Page 10

CHAPTER 10

Seraphine

“Ask him if he’s been to Moonstone Wood,” I whispered, even though Lord Yevin of Halishcourt couldn’t hear me.

Korven placed his quill on the desk, almost ready to cross out this man’s name along with the last forty-something of them. But this was our last chance for the day and the sun was making it well known, sharing her rays of orange light across this gentleman’s face from the window behind us.

Lord Yevin squinted, shielding his eyes with his hand as Korven asked, “Have your travels led you to Moonstone Wood, Lord Yevin?”

Tall and handsome, the man with blonde hair swept to the side smiled. “I’ve not had the pleasure, Prince Korven. I believe that Moonstone Wood borders your home, does it not?”

“Indeed,” Korven murmured. “And what interests do you seek to share in a future partner, Lord Yevin?”

“I’ve been thinking about this,” the Lord replied.

I perked up, listening carefully. I stilled my foot—the same one I’d been tapping all day through the floor in irritation.

“Go on,” Korven replied, leaning forward on the desk and clasping his hands in front of his chest.

“We were not given an exact reason for this interview, you see,” Lord Yevin replied, stepping closer. “The Hare sent word that a member of a royal house was looking for a life partner. More than that, this person was seeking someone to love them.” He stepped closer still, a mere two steps from the desk.

He had a chiseled face with a square chin and soft gray eyes. His gaze lit in what I could only describe as a smolder as he leaned in above Korven and said softly, “You are royalty, are you not, Ravenfae of the Brackish Wood?” He hummed, parting his lips softly. “I am the last bachelor here. And lucky for you, Prince, I do not seek a woman in a life partner.”

Shocked at his assumption, I made the movement of biting my lips together, my eyes wide on Korven.

The Ravenfae Prince didn’t flinch. His dark eyes didn’t leave the Lord’s face, who only took that as encouragement.

“I believe I might be just what you are looking for,” the gentleman spoke low, now leaning on the desk with both hands.

Korven cocked his head and leaned forward. “Unfortunately for everyone in this room, you are not. Thank you for your time, Lord Yevin. You may go.”

The Lord stood upright. “I apologize, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to imply?—”

“There is no need,” Korven said dismissively, waving him off with one hand and crossing out Lord Yevin’s name with the other.

“If I came across as something other than I am, I would prefer you—” the Lord started again.

“Lord Yevin,” Korven bit back in annoyance. “It has been a long day. You are tired. Whatever you have just said will not leave this room, nor is it a concern of mine for whom you wish to spend your life with.” He stood and stared him down, an impressive few inches taller. “You have my word. I wish you well.”

The Lord of Halishcourt nodded once and left. I sighed, crossing my arms and tapping my foot again.

“Goddess, save us,” he sighed with me, walking around the table to pace by the door. “What fresh hell is this? Another week and I’ll die, even if we do find someone to kiss your lips in time.” He rubbed his face and I looked over the list once again.

“You should get some rest,” I replied in a huff, irritation just as evident in my voice. “We can only hope that lot was the worst of them. Perhaps the most desperate? Lord Yevin said they knew about the royalty part of it. These might be the men most likely to respond in hopes of becoming part of a royal family.” I scoffed loudly. “The joke’s on them. I’m no more of a princess than Myria. And she knows more of the men who frequent this place than I do.” I groaned. “Goddess knows I could never see any of these men loving me.”

“What is that tapping sound?” he asked, looking around the room.

I stopped my train of thought, listening with him. “I don’t hear anything,” I confirmed after a moment.

He looked my way, his mouth lifting into a grin.

“What?” I asked, bemused. “What are you?—”

He strode towards me, pulling the desk away from the chairs where I still sat. “What?—”

“Look down.”

I did just as he said. There, below my illusory gown, were two white slippers on my feet, solid on the hardwood floor.