Page 9

CHAPTER 9

YVETTE

I stare up at Prince Lucas, at a complete loss for words. I’m utterly stupefied by his declaration that he wants me to become his wife.

His wife!

I won’t lie. There’s a part of me that wants to throw caution to the wind and accept his offer. Not just because I’m fiercely attracted to him (yes, despite all the harm he’s inflicted on my people), but because mating with a fae male would cause my lifespan to expand by thousands of years. That’s what Mira told me happens when humans mate with fae, that the human absorbs the fae partner’s magic and typically lives at least as long as that fae partner.

I close my eyes, overwhelmed by his offer. I remind myself that he’s the enemy. I remind myself of the bloodshed and horrors I witnessed in Trevos. Because ussha won’t stop spreading, it’s unlikely that the fae will ever stop conquering human and orc territories. One day, the fae will rule over the entire realm.

Am I a traitor for considering Prince Lucas’s offer?

“It would seem I’ve shocked you, sweetling.”

His hands move from my face, and he starts caressing my hair, and I’m unable to stop the waves of blissful sensation his touch provokes.

Is it wrong that I want more? Is it wrong that I want him to kiss me again?

Finally, I open my eyes. “Yes, by the gods, you’ve shocked me. As you might imagine, I’m feeling very conflicted right now.”

“You aren’t yet married—I know this because I don’t detect the scent of a male on you—and neither am I. I want you, very badly, and I know you harbor an attraction to me, little human. I can smell it. I can smell the slickness between your thighs.”

I gasp and take a step back, but he follows me and keeps stroking my hair. He also pulls my body flush against his, allowing me to feel the unmistakable bulge in his pants. I open my mouth, ready to deny that I’m slick between my thighs, but at the last moment, I hesitate. I’m surprised and embarrassed that he can detect my arousal, but he’s been so forthcoming with me that it feels wrong to lie to him about my own excitement.

“You’re a big, handsome, muscular fae male with an impressive wingspan,” I say instead. Never mind that his wings aren’t out at the moment. “I would have to be dried up and well past my prime to not suffer from a slickness between my thighs, as you so eloquently put it, while in your presence.”

He laughs, and his sharp, pointed teeth gleam white in the ussha glow. “Fair enough, but I daresay it’s more than physical attraction you feel for me. You’re not vain enough to be tempted by an offer of marriage based on looks alone.”

“Not vain, I’ll agree with you on that, but perhaps I am stupid for being even slightly tempted.” I sigh as he works his fingers through my hair. Gods, I never knew how wondrous it would feel to be petted like this by a male. It’s a simple thing he’s doing, but it’s making my whole body come alive with pure, carnal need. The ache between my thighs is starting to become unbearable, and I believe I just might touch myself later in the privacy of my bedroom once I return to the cottage. I’ll touch myself while thinking about Prince Lucas, the Summer Court prince who wants to marry me. The Summer Court prince who conquered my people.

“I like that you’re tempted, sweetling.” He lowers his face, and his lips hover just an inch from mine.

I close my eyes and invite his kiss. It starts as soft and sweet as our first kiss, though it soon becomes something more. Something urgent that brims with possibility. My center lurches forward and I undulate my body against his. My hands drift up and down his back, pulling him closer and tighter to my body.

A sensual growl rumbles from his throat as he deepens the kiss, vibrating through me and sending a fresh pang of warmth straight to my core. He tightens his hold on my hair and slips his tongue inside to tangle with mine. He tastes sweet, like a mix of honey and cinnamon with a dash of vanilla. The summer warmth whirls around us, and the nighttime insects buzz louder as we remain locked in one another’s arms. A whimpering moan escapes me, and as the kiss goes on and on, I feel as though I’m floating amidst the stars.

I’d thought our first kiss was perfect, but I decide this one is even better.

Without meaning to, my hands slide up the back of his leather shirt and my fingers dig into his bare flesh. His long hair tickles my face and neck. Another growl leaves him and vibrates through me. Once more, I press my center against him, even though it’s my stomach that comes into contact with his hardness rather than my aching center. Gods, he’s so tall, for things to line up properly, we’ll have to get on the ground. Or find a bed.

A full body flush affects me, and I finally break the kiss because I’m burning up and desperate for air. I gulp in a huge breath, and it pleases me to see Lucas is panting too. The bulge in his pants feels larger than ever, and my face heats as I contemplate just how well-endowed he must be.

Surely the gods would give a Summer Court prince an impressively large appendage.

I almost laugh at my own thoughts, but a quick look into Lucas’s darkening gaze grounds me in the seriousness of our predicament.

