someone else had enchanted the person in question, or keep anyone from talking out of fear alone, if the offender was powerful enough. So there were likely still people who were only in a harem because they’d been enchanted, though again, Fen did his best to try to keep it from happening.

But Mercy was there of her own accord. Well, he hadn’t given her much choice, but if she had refused to go to Faerie he'd have done his best to think of another option, and if at any point she asked to go home, he’d honor her wishes. Thankfully, the young woman was too smart to demand to be taken home while it wasn’t yet safe for her to be there.

“I love these enormous mushrooms!” she giggled eagerly, once more childlike in her wonder and joy at seeing such magnificent things.

“They’re fun to sit on top of.”

“I bet!” Mercy laughed. “You can probably just jump up onto them, can’t you?”

“Yes.” Although when he’d been younger, before an encounter with dragon fire had stolen his wings, he’d launch himself into the air, and wheel around for a few moments before landing on top of one.

“Can you eat them?”

“My people can, it gives us a nice high, but humans can’t. You can touch them safely enough, but don’t eat them, it’s poison to you.”

“I see."

“I should warn you, some things that grow here are what’s called faerie-fruit. It might look much like an apple, but could really be a faerie-fruit. We bred them in the bad old days back when we preyed heavily on humans.” he told her. “I don’t keep faerie-fruit on my premises, but, well, just be wary, alright? If something seems off about any of your food, please speak up immediately and have Rose or me or Axl or Breya examine it. And whatever you do, if it does seem off, don’t eat it. It could enchant you or kill you.”

Mercy blanched. “Duly noted.” she frowned, “Fey are dangerous to humans, by our own tradition, is that still true?”

“Many still are. There are laws that serve to keep us from trapping or tricking and enchanting you lot, but things still slip through the cracks, I’m afraid.”

“You’re relatively safe, though.”

Fen shrugged, “Yes. I abide by the law, for the most part.” Just because he’d made the law didn’t mean he was above the law.

“Good.” She murmured, then asked, “Will it cause problems that I’m here?”

“It could.” he admitted. “But you’re safe here, so even if someone gets upset, although they have no right to be upset, I can invite whoever I wish to stay in my home, they couldn't get at you anyways.”

“I-I don’t want to cause you any trouble.” Mercy looked worried.

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“Mercy, even if it did, it’s nothing I can’t handle. Besides, I’ve caused you plenty of trouble.”

“That doesn't mean I want to repay that trouble.” the young woman mumbled.

“It’s fine. Whatever happens, it’s fine. Nothing will probably happen, anyways.” he assured her, finding he didn’t want her to worry. He’d already caused her enough worry on top of all the trouble, so it was only natural he wouldn't want to worse either of those two things. “Besides, I still have to make it up to you for causing all the trouble that I did cause.”

“You already have. I’m getting a vacation where I’m waited on hand and foot, eating wonderful food in a fancy, beautiful magical world.” Mercy smiled as she looked around the gardens. “I might not be happy with why I have to be here, but I can see the good in things. I’ve never been able to take two weeks off from work like this before.”

“I wouldn’t have thought your manager was such a horrible boss.”

“No, no, it’s not that I couldn't have had the time off if I’d wanted it, I just couldn't afford it.” Mercy shrugged, shaking her head.

“I see.” Never had a vacation? That was horrible. Even he, who was kept very busy with the company and ruling Faerie, was still able to take vacations. “How do you keep from burning out?”

His guest sighed, looking down. “I don’t. I’m so burned out. I haven’t had an idea worth writing down in a long time, and the royalty checks from my book just get smaller and smaller as time passes, so I have to work as many hours as I can at the cafe. I should probably get a second part-time gig, but then I’ll have less time for writing, not that I have any ideas. So I’m grateful for the break, even if I hate why I’m having to take it.”

“I understand.” he paused, “Take some time and relax. Maybe you’ll have an idea.”

“I’m thinking I should write about what’s happening to me. It sounds like something straight out of a novel. An isekai, only I don’t intend to stay here forever.” Mercy mused, smiling wryly. “No one would believe it was based on a real story.”

“My people might recognize it. Let me proofread it before you send it to anyone else, and I’ll change anything that makes it seem too realistic for us. Deal?”

“Can I agree to that without being magically bound to anything?” She asked, curious.

“Oh, yeah. I just meant that as a turn of phrase. You can make magical deals with my people, but not all deals are magical.”

“Then deal.” she nodded, then hesitated and said, “I hope that wasn’t rude."

