Page 12 of Veil of Shadows (Fae of Woodlands & Wild #2)

CHAPTER 12

Jax landed the carpet in a small clearing just north of the palace. A Faewood attendant rushed forward, bowing deeply to Jax. “Shall I have your luggage delivered to your usual spot in Leafton?”

Jax handed him several rulibs. “Indeed. Thank you.”

The attendant bowed and began to roll up the carpet we’d ridden on. Laughter carried to us on the wind. Other fae glided toward us from along the Wood’s road, more spectators no doubt here to enjoy the upcoming Finals.

“Ready for what’s to come?” Jax held out his hand to me, his palm large and inviting. A moment of hesitation filled me, especially when his eyes grew hooded and his voice dipped to a husky whisper. “You don’t have to, but if you’re willing, this will explain why you’re now with me and why you’ll stay with me. Nobody will question this, and the king won’t be able to find a price that I would agree on to release you.”

Behind us, Alec smirked. And for good reason.

“I’m willing. It’s fine.” I took a deep breath and entwined my fingers with Jax’s.

The second our skin made contact, a flash of something filled the prince’s eyes, and my magic surged, rushing toward him and wanting to join with him.

My breath sucked in, but in my next blink, that strange energy between us calmed, simmering to a more normal level.

Stars Above.

It wasn’t the first time I’d felt such a thing, and that wild look in Jax’s eyes had made an appearance more than once. But it was always so brief. I still had no idea what to make of it.

Holding me firmly, the prince tugged me toward him. Heat from his side crawled up my body, and my core clenched. Gods and Goddesses, don’t make a fool of yourself, Elowen.

The prince curled me into his side, the satin gown easily moving and swaying to accommodate the gesture.

Another party of siltenites landed in the clearing, wealthy fae from the looks of it, and the attendant rushed to help them, giving us a moment of unobserved privacy.

A flare of magic puffed from Jax, and since it was similar to what I’d felt on the ship, I knew he’d just cast a silencing Shield. “We’ll see the king first, pay our respects, then we’ll search the grounds.”

Everyone in the group dipped their heads.

The six of us stepped away from the clearing, Jax leading the way. His hand held mine firmly, his grip pleasantly smooth. Within minutes, we were striding toward the palace.

Banging sounds came in the distance as well as the scent of magic being cast. With the Matches only weeks away, it appeared the king had called in siltenites to help complete the final touches of construction after all. Just west of us, a female siltenite stood near several wildlings. Her hands wove through the air, and a large turquoise banner lifted under her magic.

I smirked and wondered if Lillivel was also watching. My assistant had said it would be smarter to hire siltenites with telekinetic magic, and she’d been right. The main construction was now complete, only cosmetic displays being added, and from the looks of it, even those minor details would be finished by nightfall.

Neither Jax, Trivan, or Alec paid the Matches much attention. They seemed intent on assessing the distant barns. Only Lars and Phillen continually scanned the area, their guarding duties taking center stage.

Automatically, I fell into the role I was asked to play and stepped even closer to Jax.

His breath hitched when I grazed his side, but when I glanced up at him, he continued striding forward, his hand securely wrapped around mine.

We ambled along the palace’s expansive lawn. Several servants gaped when they spotted us, and I had no doubt a few recognized me.

We didn’t ask for help, though. Since it wasn’t the first time Jax had visited the Faewood Kingdom palace, he knew where the entrances were and made a show of escorting me. When we dipped past the fountains and opulent gardens, he slipped his arm around my waist and drew me even closer before leaning down to nuzzle my neck.

My breath caught. In a blink, my heart was pattering so quickly I felt lightheaded even though Jax had explained to me on the carpet that this was all for show. These actions meant nothing. Jax was now my new guardian in the eyes of the Faewood throne. But not only that, he was also my new lover. It was the ploy he’d come up with to trick the king. King Paevin knew that I’d been abducted. He’d sent Lordling Neeble as a backup to secure me if Guardian Alleron failed. Only thing, the king had no idea what had become of me since my guardian had never returned and neither had Lordling Neeble.

But while my guardian was currently locked within Stonewild’s palace, Lordling Neeble and his party were all dead and buried deep within the Ustilly Mountains. And considering they were all under feet of mountainous soil, I had a feeling their remains would never be found, effectively leaving King Paevin in the dark as to what had happened to them.

