Page 68 of Fae King's Secret Baby

“Sounds like it,” she agreed. “So now you’re going back to the castle. Again,” she tittered.

“I am,” I agreed, opening the fridge. My stomach rumbled suddenly, and I wanted to snack on something. My eyes widened with interest when I saw the takeout that Nyx had brought tucked away nicely in the corner.

When did he have a chance to do that?I mused, shaking my head. My firefighting, fae-saving king. And he still had time to take care of my food, so it wouldn’t spoil.

“Does that mean he’s going to make you his queen now?” Tristiana asked slyly.

I almost dropped the container of curried vegetables all over the floor. “Uh… I don’t know about that,” I replied. “It’s not like we’re fated mates or anything.”

“Hmmm…”

“What?” I demanded.

“That’s a lot less convincing than the answer you gave last time when I asked you. Last time, you were pretty adamant that he wasn’t making you queen because you were just a poor fae from the wrong side of the tracks.”

I was glad Tristiana couldn’t see the plum shade of my face. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I informed her haughtily.

“You’re going to be a queen!” Tristiana squeaked. Her voice fell. “Oh, but there’s no way we’re going to be working together if that happens.”

“You’re getting a little ahead of yourself. Anyway, I have to go. I’m starving, and the movers are going to be here any minute.”

“Sure. Rush off the phone when the questions get interesting,” Tris teased, and I rolled my eyes.

“You could have come and helped pack,” I retorted.

“Can’t. You took the day off to go be queen, so someone has to work, remember?” Tristiana quipped back. “Love you! Bye!”

She hung up a second before the microwave beeped, and I pulled my steaming meal out.

I glanced at my watch, and my phone beeped.

Nyx:Are they there yet?

I shoveled my first forkful of perfectly seasoned cauliflower into my mouth, my stomach gurgling with pleasure as I used my left hand to reply.

Me:Not yet.

Nyx:I’ll call and see what’s taking them so long. They should have been there already.

I put another mouthful of food through my lips and used both hands to send a message back.

Me:Don’t bother. I’m in no rush, and I’m sure they just got delayed. I’m fine waiting.

Nyx:You are too good, you know that, Little Muse? I’m going to pop by at lunchtime.

I glanced at my watch again, realizing that it was almost eleven thirty.

Me:What are you even doing on your phone right now?

He wasn’t supposed to use his cell during sessions with the Council of Ministers.

Nyx:I’m the Alpha King of Steelshire. I can do whatever the fuck I want.

“Maren!”

I jumped, the fork and phone both clattering out of my hand. Instantly, my head turned toward the front door, but my movements were slow, sluggish, as if I were underwater.

“Mar-en!” came the singsong cry again.

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