Page 60

Chapter Sixty

A elia

“Can’t we just stay here forever?” My whispered words echoed across the quiet cavern, the gentle rush of water against the lagoon’s edge the only sound disturbing the absolute peace.

“I wish it could be that simple, starlight.” Reign tightened his hold around me, his strong arms coupled with the tepid, shimmering water blanketing me in warmth. We’d spent all day in the blissful solitude of the cavern, exploring each other’s bodies and the limits of our new bond.

I’d have to be more careful around my cuoré as it seemed our minds were now irrevocably linked, and every thought that fluttered through seeped directly into his skull. Which proved problematic since we couldn’t seem to keep our hands off one another, and every passing lusty thought only urged the other one on.

A deep chuckle vibrated Reign’s chest, echoing through my own with our bodies pressed against each other. He cradled me in his arms, gently rocking as we floated amid the sparkling lagoon.

“We will have to leave today, if for no other reason than to secure the contraceptive potion.”

Oh realms, that’s right. Curses. The last thing we needed at the moment was to bring a child into this chaos. Though the idea of a family with Reign had my heart so full it sprouted dragon wings. Which reminded me, I hadn’t heard a word from Sol since Reign stole me away to our serene bubble.

“I think I’d prefer to have Rue procure the potion from Elisa instead of asking Gideon.” Oh, gods, Rue. I hated not telling her about Heaton, but Reign insisted we wait until after speaking to Elian. If not, she’d be racing toward the Wilds to save her brother and only succeed in getting herself killed in the process.

Reign shrugged, drawing me back to our discussion, the lazy lift of his shoulders surprising after the last time I’d even come close to mentioning Ruhl. I’d been careful not to speak his brother’s name after the unexpected outburst this morning. I had never anticipated that torrent of rage, but it wasn’t only the anger that streamed through the bond, but rather pure fear of losing me to the younger prince. I understood it now that the mate bond flared between us. I would go to any lengths to protect him, and imagining any other female within his proximity had red bleeding through my vision.

“I hate to say it, but I fear our little getaway has come to an end.” He shifted me in his arms, releasing me from his solid embrace so my feet touched the bottom of the lagoon.

A sigh of resignation squeezed through my lips. “It’s decided, then? We’ll go see King Elian?” We had discussed the idea at length this morning, in between decadent kisses and leisurely soaks in the shimmering pool.

With my powers of astral possession out of control, and the looming war on the horizon, Reign and I agreed we needed an ally against Helroth. Who better than my uncle? According to Aidan’s memories, Elian had no idea I existed, and more than that, there was no evidence that he was responsible for my mother’s death as Helroth had claimed. More lies he spun to sway me to his side. Surely, once the king discovered his only niece was the child of twilight, he’d put an end to my relentless pursuit.

“I’m still not certain.” Reign’s wary gaze met mine. “I know you believe Elian will welcome you with open arms, but besides being his niece, you are also the rightful heir to the throne of Ethereal Light.”

“But I don’t want it,” I blurted. After spending my entire life as a lowly Kin, I still couldn’t believe I was the heir to not one, but two thrones. Princess of two royal Fae courts. And I didn’t want anything to do with either of them.

Reign’s hands closed around my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter what you want, Aelia. Upon Alaric’s death, you should have assumed the throne. There are those who will push to see you claim that title the moment your true identity is revealed. Elian knows that…”

“Then we’ll only tell Elian so he can help us fight Helroth and keep it a secret from everyone else. I have no desire to claim that throne. All I want is for the courts to finally be at peace, and to live a life with you.” Curling my arms around the back of his neck, I brushed my lips against his.

“And I promise you, we will have that. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

We had yet to discuss the veritable elephantis in the cavern. There was still his father and the blood vow he’d sworn to destroy the child of twilight to contend with.

His mouth swept over mine, tentatively. I have a plan, Aelia, you only need to trust me . His deep voice whirled through my thoughts, a gentle caress.

Of course he’d heard my mental musings.

Care to enlighten me?

I cannot. It’s essential that it’s as much of a surprise to you as to everyone else.

Why?

His lips pressed into a hard line. Please, princess, do you trust me?

With everything I am .

“Good.” The sharp line of his jaw softened as he drew my mouth to his once again. The kiss was sweet, reassuring, unlike the fiery ones from earlier. “Now, we better stop this, or we’ll never make it to the Castle of Ethereal Light.”

“I’d be perfectly fine with that.” My words were nothing more than a breathy whisper.

He leaned his forehead to mine. “Oh, princess, you have no idea what you do to me, or how much I’d love to remain here with you in this quiet cavern forever.” A rueful grin flashed across his face. “But, alas…”

“Ugh, I know.”

Scooping me into his arms, he walked us through the shallow part of the pond, then his shadows curled around his back, propelling us out of the water. The second of weightlessness reminded me of every moment since we completed the bond. It felt as if I’d been walking on air, the heavy weight that had taken permanent residence across my shoulders finally lifted.

When we reached the pile of discarded clothes on the ledge that had served as our bed, Reign released me. I couldn’t help the grunt of disapproval that escaped once my bare feet hit the stone. Swallowing down another sigh, I reached for the crumpled nightgown before Reign snuck around behind me and handed me a stack of fresh clothing.

