Page 38

He frowned in confusion. "The study? If you’d rather, we could move to the terrace, I suppose? The weather is-"

"Not here," I gestured around the room wildly. "Why am I on this island? Why did you choose me? What exactly are your intentions?"

He reached out and took my shaking hands in his much larger ones. Instinctively, my eyes turned up toward his piercing green ones. He was so beautiful. All of the fae were, but he was even more stunning than the others. Don’t be foolish, I cautioned myself. They are glamours.

But I knew they weren’t just glamours. Even in his weakened state the other day, he still possessed high cheekbones, a long, regal nose, and that lustrous black hair that I could imagine running my hands through.

Sitting this close to him and with his eyes locked on mine, I felt my breath catch. Was he going to kiss me?

Instead, he spoke, "I’ve neglected you since your arrival. You are my responsibility, and I never should have allowed you to wander those woods alone. For that, I apologize."

He spoke of me like I was a child–silly, unguarded, and in need of protection. Maybe in his world I was, but it wasn’t what I wanted to talk about. I pulled my hands away. "I don’t want your apologies. I want answers."

He considered me for a long, thoughtful moment. "And what are your questions?"

Demands rolled off my tongue like a tsunami. "I want to know why I’m here and what your intentions are. I want to know where you go during the day, and why you’ve been avoiding me. I want to know that you’ve kept your vow, that my sister and father are safe. I want to see Briar again. "

He blinked several times as my words washed over him. Then he straightened in his chair. "I will answer your questions, if you answer mine."

"Your questions?" I asked in surprise. What questions could he possibly have of me? I had no secrets.

His face turned thoughtful. "I despise lies. Will you be truthful with me, little sparrow? Could we, one day, share an intimacy of the mind as well as body?" He tipped my chin up to look at him. "Will you lie to me?"

I swallowed and licked my dry lips. "Yes," I admitted.

A smile flickered across his face. "Thank you." Then he kissed my lips softly.

I closed my eyes, but it was over as soon as it had begun—like a whisper, like a secret, like a promise. One I was beginning to hope he would keep.

"Any other answer would have been a lie," he said. "Despite that, I will answer your questions. First, you are here because I intend to marry you."

My jaw hung open in surprise. Somehow, I had convinced myself otherwise.

"I’m sorry I made you feel that was not so. In two week’s time, we will celebrate our engagement with a Full Moon Revel. Fae from all of the courts will attend."

My heart was still racing from his kiss. Still, I had to pull myself together, he had only given me one answer. "What about my family?" I pressed.

"Your father and sister are unharmed, as promised. I’ve even had the wisps check in a few times."

"Why did you choose me?" I asked.

He paused and held my gaze for a long moment. "When we met by the pond that first night, you were wild and free and so beautiful. Did you feel nothing?"

I felt a blush burn across my cheeks. I had felt many things.

He caressed my flushed cheek. "Your lips may lie, but you’re blushing. I rather like that. Be mine. You’ll have the finest clothing and jewels. You’ll never want for anything."

I pulled back. "You must be joking! You thought what? You would drag me here, and I would simply fall head over heels for you?"

"Why not? I’m handsome. I’m rich. I’m powerful. "

Of course, he was handsome enough for anyone. Though I’d not be saying that to him. "You think human women are so cheaply bought."

His brow furrowed. "I’ve seen many human women marry for wealth and for standing."

I rose from my chair. "You forget. I lack neither," I said with venom dripping in my tone. "You’ll have to offer something more." I reached down, my eyes locked on his, and tapped the fae king’s chest, right above his hollowed heart.

CHAPTER 19