Page 55 of Manor of Wind and Nightmares (Fae of Brytwilde #3)

Now

“ M iss Sinclair.” It wasn’t the voice I wanted to hear, but one I’d expected nonetheless.

Dusk had settled over Willowbark, gilding the flowers in the gardens. The sky’s colorful reflection painted the burbling stream in shades of red and orange.

Deeper within the gardens, the pre-wedding feasting and socializing had already begun.

Some of the guests had trickled into the orchard, but most were lingering near the food tables, including a few of the contestants who hadn’t already gone home—such as Hattie and the mostly-recovered Laura, with a devoted Bentley at her side—and my family.

Father and Lavinia had hastened to join Callista and me when they’d received the news of my wedding, overcome with the excitement of our good fortune.

“Not that I am overly fond of fae,” Father had grumbled to me, spitting out the last word like it was the name of a disease, “but if he can provide us wealth and good standing in society, I will accept him.”

I had merely smiled, holding back my laugh at his proclamation.

As if his acceptance or refusal of Prince Kaede would have meant anything to me, or persuaded me to change my mind in the least. Nothing would ever convince me away or against Kaede again.

No king, bargain, threat, or family displeasure or selfishness would sway my heart.

Now, I listened to him converse with one of the nobility, going on about how he’d always known his daughters’ beauty would bring good fortune to our family.

Cringing inwardly, I blocked out his words and faced Florian, the one who’d singled me out, finding me lingering alone, away from the crowds.

Kaede was lost somewhere in them, mingling with his people as was expected of him, but I’d requested a moment of privacy.

He’d been all too happy to oblige, understanding my need for a breath of air away from the stifling new expectations thrust upon me.

I was overjoyed to be Kaede’s bride, but learning to be a ruler among cruel, tricky fae would not be an easy task.

“Florian.” I dipped my head in greeting, offering him a demure smile.

“I...wanted to apologize.” Florian shoved his hands into his pockets.

He was finely dressed for the occasion, and something in the firm set of his mouth made me trust he was sincere.

Regretful, even. “When I heard that I’d have an opportunity to improve my status and increase both my influence and wealth by marrying one of the competitors.

..” He sighed. “I was greedy. On one hand, I’ve longed for change in Willowbark as Kaede has, and thought I saw an opportunity to help be a tool toward that change.

But I will confess I was mostly greedy.”

This time, my smile widened. Hearing him admit the truth was refreshing after all the vanity for which my own family never tried to make amends.

“And yet...” Florian hesitated, kicking at a pebble along the garden path.

“I did truly grow to care about you. You are an exceptional woman, Aurelia Sinclair, and I have no doubt Kaede has made a fine choice. The best choice.” He grinned, and if there was a glimmer of sadness in his eyes for a fleeting moment, he was quick at concealing it well.

“I can see how much you care for each other. You are meant for one another, and I offer you my congratulations and deepest hopes for the happiest of unions. Together, I know you’ll improve our kingdom, and I hope you will accept my faithful service as a member of your court and longtime friend of Kaede. ”

This time, I laughed aloud. “Of course, Florian. We wouldn’t send you away or alter your role here, except perhaps to elevate your rank, if Kaede sees fit. I accept your apology and forgive you. And I do believe you want the best for Kaede and the kingdom.” I held out my hand. “And me.”

With a laugh of his own, Florian grasped my hand and shook it.

“Wait!” Three of the guards scattered throughout the gardens broke free from their posts, another trailing after, muttering words that sounded like scolding.

I turned to face Lavender, her cheeks rosy and her eyes bright.

Though she and her friends, Pearl and Violet, were all in uniform and armed, they looked as eager as party guests.

Behind them, Flint shook his head, and I realized whatever scolding he’d been doing had all been playful. His smirk belied his words.

“We are supposed to be on duty,” Lavender began, and Flint cleared his throat.

She glanced his direction, side-stepping to draw close enough to elbow him.

He let out a laugh, and the smile he tossed her way made me wonder if they were a bit closer than friends.

“We are on duty,” she amended. “But we had to wish you well.”

“Prince Kaede told us who you are,” Pearl said. There was no judgment in her tone, only wide-eyed wonder. Her voice dropped, turning breathy. “That you were the assassin, the one disguised as Princess Briar. And now you have found true love! It’s just like one of my romance books.”

Violet snorted. “With more death.”

“Yes, I’m not sure dying of poison and wandering as a spirit is romantic—”

Lavender cut Flint’s comment off with another elbow to his ribs, a little harder this time.

“My apologies, Miss Sinclair,” Flint added hastily. “I didn’t mean to bring that up again.”

“ Anyway , we wanted you to know you have friends here.” Lavender flicked her gaze toward Florian. “Outside of the pompous courtiers the prince is also forced to spend time with.”

Florian grinned, taking it all in stride. It was clear he was as used to the guards’ antics as Kaede was.

“Are you trying to steal my bride?” Kaede’s tone was all playfulness as he strolled toward us, his eyes alight with merriment as they darted from Florian to his guards.

Florian laughed. “Quite the opposite. We were reminding Aurelia that your friends are also her friends, and we wishing you both all the happiness in the world.”

“Very good.” Kaede turned to me, his eyes devouring.

Even though he’d already seen me in my wedding dress—this time in Willowbark green and gold—he couldn’t seem to stop drinking in the sight of me.

Knowing we had an audience, I flushed at the raw adoration of his gaze, for it felt almost too intimate.

Interrupting the moment, Queen Ara emerged from the crowd, wisps of her dark hair framing her lovely, joyful face. “It’s time,” she called.

Kaede extended a hand to me, and I took it. He laced his fingers through mine, sending a pulse of warmth up my arm and a shiver down my spine.

Hand-in-hand, Kaede and I walked toward our new beginning.