He doesn’t have a fated mate, he’s been ordered to marry a human, and it’s me he wants as his bride.

Why haven’t I said ‘no’ yet?

If I were smart, I would refuse him.

What would Mama and Aunt Heather say if I told them I wanted to marry a fae prince? They would think I’ve lost my mind, and they would be worried for me. They would probably accuse Prince Lucas of glamouring me into wanting him.

But he hasn’t glamoured me. Not once. If he wanted my easy compliance, it would be nothing for him to glamour me into forgetting about the attack on Trevos. It would be nothing for him to glamour me into falling instantly in love with him.

Now that I consider it, I think his questions about human courtship are sweet. A sign that he’s interested in something real and lasting. He can’t have what virtually all other fae have. A fated mate. So, he’s after the next best thing. Love. I’m not certain whether it’s more tragic or sweet. Perhaps a fair mix of both.

“It’s getting late,” I find myself saying. I’m reluctant to leave his arms, but I need to be alone. I need to get away from him before I do something rash like agree to become his wife.

“Meet me at midnight again tomorrow, sweetling.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea, Lucas.”

“Why not?” He stiffens.

“Please don’t make me say it.” Gods, I don’t want to hurt his feelings. I don’t want to be cruel. I appreciate all he’s done for me and Mama, but I cannot forget what he is.

I cannot forget who he is, just as I cannot forget what he’s done.

I’m not like Mira. She was fated to Warden Valloc, and I’m not fated to Prince Lucas. A marriage between us would start out as a convenient arrangement.

He’s not the only one who needs a spouse.

At twenty-four, if I don’t get married soon, I’ll lose my chance. People will wonder why I haven’t yet wed and surmise there’s something wrong with me. The impending trip to Sorsston might be my last chance, or I must resign myself to spinsterhood. Not that spinsterhood doesn’t hold a certain appeal, particularly when I consider my freedom, but Mama won’t be around forever, and I know she wants to see me settled and content with a family of my own.

Lucas releases his hold on me and steps back. “Perhaps you will see things differently after a good night’s rest, sweetling.”

My heart aches. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to walk away from him. Would it be easier if I’d actually witnessed him slaughtering human soldiers in Trevos? Maybe. Maybe I need to keep reminding myself of how many of my people died, how many were tortured, and how many were taken as slaves.

“It’s getting late,” I say again. I retreat a few steps, suddenly anxious to return to the cottage.

His eyes flicker with sadness, and I swallow past the sudden burning in my throat. “Of course,” he says. “I will take you back.”

I start walking, but he reaches for me and lifts me in his arms. “Lucas, what are you doing?” Panic seizes me. What if he flies off with me and brings me to the Summer Court? His jaw has gone tight, and his visage has become rather stern. The sadness I glimpsed a few seconds ago is gone, and given how displeased he looks, I wonder if I only imagined that sadness. I tremble in his arms.

“Don’t be afraid, sweetling. I’m not about to abduct you. I’m simply going to fly you back to the cottage.” He tightens his hold on me, summons his wings in a flash of radiant gold light, and rises above the trees.

When he starts to fly toward the cottage as promised, I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Then I allow myself to admire the breathtaking view from above. The forest glimmers in an array of colors, and I spot a few of the larger glowing bugs zipping through the treetops.

“What are those called?” I ask Lucas over the slight breeze. He’s not flying fast, and I’m grateful the summer heat is still clinging to him.

“The blue ones are varrins, and the yellow ones are called derlotts. Varrins are harmless, while derlotts will bite anything that comes too close.” His voice is a deep, soothing rumble that brings me comfort.

The stars are radiant, and the moon peeks out from behind a passing cloud. It’s peaceful up here above the trees, just the two of us. No war. No opposite sides. No difficult choices.

Too soon, we arrive at the cottage. Being in his arms again is enough to send my thoughts into another conflicted jumble. It’s enough to make me want to stay with him longer.

He descends into the garden. Just before he sets me on my feet, he places a soft, brief kiss on my forehead. I can’t help the sigh that escapes me, just as I can’t help the flush that covers my face. When he touches me and shows me gentleness, it’s so easy to forget about the monstrous acts his army committed in Trevos.

All the more reason to get away from him. He’s one big walking temptation.

“Thanks for the ride back. I, uh, guess I better get going.” I walk backward a few steps before turning around and practically running toward the window.

“Tomorrow at midnight, sweetling,” he calls out. “I will be here just in case you change your mind. I promise I’ll be here.”