Page 19 of Manor of Wind and Nightmares (Fae of Brytwilde #3)

Then

T hankfully, Junseo allowed his guards to escort my maids and me up to our shared room first. I swiftly scanned the space, eagerly noting the adjoining washroom where Daisy was already drawing a hot bath, and frowning at the single bed.

Memories of Junseo cradling me in our shared bedroll, of his solid muscle and warmth enveloping me, flitted through my mind until I forced them away.

That couldn’t happen again. He would simply have to sleep on the floor tonight, and that was that.

“Use this opportunity,” Sage said as she plaited my hair to prepare me for bed. “Being alone this often with the captain, who surely knows the prince well, is the perfect chance to learn of Kaede’s habits and weaknesses. Learn about your target.”

Ellery offered me my vial, which I downed in one gulp. Warmth spread throughout my body. She studied me for a moment, brow scrunched. “I hope your mortal body isn’t plagued with weakness tonight from the water wraith’s poison. The captain might grow suspicious.”

I glanced up warily. After feeling perfectly healthy and warm all day, I had hoped the effects were gone. My skin prickled with unease, but my maids filed out before I could ply them with questions—assuming they knew much more about the creatures that lurked in Willow River.

I sank onto the bed, breathing deeply and relishing this moment of solitude.

Slowly, I rose and crossed the room to where the guards had laid out my trunks—all but a couple my maids had insisted be stored in their shared room.

Those were the ones with secret compartments that stored my potion and my vials of poison.

I sagged with relief, one of my fears regarding being in such close quarters with the captain assuaged.

If only the other problems could be so easily solved.

A knock came at the door.

“You may enter,” I called.

“Did your maids inform you I’d ordered dinner to be delivered to our room?” Junseo asked as he stepped inside, his voice soft.

“No,” I said slowly. “But I have no objections to that. I find I’m quite tired after...last night.” My voice faltered a little at the memory—the fear of death, the weakness and icy cold stealing through my veins, and then the comfort and pleasant heat of Junseo’s body against mine.

The mere mention of the night before seemed to send a bolt of heat through the room, lacing the air with tension. Junseo stiffened, his eyes flying to mine as if involuntarily.

His throat worked as he swallowed, as if he was about to say something.

Another knock on the door interrupted us.

“Come in,” Junseo said hoarsely, and Lavender entered, bearing a tray heavy with our meals: two heaping plates of braised beef, brown bread, and an assortment of steamed vegetables and sugared fruits. Behind her, Flint carried a pitcher of water and glasses.

Gesturing to a side table, the captain cleared his throat and plopped down unceremoniously in an armchair by the fire, unbuttoning his collar and rolling up his sleeves to his elbows.

I hated that I couldn’t help drinking in the sight of him, mesmerized by the way the light traced the lines of his throat and gilded his skin, highlighting the toned muscles of his forearms. My stomach lurched when I realized Lavender, who’d deposited her tray on the table, was watching me with a bemused expression.

“It’s a lovely evening, is it not?” she asked, the corner of her mouth quirking.

Blinking, I glanced toward the windows and scanned the sky, where heavy clouds threatening rain blanketed any sight of the setting sun. “Um, yes,” I stammered.

“That will be all, thank you,” Junseo said firmly, his gaze flicking pointedly to Lavender and Flint.

Smiling sheepishly, Lavender nodded and left with Flint, who smirked as he shut the door softly behind them.

Junseo gestured toward the table. “Princesses first.”

I rose, collected my plate, and seated myself on one of the low benches at the table, where I had a perfect view out the window at the “lovely evening.” My stomach tightened at the sight of vividly-colored fae fruit resting on my plate.

If I didn’t eat any of it, Junseo would be suspicious, but if I did. ..

Slicing up my beef, I mulled over my options.

Kymelle, King Wystan’s trainer, had taught me about the different effects various fae fruit had on human bodies.

The ones on my plate would not kill me, but they would make me lose my inhibitions, be more prone to persuasion, and generally find myself untrustworthy with the secrets I carried.

As I ate, Junseo slowly made his way to the table, gathering his food and sitting on the bench across from mine.