Consequently, Jax had taken it upon himself to create a new narrative, similar to what he’d done with his parents and his kingdom’s council. Since I’d been seen with the Dark Raider in Stonewild, he decided to let that work to his advantage and say that he saved me from the ruthless brute in Fosterton while he was there on his hunt.

If asked, I was to say that the prince had learned of my abduction and that he paid the Dark Raider handsomely to release me. Now that he’d bought me and had me secured, he was my rightful new guardian per siltenite law. Even King Paevin couldn’t refute that.

Although, Jax had taken it upon himself to add another twist. In the time since he’d rescued me, he’d also become my lover, and I’d grown infatuated with him. Unlike Guardian Alleron, who I obeyed due to law and the fatherly love I’d once felt for him, with Jax, I obeyed due to lust.

And Jax felt the same.

In other words, no payment the king could offer would have Jax selling me back to Faewood.

I had to admit, it was a good plan. But the way my body was genuinely reacting to Jax’s close presence was another matter entirely. And Alec’s claim that the prince actually had feelings for me began to feel more real with every step we took. Because if he truly didn’t, would he have spun this tale?

Memories of Jax’s attentive touches in the palace’s bath following his calling and the soothing caresses the night my collar had been loosened reared in my mind. He’d acted so caring toward me on a number of occasions. And sometimes, the way he stared at me...

At times, he looked positively hungry .

But I quickly shoved those thoughts away. Speculating now on what all of that could mean, could very well end in disaster if I grew too distracted. Not to mention, Jax was to eventually marry another. Even if I did desire him, and even if he desired me, in a full season’s time, it would have to end because I would not be his mistress. I’d thought about it repeatedly during the past few days, and such a future wasn’t what I wished for myself.

We rounded the final turn to the front of the palace, and Jax whispered, “Put your arm around me, darling. If we’re going to convince the king, you have to play the part.”

His husky endearment had goosebumps sprouting along every inch of my skin, and a quickening in my belly had my insides flipping.

My magic stirred, writhing inside me at the feel of his aura brushing around mine. A faint sting came from my collar, but it was trivial and made ignoring it easy. Yet it wasn’t lost on me that it was the umpteenth time my magic had reacted in such a way to Jax. It was almost as though my lorafin powers had a mind of their own when the prince was near.

Embarrassment heated my cheeks, but I did as the prince requested. I curled my arm around his toned waist, my fingers grazing the side of his abdomen.

A very low, contented purr came from his throat, so brief that it could have been a trick of the wind.

Lars and Phillen marched at our sides, their focus honed into everything around us. But none of the wildlings approached us, probably because Jax sauntered toward the palace stairs as though he owned the place.

The second the royal guards spotted him, they bowed deeply and opened the large doors. Silent white stone swung outward as they murmured a greeting to the foreign royal.

Wildling servants quickly stood to attention when Jax and I climbed the steps and walked inside the palace’s grand entryway. Soaring walls, hanging tapestries, and an elegant crystal chandelier suspended with magic greeted us.

“Good morning, Prince Adarian.” The same ramifin wildling who had led me through the corridors only a few weeks ago to perform three callings for King Paevin bowed deeply to Jax. He wore the same attire as before—brown trousers and a turquoise top with white buttons. When he straightened, his gaze slid to me. Eyes popping, he exclaimed, “Lady Elowen!”

I dipped my head. “Good morning.”

“Is that really you?” The wildling gaped, then stuttered, “The king, he’s been...he’s been very concerned about you. We’ve received devastating news about your guardian, but as for Lordling Neeble, we...I mean, we’d hoped he’d eventually rescue you, but he hasn’t returned either.”

“Lordling Neeble?” I cocked my head innocently. “I didn’t realize the lordling had been sent to find me, but as for my guardian...” I shuddered. “It is absolutely horrible what’s happened to him. I haven’t seen him since Lemos. Not since the Dark Raider...” I brought a hand to my mouth as a soft sob escaped me.

“Is your guardian all right, Lady Elowen?” the servant asked, genuine worry in his voice.

I shook my head rapidly. “I don’t know. In Lemos, he rescued me from the Dark Raider, but when we were escaping through the Wood...” A tremble racked my entire body, and Jax growled.

Shielding me from the servant, Jax said, “I would ask that you not upset my lady. That entire experience has been quite traumatic for her.”

The servant’s eyes widened. “Oh, of course, I meant no disrespect, Your Highness. I was simply surprised to see her since no one’s seen or heard from her, and we received such devastating news about?—”

Another growl from Jax cut him off. In a glacial tone, the prince added, “The only one who rescued her was me , and Elowen’s abduction has left her with nightmares and harrowing memories. I would advise you not to bring it up again.”

