Page 27
Five months later…
YVETTE
The Summer Court is everything I imagined and more. I walk through the opulent palace holding Lucas’s hand. During the week we’ve been here, I’ve met his parents and several other members of the royal household. His brothers are off in the human lands, though I know he’s not bothered by their absence.
We’re scheduled to leave tomorrow morning and head back to Giarrla, the bustling fae settlement that we’re fairly certain will become our permanent home. We’ve recently rented a house on the outskirts of the town, though Lucas insists we’ll have a brand-new one constructed if we decide to stay for good.
Thankfully, General Dalgaard has officially taken full command of the Summer Court army, and I’m beyond pleased that Lucas doesn’t have to return to the fighting. We’re free. Free to start our lives together away from the wars that have plagued the human lands for too long.
Lucas tightens his hold on my hand and guides me out on a huge balcony that overlooks a large, sparkling lake with a sandy shore. He lifts me into his arms and takes a seat on a plush chair, and we quietly watch the sun set over the distant mountains.
“Wow. It’s just as beautiful as the first time I saw it.” I sigh with contentment. “Perhaps an occasional visit to the Summer Court won’t be so terrible.”
He scoffs. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you’d met my brothers, or some of my uncles for that matter. It would seem the most offensive members of court are away in the human lands at the moment.” He runs a hand through my hair and gives me an affectionate look. “But I’m glad we managed the trip here just this once. My mother enjoyed meeting you, so much that I suspect she might come visit us in Giarrla. I overheard her telling one of her cousins just that.”
“Can you imagine if Aunt Heather and your mother visited us at the same time?” I giggle.
Lucas rubs his temple and groans. “Oh gods, they are so alike, now that I think about it, that I believe they might kill one another.”
“Hm. You’re right about that. They are quite similar in their outspokenness and even their mannerisms. It’s rather uncanny.” I glance at the horizon as the sun slips behind the mountain. “I bet Mama would get along with your mother though. She’s quite the peacekeeper, and she handles Aunt Heather so well.”
He places a playful kiss on my nose. “Perhaps one day we’ll have a huge family reunion. I’ll invite all my relatives, and you’ll invite all of yours, even the most distant ones, and we’ll sit back and watch the entertainment.”
“Ha. Very funny.” I roll my eyes and push at his chest, and as I make the movement, I become aware of his hardness beneath my bottom. An ache immediately pangs in my core. He sends me a knowing look, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s already detected my arousal.
He rises with me in his arms and departs the balcony with rapid steps. He nearly runs down the corridor, dodging servants and highborn fae, until he reaches his quarters. He brings me inside and shuts the door, and my pulse quickens as I think about the night to come.
I expect Lucas to carry me to the bed, but instead he sinks down on the nearest chair, still holding me in his arms. I peer up at him in question, and he gives me a tender look and presses a gentle kiss to my lips.
“Gods, I love you, Yvette.” He goes on to repeat the exact words he spoke months ago in the forest after saving my life yet again, and I can’t stop the tears from filling my eyes. “I love you, Yvette. With my whole heart. With my entire being. My love and devotion for you is eternal.”
As a summer breeze swirls through the room, I utter the exact response I gave him in return. “Oh, Lucas. I love you too. So very much.”
He pulls me close and kisses me soundly.