“Where did that come from?” I eyed him.

“I had my shadows zip over to the manor to retrieve our clothing this morning.” He grinned.

“How very useful of them. I’d nearly forgotten all about that clever little trick.”

“They seem to be growing in power every day.” His brows twisted as if this was an unexpected occurrence.

“I thought that was the point of the cuorem bond.”

“It is, but it started happening well before. While you were gone, actually. I thought perhaps it was the zar that you were pushing through our developing bond, but I’m not so certain anymore.”

“Well, more power will be exactly what we’ll need for what’s to come.”

His head dipped before he turned to slip on his own clothes.

As I stepped into the supple leather of the suede breeches, my thoughts began to wander. I dreaded the idea of leaving the safety of our hidden alcove. Here, nothing but Reign and I mattered. Out there, we’d be forced to face the ramifications of our actions. I wanted to believe Aidan would be happy for us, but I feared Ruhl’s reaction and that of my grandsire the most.

With the cuorem in place, clearly there would be no betrothal to Ruhl or joining of the Night and Shadow Courts. What would Helroth do when he discovered we’d disregarded his decree?

“Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.” Reign’s words interrupted my dismal musings.

“I’m not sure I will ever get used to you having unfettered access to my innermost thoughts.”

He cupped the back of my neck, tugging my mouth to his so that only a heartbeat remained between our lips. “Forever is a long time, princess. I’m fairly certain one could get used to anything.”

A silly grin escaped as I considered a lifetime with this male. I didn’t think it would ever be enough. I would never tire of the way his eyes found mine in a crowded assembly hall, of the sound of his deep laughter rumbling against my skin, or the quiet, blissful moments when his touch felt like coming home.

He pressed a quick kiss to my lips, releasing me much too soon. “There are two someones we must share our happy news with first if we hope to reach the Castle of Ethereal Light at a timely hour.”

Oh goddess, he was right. It was time to tell Sol and Phantom.

* * *

I only wished you trusted me enough not to shut me out . Sol’s words scraped through my mind, his tone of disappointment worse than Aidan’s.

After a quick stop at the Conservatory, in which only Reign descended to procure the potion, forcing me to stay put on Solanthus, we sailed across the Court of Ethereal Light toward King Elian’s castle with Phantom and Reign beside us. My cuoré was also revealing the news to his skyrider, though from the relaxed look on his face, she was clearly taking it better than mine was.

I was trying to protect you from experiencing the onslaught of emotions incited by the ritual of the bonding .

He snorted, tendrils of dark smoke curling around his nostrils. Did you truly think I wouldn’t feel that, Aelia ?

Embarrassment rolled through me, heat coating my cheeks. But I was blocking you …

There is only so much you can shield me from. An unbreakable, gods-forged bond is not one of them. The cuorem is a sacred gift from the gods, the ensuing power released from the joining was felt across the realms .

“What?” I shrieked aloud. “Are you serious?”

I’m speaking metaphorically, of course. But I do not doubt that the ramifications will be felt across the kingdoms .

The prophecy. That must be what he was speaking of. Had we cursed Aetheria by giving into our hearts’ desires?

It doesn’t matter now, little Kin, what’s done is done .

I’m happy you know .

I know . A hint of resignation laced his tone. I’m happy that you are happy .

But you’re not pleased that we are mated?

That’s not a fair inquiry. I wouldn’t dare to question what the gods have chosen, much like I have little say in my own predicament .

Wait a second… did our bond somehow affect yours ? Raysa, how could I not have even considered that?

It has sparked the rush of some unwanted emotions through our link .

Curses. I never thought our lusty sensations would bleed into our skyriders.

I’m sorry, Sol. You’re right, I should have discussed it with you first .

The soaring spires of the grand castle came into view, reaching toward the heavens and parting the clouds with their white stone turrets. Cascading waterfalls spilled into the sparkling lakes below. My breath hitched at the magnificent sight that now held an entirely new meaning. Had this castle once been my home? Had I lived there as a baby? Or had my existence been kept secret from the very start?

You spent very little time at the castle, little Kin. Very shortly after you were born, your life was entrusted to Aidan .

Gods, I had so many questions. Ones that an entire lifetime could fill. But now was not the time.

The castle’s cupola sparkled like a jewel, the prismatic glass ceiling reminding me of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. A series of bridges surrounded the luminescent fortress, arcing over shimmering pools, each one connecting the castle to smaller floating terraces across the falls.

It was truly spectacular. Had I even gotten the chance to bathe in those ethereal pools with my father?

As we soared ever closer, a hint of unease sailed through the ties that connected me to my skyrider. Gods, there I was again, ignoring his feelings. Sol had been bonded to my father. Knowledge of his death must have been terrible.

“Have you been back since?—”

No . His gruff response was all the answer I needed. It was a good thing Ruhl hadn’t been apprised of this trip, and that his skyrider was still recovering from his last encounter with Sol.

Aelia . Reign’s voice cut through the connection with my skyrider as Sol’s wings angled toward the earth. I know you believe your uncle will be thrilled to learn of your existence, but I beg of you, princess, please keep your guard up .

I promise .

Good. Then let’s go meet your good uncle .