The servant immediately bowed. “Of course. My sincerest apologies, my prince. Please, follow me.”

The servant set off down the hall, and the six of us followed. I made sure to stay locked in Jax’s arm, sniffling along the way.

The aura around Jax soared as I stayed glued to his side. Leaning down, he nipped the skin along my neck. “You’re doing brilliantly.”

My lungs seized when his teeth grazed my skin.

We stayed in our close embrace the entire time we followed the servant, and a flurry of whispers erupted from the staff we passed.

But even though this was all an act, and even though I was pretending to be distraught at what I’d experienced, the exact opposite was actually occurring inside me. A flame of heat erupted in my core. Goddess . Embarrassment surged through me that Jax’s touches and nips were arousing me, after pretending to be sick with distraught about my abduction nonetheless.

Jax’s nostrils flared, and my embarrassment turned to mortification since he probably scented my arousal.

Trivan snickered behind us, and Alec coughed. Only Lars and Phillen retained their composure, but I still wanted to sink through the floor.

But even though my heart was thundering, I stayed plastered to Jax’s side the entire way and was thankful for my former guardian’s charades. Acting was like breathing to me since I’d played so many roles in my lifetime. This was simply another one that I automatically fell into.

We rounded another corner, and the familiar chambers where the king accepted guests appeared.

“If you would be so kind as to wait here, I shall let the king know you’ve arrived.” The wildling stepped aside to give us room to enter the chambers.

“Thank you.” Jax tugged me with him, his touch blatantly possessive to anyone watching.

Mutely, I followed since my tongue was currently refusing to work.

The servant bowed again, then left, leaving the six of us alone to wait for the king.

The vast sitting area was filled with decadent couches, chairs, and chaise lounges. A breathtaking view of the palace gardens spread out before the windows. Magic shimmered around the windowpanes, keeping the outside noise at bay. A tray filled with sweets and savories sat on a nearby table. Jax helped himself to one of the petite pies and popped it into his mouth. When I went to grab a piece of chocolate for myself, though, his fingers snatched it before I could.

“Allow me.”

My eyes widened when he brought the chocolate to my mouth. “But...the king and staff aren’t here to see this,” I whispered quietly under my breath.

His eyes only darkened as he settled the chocolate against my lower lip. “I don’t like breaking my roles once I’m in them.” He pushed the sweet more against my lip, and I opened my mouth.

Slowly, he slid the chocolate inside, and my tongue flicked against it.

His aura grew, swelling around him to a palpable level as he watched my lips, his gaze once again hungry .

I sank my teeth into the chocolate and bit off a small bite. His eyes never left my mouth as I chewed and swallowed it.

He brought the remaining chocolate to his own mouth, and watching his lips close around it—around something that had just touched my tongue—created a mortifying stirring in my core.

Alec coughed again, and Trivan wasn’t even trying to hide his smirk, but Lars pointed to the map above the fireplace. “Why does the king have a framed map of the Solis continent and not our continent?”

Thankful for the distraction, I was about to comment to the guard that I’d once wondered the exact same thing, but then the king’s booming voice called from the doorway, “Prince Adarian! Such a pleasure to have you join us for the Matches in my kingdom.” The king bustled toward us. “I hear you just arrived, and—” He stopped short. “Elowen?”

It struck me that it was quite possibly the first time the king had ever said my name aloud. Normally, he referred to me as the girl or something else that was equally abhorrent.

The king glanced between the two of us, his eyes widening even more. “I don’t understand. What are you doing with the prince?”

“Your Majesty,” the servant said from behind him, rushing into the room. “I tried to tell you?—”

“Leave us,” the king said dismissively, waving him away, and the servant exited the chambers, shutting the doors behind him.

Trivan bowed to King Paevin. “Prince Adarian is Elowen’s new guardian, my king.”

All of the males automatically dipped into bows, and I curtsied. Yet despite those gestures, Jax’s arm around me never faltered.

When we straightened, the king opened and closed his mouth, but no words came out. Wide eyed, he assessed all of us again.

“What in the realm are you talking about?” he finally blurted. “Last I heard, she’d been rescued by her guardian in Lemos, only to have the Dark Raider attack them in the Wood. All of the guardian’s hired hands returned in the days following that botched rescue, stating they didn’t remember much after waking upon the Wood’s road, only that they believed the Dark Raider was behind it.” He huffed. “But her guardian never returned, and neither did you .” He turned his attention on me.