“With the delay we had, when do you expect to reach the palace?” I asked, hoping the question would also lead to an opportunity to ask about the prince—but not in a way that generated too much personal information.

Junseo tore a piece off his bread. “We should arrive after one more day of travel, if those gathering clouds don’t bring too great of a storm.”

I smirked. “The great magic of the spring kingdom cannot stave off a spring storm?”

Shifting in his seat, Junseo met my gaze, a challenge in his own eyes.

“Ah, I’d say our magic is quite impressive even when we cannot fully control the weather.

Sometimes even we are at the mercy of the gods.

But what of your powerful magic in Emberglade?

Only whispered rumors reach our ears. Talk of mind reading, as well as prophecy and other abilities all but lost to us. Is it true? Are you superior to us?”

I fluttered my lashes like a proud princess. “Do you think I would deny such a claim?”

Junseo leaned forward with an answering smirk to mine. “I have not seen a hint of your magic. Might you provide a demonstration?”

Lifting my chin, I scoffed, trying to act casual, as if I were affronted. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been instructed on what to do in this scenario. “Why would I need to prove myself to a mere bodyguard? It makes more sense for me to see a demonstration from you .”

His lips twitched, and I hated the way I stared. He noticed, his long, dark lashes dipping as his own gaze fell to my mouth before he caught himself. “That is a good point.”

Without taking his eyes off me, he flicked his wrist. Something green and delicate curled through the air and rested in his hand before twisting upward, toward the dim light coming from the window.

Junseo lifted his hand to reveal a single violet unfurling its petals in his palm.

“This is a mere parlor trick, but I think you can imagine how elemental magic could be useful.”

I stared at it, schooling my expression into neutrality while inwardly marveling at its beauty.

King Wystan used his telepathic magic for evil, always manipulating and using those around him.

Other fae, I knew, wielded their own powers with violent purposes as well.

It was refreshing to see something beautiful come from magic.

To see something be created rather than destroyed.

I didn’t have the energy to fire a quip at him. Instead, I let him see my appreciation. “It is lovely.”

Junseo’s smile was soft as he plucked the flower from its stem, offering it to me with a flourish. “A gift, princess.”

Accepting it, I twirled it between my fingers.

“What about a deal?” I suggested, carefully pushing the fruit around on my plate so it was hidden behind my bread and cheese.

“Since we didn’t have the chance to finish our game earlier.

.. You tell me about your prince, and I will give you a demonstration of my magic. ”

Junseo swiped at a dark lock of hair, brushing it off his brow. His eyes narrowed. “What do you want to know?” he asked, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms.

“Anything,” I said, waving vaguely. “I’m engaged to a man I know nothing about.

Surely you can tell me something. Does he take cream and sugar in his tea?

Does he wake early in the morning or prefer to stay up late and enjoy the stars?

Does he ride a stallion every day or prefer to indulge in hunting?

Is he vain or kind? Does he use his magic to charm ladies the way you do? ”

Junseo searched my face for a moment, an unreadable look flickering in his dark eyes.

“He takes a splash of cream, no sugar. He prefers to wake early enough to enjoy the sunrise, but most of his responsibilities require that he remain up late, so he has learned to love the stars. He rides well enough, but he generally chooses to walk his grounds in order to gather his thoughts and steal away for a bit of privacy when he can. Most who know him call him weak.”

I frowned. “Weak? What do you call him?”

He continued to watch me carefully. “You know what I think of mercy, princess. There is no weakness in choosing it.”

Something heavy fell between us again, taut with tension. “Would you consider him a friend?” I asked quietly. My voice came out raspy. “You said he trusts you.”

Junseo cleared his throat and turned away. “He does. So,” he added, forcing brevity into his words, “what about that demonstration? Have I given you sufficient information?”

I considered prying for more, but I wanted to seem like a curious fiancée needing to know whom she was binding herself to, not a stranger demanding odd details regarding the prince’s routines. “Very well. Close your eyes.”

Blinking in surprise, Junseo chuckled. “Close my eyes?”

“Yes, I won’t have you laughing at me and shaking my concentration.”

