Page 13 of Bitten By the Fae

“Actually, it’s an interesting suggestion,” Chern interjected in that thoughtful way of his, his gray irises surrounding his pupils blinking in and out of focus.

His calm demeanor always appealed to me. I leaned forward, curious to hear what other wisdom he would bestow upon us.

“The Elemental Fae will be just as concerned by their potential mating as we are,” he continued. “However, extermination in this situation is impossible with her being the lone Royal Earth Fae. Sending her back could potentially upset the balance. Keeping her here, well, we have wards in place to monitor her.”

“And Shadow?” Tadmir interjected, his white hair flickering with blue flames at the ends. “Does he just return to the Academy as if nothing has happened?”

“I daresay he also requires monitoring,” Chern replied. “He’s initiated the mating with a powerful Earth Fae. That may impact his powers as well.”

Silence met his reply.

If what he predicted was true, then Shade’s life might be in jeopardy. All Fae Councils took the balance very seriously. Any disturbance to it typically resulted in death.

“What do you recommend?” my father asked, his focus on the Sangré Councilman. “Your line is known for strategy and analytics. How do you see this playing out?”

Chern considered for a long moment, his thumb and forefinger stroking his silver goatee. It was the only sign of hair on him, his familial line preferring to tattoo their bald heads with vibrant colors. The more intricate the design, the more intelligent the Sangré Blood was considered to be. In Chern’s case, he wore the most complex pattern of all as the leader of his line.

“Mating the Earth Fae will awaken her access to dark magic, and the Elemental Fae Council doesn’t have the means to control her. We do. The Academy professors can train her on the various lines while we supervise her growth and work on a contingency plan for her strengthening powers. It’s an appropriate interim solution while we work with the Elementals on a completesolution. They will be just as keen on finding a resolution as we are.”

He tapped his fingers on the table, his focus shifting to Aswad.

“As for Shadow, he will require the same monitoring. I suggest we observe the damage he’s caused before assigning his punishment.”

Meaning Shade would temporarily get away with breaking some of our oldest customs. Not to mention the slight against Tadmir’s familial line. The Malefic Councilman’s expression confirmed how he felt about the suggestion. Disapproval radiated from him in waves, but he smartly kept quiet.

Shade would be punished in due time.

Just as soon as we assessed the damage.

It made sense, but I wanted to knowhowthis would work. “Who is going to observe Aflora’s growth?” I wondered out loud.

Then the implication struck me across the face.

Chern’s knowing glimmer as he met my gaze confirmed it.

“Me,” I said. “I’ll be the one monitoring her.”

“You are the most capable, yes,” Chern agreed. “Your connection to the source will grant you the insight into power fluctuations. You’re also the only one with the ability to shut her down, should the need arise.”

The only one with the means to kill her,I translated. Being the future king came with harsh responsibilities. This was one of them.

I nodded to confirm my understanding and acceptance of the burden.

My father considered me for a long moment, then nodded as well. “If this is the path we choose, then I move for this to be considered one of his ascension trials.”

Murmurs of agreement echoed around the table.

I had seven that would need to be completed before I could fully ascend.

Three were already done.

This would be item number four.

Babysitting an Earth Fae Royal.

Well, there were worse burdens. I’d seen Aflora before. She was certainly pretty to look at. I wouldn’t mind having a reason to watch her. Maybe she would make my final year more intriguing.

Or harder.