I shuddered and curled into Jax. His arm tightened around me.

The king’s brow furrowed. “Explain if you would. How are you with Prince Adarian of all fae?”

“He...” I sniffed again. “The Dark Raider took both of us. Like you said, my guardian tried to rescue me, but in the Wood...” Another sob lifted my chest, and I brought a hand to my mouth to stifle the sound.

“The prince bought her from the Dark Raider,” Trivan said with authority in his voice. “My prince learned of her abduction from those who saw her with the Dark Raider, and he bartered for her release. And it’s a lucky thing that he did. She was in rough shape when we finally got her away from that dastardly male.”

“ Bought her?” The king’s gaze immediately settled on Jax. “You bought her from the Dark Raider? You actually gave that mongrel rulibs?”

“I did,” Jax replied easily. “He had her in Stonewild when the exchange occurred. I saw it as my duty given what soil they were on.”

The king’s cheeks turned ruddy. “But how...how could such a thing happen? We’ve been searching for her since the day she was taken. Her guardian went off first thing the next morning even though he was injured. And I sent multiple hunting parties to secure the borders throughout my kingdom, just to ensure her safe venture home. All of those parties didn’t find anything except for Lordling Neeble’s group. He sent a dillemsill as soon as he located her, but nobody’s heard from him since. Have you heard any word?”

“Lordling Neeble?” Jax arched an eyebrow, his face a portrait of innocence. “I’m afraid I have no idea who that is.”

“My king, I fear the Dark Raider still has my guardian,” I said in a small voice, “but I don’t know how he fairs. As for Lordling Neeble...” I lifted my shoulders. “I didn’t realize other parties had been sent to search for me as well, but I never saw him.”

“You didn’t?”

I shook my head. “Are you sure he said that he’d found me? Perhaps he was mistaken?”

The king frowned. “Granted, it was the middle of the night when that dillemsill arrived, but the message said he was positive he’d found you.” He harrumphed. “And the rest of you?” the king demanded of Jax and his friends. “Do you know where her guardian or Lordling Neeble are?”

One by one, they shook their heads, their faces filled with looks of genuine confusion and bafflement. It appeared I wasn’t the only gifted actor in the group.

The king huffed. “I’ll have to assume the Dark Raider still holds Guardian Alleron, which doesn’t bode well for him I’m afraid. But as for Lordling Neeble, we can only hope for his safe return eventually.” Taking another deep breath, the king placed his hands on his hips. “But as for the matter at hand, I’m in your debt for returning my lorafin to me safely, Prince Adarian. I shall of course pay you for her. I just thank the stars you were able to secure her release.” He held out his hand to me, his face expectant.

A flash of panic flipped my stomach, but before I could say anything, Jax replied in a cold tone, “She’s not for sale. I bought her, and I’ve ensured she’s stayed safe, unlike what occurred here in Faewood. Under siltenite law, that means she’s mine .”

My eyes widened at the possessiveness that one word exuded, but I quickly schooled my expression into contrition.

“Yours?” the king arched an eyebrow in amusement, but then his mouth tightened when Jax’s expression didn’t relent. “Surely, she doesn’t wish to live in Stonewild. Faewood is her home.”

The prince’s expression turned into unrelenting stone. “No, she won’t be living in Faewood. Elowen’s mine now.”

“But, she’s?—”

“King Paevin,” I said in a rush, “I’m honored that you went to such endeavors to try to ensure my safety, but I can assure you that I’m perfectly safe now that I’m in Stonewild and free of the Dark Raider, and I can assure you that I’m most content even if it’s a new kingdom.” I gazed up at the prince and pulled my bottom lip suggestively into my mouth. “The prince has become more than just my guardian. I’m very happy to stay with him.”

A satisfied grin emerged on Jax’s face, his earlier ire vanishing. He leaned down and kissed my neck, and his scent clouded around me.

My entire body shivered, and I just hoped Jax didn’t know that such a response wasn’t an act.

The crown prince placed another kiss on my neck, his lips lingering before he lifted his head, almost regretfully.

Heart pounding, I somehow managed to understand the prince’s next words.