Fen blinked, then snorted. “No. Very little you could do would offend me, even if it had been. Given what humans know of my people, it’s natural you’d worry. Not that I’d try to pull something like that on you.”

“I didn’t mean to imply that you would. I didn’t think about that. Nor do I actually think you would.” Mercy’s frown deepened.

“It really is okay. And I’m glad you don't think I’d pull something like that, for what it’s worth.” Fen said quickly.

“Promise?”

“I promise. Like I said, very little you could do or say would offend me. I have thick skin.” he shrugged.

“Okay.” she murmured.

“Let me show you the stables next. Would that be alright?”

“Sure. I’m not a horse girl, but it might be interesting.”

“Our stables aren’t just for horses.” he told her, thinking of the drakes, which were like small, less-intelligent dragons. There were also a gryphon, a winged horse, a unicorn, and yes, a couple of normal horses.

“Oh?”

“I think you’ll like them.” he offered her his arm, which she stared at in surprise. “Oh, it’s…normal here, I promise.”

Mercy’s face heated, but she slipped her small hand into the crook of his arm. Somehow, her reaction pleased him. At least she found him attractive, despite everything he’d done wrong in regards to her.

As he’d expected, she ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the animals, most of which didn’t exist in her world, unless someone from Faerie had brought them there, which they weren’t really supposed to do without very specific permission and permits.

“They’re dragons, right?”

“These are actually drakes.” Fen told her, reaching out and patting the blue one on its shoulder. “They’re smaller than dragons, and don't breathe fire. They can spit acid, but they’re trained not to unless we give the signal to.”

“Oh wow! They're really cool!"

“Yes, they are. You’ll like the rest of the magical beasts here too. We do have normal horses too, though."

“I imagine no stable would be complete without actual horses.”

“Probably not.” he agreed mildly.

Next was the gryphon, then the winged horse, and finally, the unicorn.

Mercy’s dark eyes sparkled as she stared at the magnificent creature. “Oh my goodness!”

“Her name is Mina.”

“That’s a pretty name!”

“They prefer women, so you’ll probably be able to pet her.” he told her. “I think only Rose and her attendant have ridden and petted her so far, since she came here.”

“She’s lovely!” Mercy reached out, letting Mina sniff her hand.

The unicorn tossed its pristine white made, and snorted softly, and let Mercy gently stroke her neck.

“You’re beautiful!” Mercy murmured, then paused and looked at Fen. “You have a cat, right?”

“Um, yes.” he blinked, confused at the change of topic.

“Sorry, I just was thinking she was as beautiful as my kitties, then I remembered that you have a cat. What was her name again?”

“Diana. She’s a spoiled creature.”

“Could I meet her too, sometime?’’

“Of course. She’s probably hanging out in my room. You’ll probably see her later though, she’s free to roam about the place, and often likes to greet guests, but in her own time.”

“Good!” Mercy smiled, turning her attention back to the unicorn. “I like it here.” she said softly, then flushed. “I shouldn’t say that. I’ve been here less than a day. I’ll amend it to, I like it here at your house.”

“I’m glad.” To someone who’d never quite fit in in her own homeland, it made sense that Mercy might feel more at home in Faerie, where everyone could use magic; and though the fey couldn't see spirits without help, they did know such things existed. That said, proper fey society would chew her up and spit her out, if she were ever to stray into it, so it was better that she didn’t experience it, especially without him. “Faerie in its entirety wouldn't likely agree with you, but my house is nice, by design. And again, you’ll be safe here, so hopefully you’ll be able to continue to enjoy your time here.”

“I hope so too.” she smiled, then asked, “Could I learn how to ride?”

Fen blinked, then felt himself smile slightly, “Yeah. I can arrange that.” Actually, he could teach her that himself, really.

“I’ve never ridden a horse before.”

“You can learn to ride all of the animals here, if you’d like. None of them are particularly difficult. Once you’ve ridden one, the only adjustment you have to do is for the ones with wings, but that’s easy enough, really.”

“Yeah?” Mercy seemed excited.

“Yes. If I have time, I could teach you. I like riding.”

“Okay, thanks!”

“We’ll have to get you some proper riding clothes though.”

“Oh, I don’t want you to have to go out of your way."

“It’s no problem.” he waved his hand absentmindedly at her. “Since you’ll be here for two weeks instead of two days, I should have a few outfits made for you. Astrid can probably do that pretty quickly.” He pulled out his phone and immediately started texting his half-sister.

“No really, Fen, I don’t want to-”

“It’s not an imposition. As you’ve noticed, I can afford it. And that way if you ever visited again, you’d already have appropriate clothes to wear.” he told her, then suddenly realized that he was inwardly planning on her visiting again, even once it was safe for her to return to her home.