Eyes alight with intrigue, he nodded slowly before complying. I laid the violet down on the table and scooped my fruit into my napkin, folding it carefully on the tray so Junseo would not see it.

“I see a great deal of excitement in your future,” I said.

Junseo laughed aloud. “Delightfully vague. Are you not seeing clearly, or purposefully avoiding sharing details?”

Laughing along with him, I squeezed my own eyes shut and sucked in a breath. The image of the violet he’d gifted me danced behind my eyelids. “The future is difficult, since every choice constantly alters it. It is always changing. But I see a woman in violet causing you trouble.”

Again, the captain chuckled and interrupted me. “It seems that is already true. You wore violet the first day we met, and you have been trouble ever since.”

“Quiet,” I hissed. “It’s not easy when I cannot focus.” I cleared my throat. “I also see great devotion.” I laughed, though the sound was forced. “From a large crowd...a gathering. Perhaps you will be recognized for something?”

“I’m always being recognized for my exploits,” Junseo murmured in amusement.

When I opened my eyes, I found that he’d obediently kept his closed while his grin stretched wide. “That is all, for now,” I said.

He opened his eyes. “It’s unfortunate you did not see the water wraith before it attacked.”

At first, I feared he was mocking me, questioning my ability, but then I noticed the sincerity in his eyes.

There was true regret, as if he wished my fictitious magic could have spared me the pain of last night.

“I was a bit distracted.” I’d meant it to come out teasingly, as if he’d annoyed me, but that time under the stars with him had been so comforting, so unexpected, that my words came out breathlessly.

Again, tension filled the air, heavy with unspoken words.

Somehow, I dared to whisper the thought that was screaming through my mind. “What would Prince Kaede think if he saw you looking at me like that?”

His voice was husky. “It’s not as if your marriage was arranged as a love match. I think I can safely venture to say he would not mind.”

“And yet, nothing can happen between us.” My brow furrowed. “You said you were in no danger of...having feelings.”

My sadness was mirrored in his look. “I was wrong.”

Regret made my throat ache. What would it be like to be free of my obligation to spill the prince’s blood, to allow myself to grow further acquainted with this tender fae?

But that was swiftly followed by another thought: Junseo saw me as a fae princess.

Would he be as kind or thoughtful if he knew I was a mortal?

“It does not matter what he thinks or feels,” I proclaimed at last, “since we are to be married regardless of what we want.”

The captain glanced out the window, where the night was swiftly darkening the quaint town.

“You should rest, princess. Your body needs time to recover, and even if our travels remain uneventful until we arrive at the palace, they’ll still be trying.

You can have the bed. I’ll be comfortable enough on the floor. ”

Heart heavy, I clutched the violet and slipped toward the washroom, going about my nightly routine of washing my face and preparing for bed.

Thankfully, I’d insisted that I change into a nightgown myself tonight, without the assistance of my maids, so I was able to enjoy a few minutes of solitude.

When I’d finished, I all but avoided even looking at Junseo across the room as I stepped toward the bed, burrowing beneath the covers.

Though I knew it was hopeless and foolish, I clutched the flower tightly in my fist, wishing the gods could turn back time.

I didn’t want to slay this unknown prince.

I didn’t want to betray his kind guard. And I didn’t want to injure my own heart in the process, tarnishing any chance of a deeper relationship with Junseo before I could truly get to know him.

It seemed unfathomable to me that merely a day had changed my feelings toward him so completely, and yet, here I was.

A single night of baring our hearts to one another and of him saving my life had bound us together in the most unexpected of ways.

I longed to know him better, but I knew that would only end in heartbreak.

Somehow, I had to build a wall around my heart and stop noticing his gentleness, his thoughtfulness, and his charm.

I couldn’t let the way he protected and cared for me without expectation of anything in return soften me toward him—I had to remind myself it was merely his responsibility as my escort.

Even if cradling me through the night and comforting me after bad dreams was more than necessary.

I had to stop letting the deep tenor of his voice send chills along my skin, stop letting the depth of his gaze pierce my soul.

Closing my eyes, I slipped into uneasy sleep, full of goblins, wraiths, and a forbidden fae guard who repeatedly saved my life.