Page 34 of Kissed By Songs of Lilies

With that thought, I was filled with resolve. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. If Hawthorne told the Fae King, so be it.

So far, Hawthorne had been one of the most pleasant fae I had encountered. I didn’t want to deceive him, but I wasn’t sure I could trust him with the whole truth. Not yet.

So, I smiled sadly and looked at my shoes. "Yes," I admitted. "My sister was taken as a fae bride many years ago. I wish to find her and invite her to my wedding."

He appraised me for a moment, and I could tell his mind was turning. He knew I was lying. I was almost certain of it. Finally, he spoke, "Being stolen away to a strange world must be"–he paused as if searching for the right word–"difficult. I must admit I find the tradition unsavory. No offense intended."

That was an understatement. "That’s kind of you. It has been difficult. There are few humans on the island, not even many with human lineage in their family trees such as yours. It can be a bit isolating."

He nodded as if making up his mind right then and there. He flashed that kind smile once more. "It would be my honor to help reunite the two of you."

My heart leaped in my chest. Really? He would help? I couldn’t believe my good fortune at running into him. Finally, the tides of fate were turning in my favor once more.

"What is her name?" he asked.

"Briar," I said softly.

He nodded as if committing her name to his memory. "I’ll make some quiet inquiries. Where can I find you?"

I decided on the spot that this library would be a part of my new daily routine. So, I said, "I often come here during the day."

He nodded. "Very well. It was a pleasure to meet you, Princess Georgia."

I inclined my head, a grin still pulling at the corners of my lips. "And you, Hawthorne."

Before he left, he thumbed through my stack of books and handed me the one entitled, Glimmering Gardens and the Secrets They Keep. "Start with this one," he said with a knowing nod.

Then he disappeared, leaving me with my stack of books.

CHAPTER 17

The Fae King

Even I couldn’t justify skipping an entire week of council meetings. Not when the Unseelie Queen was so obviously testing my weaknesses. There was no chance Georgia had simply wandered into her path.

The Unseelie were growing bolder.

If my suspicions were correct, there would be more testing of our defenses. Perhaps, my council would have more news tonight. So, I dutifully made my way to the council chambers, hoping the meeting would be filled with its usual tedium—boring political machinations, posturing, and favor swapping.

I reached the council entrance at the same time as him, the vicious little viper. "Hawthorne," I said, inclining my head so little I wasn’t sure it was perceptible.

He paused and swept into a dramatic bow. "Greetings, my king. You are well?"

I wanted to say I was exceedingly well, but that would have been a lie, which was why the wretched snake had asked in the first place. So, instead, I replied, "Better than I deserve."

After all, why should I deserve to be exceedingly well? I was a fool king who had been cursed by an imp of a human witch, scarcely five feet tall. I had a tenuous grasp on my crown, and I was putting the entire isle at risk in this weakened state.

Hawthorne’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, but his expression quickly turned to polite concern. "And your bride? How does she fare? I heard she had an encounter with the Unseelie Queen."

"Did you?" I asked through gritted teeth. What part did he play in all this? I already had Harry and Rosie watching over Georgia, but perhaps, I needed to add on to her guard. How would it look to my people and council if I couldn’t protect my own bride?

Within the castle, the council room was hidden in the safe, sturdy trunk of an ancient tree. Perfect for deadening sound from any passing eavesdroppers and camouflaged from those who might expect such a meeting to take place in a grand hall. The tree spirit also had a mind of his own, occasionally picking up roots and moving when the mood struck.

As we ducked through the tree’s hollow and entered the council chambers, I was able to slip away from Hawthorne and his not-so-subtle fact finding mission. The rest of my council was already milling around the small, wooden room.

Upon my entrance, several of them came to greet me with jovial smiles, congratulations, and hearty claps on the back. Now, this was a victory. It didn’t seem like anyone thought my soul was rotting now. I was soon to be a happily married man, after all.

"Congratulations on your new bride! Tell us how you wooed her," said one of the elder members with a fond smile.

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