Where was that coming from? How odd. He really didn’t know her all that well, but he’d already subconsciously decided that he wanted her to return to Faerie someday.

“I don’t know why I’d need to come back here." she sounded vaguely confused.

“Just to visit.” he shrugged. “I think it’ll be easiest for you to learn magic here. We’ll only be able to teach you so much in two weeks, so trips back to learn might be a good idea.” Fen shrugged.

“I guess.” she seemed concerned, but it faded quickly, and she smiled. “Alright.”

“Deal?” he asked, letting himself smile slightly.

“Deal.” Mercy nodded.

Fen’s phone chirped, and he quickly read his half-sister’s reply. “Astrid said she could do it. She’ll be stopping by in a bit to get your measurements and stuff. I guess we’ll have to cut the tour short.”

“We could pick it up later?”

“I have a meeting later that will probably run until close to dinner.” Fen shook his head, “But another day, certainly.”

“Oh, alright. You’ll be back for dinner?”

“Yes.” he paused, “Would you be interested in eating with me again?”

Mercy frowned, “I don’t have proper clothes to dress for it yet.”

“We can just eat in your quarters. If that suits you, anyways.”

“That’d be nice. I won’t be lonely that way.”

“If you do ever get lonely when I’m not around, just call for Rose. Axl would be happy to help as well, I’m sure. The other servants are good enough, but those two are your best bet, and I trust them the most.” he paused, then hastily added, “Not that I don’t trust my staff, I just, well, I trust Rose and Axl with my life. Breya too, but she wouldn't be very good company for you, I’m afraid.”

“I understand.” Mercy nodded.

“Good.”

They went in.

“Next time, we’ll go to the conservatory. And the kitchens, that’s always an interesting sight.” Not to mention that they’d be able to sneak some snacks while they were there, “Oh, and the hall of mirrors is worth seeing, as is the ballroom. Maybe the strong room and the weapons room too...”

“This house has a lot of rooms that aren’t for sleeping.” Mercy mused.

“Yes.”

Soon, they were back in her quarters, and her cats greeted her happily.

“I’d say we could let them have run of the manor, but I don’t want them to get lost. Diana knows her way around pretty well, but given that they’re new here, I’d hate for them to get stuck somewhere.”

“It’s okay! This guest room is bigger than my entire apartment.” Mercy told him, seeming a little sheepish.

“Is it?” he looked around, and tried to remember what he could of her apartment. He’d really only seen glimpses of it while they’d been keeping watch, and then had been there for such a short time that he hadn’t formed much of an impression of it. “I guess it is.”

“All three of us are happy here, so don’t worry!” she assured him.

“Alright.” he nodded. There was a knock at the door. “That’ll be Astrid.” Fen went to answer it, speaking in Faerie to his half-sister who stood in the hallway, “She’s all yours. Please don’t let it slip that I’m the king, alright?”

Astrid blinked, “Sure thing.” If she thought it was a strange request, she kept it to herself.

Fen turned to Mercy, switching to her language. “Mercy, this is Astrid. She’s my half-sister, and the only one of my siblings I really like at all. She’s a highly-sought after and ridiculously skilled seamstress and dressmaker.”

“Oh stop it you.” Astrid feigned bashfulness, then smiled at Mercy as she entered, bowing, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss.”

“O-oh don't bow to me! I’m just a barista, really.” Mercy had turned bright red.

Astrid blinked, then smiled. “That doesn't make you not worthy of being bowed to.”

“I’m not used to it.” the young human woman cringed.

“Humans don't bow much to one another, do they?” Astrid mused.

“Not where I'm from, no. I should get used to it though, while I’m here.”

“It’s alright.” Astrid laughed, and took a step towards Mercy, then paused, studying her thoughtfully. Surprise registered on her face. “Is that magic?”

“You feel it.” Fen nodded. “Mercy can use magic.”

“Oh my!”

“She can see through glamours, and can see spirits without any special equipment.”

“That’s incredible!” his half-sister exclaimed, eyes dancing excitedly.

“It’s partly why she’s here.” Fen sighed, then glanced at his watch, “Now, I have to go, will you two be alright?”

“We’ll be just fine!” Astrid chirped, seeming to have taken an immediate liking to Mercy, as he suspected she would, given the young human woman’s sweet disposition.

“Alright. Mercy, call for Rose if you need anything, okay?”

“Yes sir.” Mercy nodded.

Fen left.