“The feeling’s mutual, as you can see, Your Majesty.” His voice was slightly husky, his eyes hooded when he looked at me. “No price could tear her from my side.” His grip around my waist tightened. “Lady Elowen is absolutely fine and perfectly content to stay mine.” The weight of his words hung in the air as his attention stayed locked on my face. “I consider myself very lucky to have acquired such a treasure. I can understand your envy however, Your Majesty, but I do hope you will respect our common law.”

The king’s jaw muscle began to tick. “But she was a lorafin of my kingdom.”

“And now she’s a lorafin of mine .” Jax’s gaze cut to the king. Malice dripped in Jax’s tone, and his immediate reply only made the king’s cheeks redden further. “As I said, I do hope you respect our common law.”

The king’s nostrils flared, and his eyes turned to beady slits. The energy around him grew, and the temperature in the room dropped. It grew so cold from his air elemental magic, that for a moment, I could see my breath.

My heartrate sped up, and I thought for certain the king was going to explode in a fit of rage. But some of the crimson color finally leeched from his skin. Another moment passed by, and the room warmed again.

Finally, the king dipped his head, even if the movement looked forced. “Very well, but if you should ever tire of her, I do hope you shall give me precedence to buy her back.”

I stiffened, and the heat from Jax’s side climbed. “I shall indeed keep that in mind.”

A warring emotion passed between the two royals, and I held my breath as I waited to see if the king would do anything else.

Thankfully, he didn’t and instead gestured to the sofas. “Please sit,” he said stiffly.

Plenty of sweets and savories still waited on the tray sitting on the table. The king snapped his fingers at the servants in the corner. “Bring my finest port.”

The wildlings bowed and rushed to do his bidding.

We spent the next hour with the king, engaging in pleasantries and a few political discussions. The entire time, Jax kept me close, his arm locked around my waist. His fingers continually ran up and down my side, brushing the bottom of my breast at times. His skimming motions were entirely distracting and embarrassingly arousing. One would never guess that internally he was probably raging that we were wasting so much time here versus searching for Bastian. But the prince was a master at deception. Outwardly, he seemed perfectly content to engage in conversation while driving me mad with lust.

Several times, I completely lost track of what was being discussed. Jax’s fingers and the hardness from his thigh commanded all of my attention, and I had to remind myself that even if he did desire me, this was still an act.

Thankfully, nobody seemed interested in a caged lorafin’s opinion anyway, not even when Jax tried to pull me into the discussion, asking my thoughts and feelings about matters. Each time he did, I opened my mouth to reply, my mind scrambling with what they’d recently said, but it was all for naught. The king merely waved his hand dismissively and stated such things were best kept between the males.

I bristled inwardly at that, even though I wasn’t surprised.

After the necessary formalities of a royal visiting another kingdom were completed, King Paevin finally stood. “Well, I’m sure you’re eager to be on your way.”

If you only knew. I pushed to standing, and Jax’s fingers curled into my side, heat filling his aura.

The king waved toward the door. “Enjoy the Matches, and do let me know if you need anything during your stay.”

Jax bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your generosity, but we shall try not to be a burden. We’ll be staying at my private residence in Leafton.”

The king grunted. “As you wish.”

The others bowed as well, and I somehow managed a curtsy.

“Elowen?” Jax gestured toward the door, keeping his arm firmly anchored around me.

I leaned into him, my breasts squashing against his hard chest.

His breath sucked in, and a low sound came from his throat. His fingers curled even more around me, his touch hot and possessive. It didn’t have the ownership upon it that I always felt with my former guardian, but something else clung to his touch, something that made my breath catch and my insides turn molten.

The king watched us when we passed, his attention dipping to our close proximity, and Goddess, he even inhaled, making me wonder just how potent my arousal had become. But at least it played into the game Jax and I had woven.

Still, I had to remind myself on our walk back to the main doors that even though Jax’s touches showed the realm that he was my new guardian and lover, I knew that underneath it all, he was simply playing his part, even if he did desire me on some level.

And a part of me did wonder if there was some genuineness to his acts as Alec had claimed. Because every time the king had looked at me with envy, Jax’s side had pressed closer to mine, as though shielding me.

And every time the king had approached the subject during the past hour, of perhaps using me as his lorafin once more, the aura around Jax had swelled to a feverish pitch.

Throughout it all, Jax’s decision had held firm, keeping the king at bay. One thing I knew for certain, he’d made it clear to the king and anyone watching that in no unspoken terms, I was his and his alone.

And more than once, that hadn’t felt like an act, making me wonder if a part of Jax truly did view me as his.