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Chapter twenty-seven

Asking for Help

Ayla

We joined the stream of attendees just as the group meandered toward the throne room. The mood was jovial on the surface, and yet everyone spoke in low whispers, wandering from one group to another.

Rhett and I fell into step, Rimu at our side. My long skirt flounced at my ankles, giving me false bravado. It had felt nice to shower and dress, and while it did nothing to hide how small our group felt without Ninti, I became the fae I pretended to be.

I was someone who was lucky enough to mingle with royalty, ignorant to the deception surrounding me. And now, after a day of venturing on the far side of Mer, I was filled with admiration for this beautiful isle and unable to stop smiling.

I was young and mesmerized and certainly not terrified to be playing a game entirely out of my league. With my arm wrapped around Rhett’s, I babbled on meaninglessly about my day on the coast.

Zayne stayed near as we weaved toward the ballroom, the tether showing him to me like a dark aura. His emotions were as steady as my own, growing into a presence that felt more and more distinct.

We crossed the palace yards, his dark being, like a comforting pressure, following me.

So close. So far away.

Is Zayne my mate?

Rhett was such a romantic. Of course he wanted to believe in the word tossed about into music and shaped by myths. Mates forged by fire, destiny of desire had a nice beat, but it was nonsense. Fae committed to one another the same way humans did, without any special bond between them.

But nothing’s normal with Zayne.

Just thinking of him was more than I could bear.

My mind still raced with memories of our time on the beach. Him over me. Him under me. The beach—

It took all my self-control not to reach for him, to caress my skin in search of his remnants. We’d been touching ever since we returned from the lagoon, if only a stray finger or lingering caress. In the suite, he’d helped me prepare, cleaning me in the shower and dressing me.

Only a few feet from me, his emotions wrapped in my head, he felt so very far away. I walked with Rhett, speaking about a beautiful beach I’d never forget and an emptiness grew inside me, every inch of my skin haunted by the feel of Zayne.

This was a new hunger, and I was ravenous.

I glanced at his shadows, and my core clenched around nothing. A blush warmed my cheeks. In response, humor, like a chuckle, echoed through the connection. Zayne was amused and…

I forced myself not to study his shadows.

Oh.

He was turned on, his memories as lustful as mine.

I tightened my grip on Rhett’s arm, forcing myself to walk straight when I’d rather vanish into Zayne’s shadows and fuck him.

Rhett turned to me with an obnoxiously knowing smile and sparkling eyes. “Must have been a real good time. I’m so glad you went to the beach.”

The throne room was set up as the morning before, though perhaps a little more disheveled, as if the partying had gone late into the night.

The marble looked in need of a shine, and looking closer, the attendees were similarly worn, their eyes and clothes a little less bright.

Only the coral ceiling remained vibrant.

The tether stretched as Rhett steered me toward the same table as before while Zayne lingered at the perimeter of the room.

Animatedly, Rhett spoke to his fellow merchants, all of them seemingly eager to see me again. I smiled kindly, played the role, and then glanced across the room, confirming the Starlit King was in a deep conversation with his secretary.

All I needed was the opportunity to ask about that lesson. I’d set it up so we met in a public place, somewhere Zayne and Rhett could follow.

When he glanced my way, the warm daylight did nothing to quiet my nerves as I met his gaze. The Starlit King set down his papers and studied me.

I felt like prey.

My body tightened, trapped under his gaze. I tightened my resolve. I needed control, and I was convinced he knew how to teach it.

The corners of the Starlit King’s lips turned upward in a smile, and in reply, I managed a demure nod of my head. He stood, the ring of courtiers parting to give him space as he approached.

Heart pounding, I stepped closer too.

“Aida,” he began, drawing out my false name. “I’m glad to see you’ve returned.”

My fingertips glowed, and I couldn’t quite decide if the ebbing light was intentional or not. Either way, I grimaced at the sight, acting displeased.

The Starlit King followed my gaze. “I hope your magic didn’t misbehave while you were out.”

My grip tightened as I tried not to think of Ninti. “No new issues. Just the old ones.”

He cleared his throat. “I came over to apologize. I’m sorry if I frightened you with the promise of lessons, I only meant to help.”

Shyly, caught off guard, I looked down at my still-glowing hands. “I understand…” I swallowed. “I’m sorry I ran without explaining—I was so embarrassed, to gain your attention, to be so powerless. But it’s time I swallow my pride and accept. I’d appreciate the lesson, if you’re still offering.”

A smile slowly spread across his lips. “Fortunately for you, I am a king who looks out for his own.”

“Would it be possible to meet in the visitor wing’s courtyard at the break?” I prompted. The others could easily follow me there.

“Gladly.”

I stomached a new wave of doubt. “You’re very generous.”

He turned toward his secretary, leaving me. In his stead, merchants around me filed in, each prepared to pepper me with yet another probing question.

Heart racing, I framed my face into the perfect expression of a starstruck girl who would be taught by royalty.