Page 67 of Kissed By Songs of Lilies

"Hathorne!" I called, hurrying over.

He laughed and pulled me into a tight embrace, spinning me around once and setting me back down. "You seem to be in fine spirits."

"I’ve had a few cordials," I admitted.

He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Don’t drink the green. I’m only half fae, and they wreck me."

I nodded fiercely. "I have been twice warned." My words were a bit more slurred than I would wish.

"Where is your betrothed?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes and inclined my head toward him.

He frowned. "Politics during his own engagement revel? Poor form.” Then he shook his head. “Forgive me. That wasn’t something I’d repeat.”

I waved away his apology.

“Can I make it up to you with a dance?"

I nodded. "Certainly, fair sir."

He laughed again. "You’re pissed, princess."

"I am not pissed. I am only ever so slightly buzzed," I said in a sing-song voice.

"Absolutely pissed. Come on, let’s see if you can dance it off."

He pulled me into the faerie circle itself. We joined hands with each other and the fae on either side of us. I was next to a woodland nymph. As I grasped her hand, vines shot around my wrist and a petal pink flower bloomed that matched my dress. She smiled warmly at me. Then I was lost in the dance. It was fast and free. My legs kicked, my arms swung, and my body swiveled in time with the ring. I saw how easy it would be to get lost in the movement.

After a few minutes, Hawthorne pulled me out of the ring and to his chest for a dance in the center. It was strange to be so close to another man. His scent was very different from Forrest’s—musk and warm spice. Perhaps, it was because he was half-human and not as connected to the ocean and isle.

The question fell from my lips. "You’re half fae, right?"

His smile dimmed. "Yes, my mother was a stolen bride."

I looked up at him with wide eyes. "I had no idea. I-"

The conversation did not progress. We were interrupted by a firm hand gripping my shoulder. I turned and found Forrest’s piercing eyes locked on mine. "May I cut in?" he asked.

From the look on his face, I could see the answer "no" would be met with a lightning strike and a Hawthorne shaped smudge on the floor. Overhead, the night sky darkened as ominous clouds began to roll in. A distant roll of thunder boomed. A few partygoers turned to stare at us.

"Forrest," I squeaked.

Hawthorne dipped into a shallow bow and placed my hand in Forrest’s. "Of course, my king. Have a pleasant evening."

Forrest pulled me to his chest with a small growl. "Georgia, are you okay?"

"Am I okay?" I exclaimed. "Are you okay? You looked like you were going to call a storm right here in the middle of the revel. Is this about Hawthorne? Are you angry I danced with him?

"Hathorne! How do you know that wretched snake’s name? When did you even meet?"

"Forrest, there’s nothing romantic going on. I met him in the library, and he recommended a few books. We’re just friends."

He growled, "Do not go near that man again."

"You have to be kidding."

"He is dangerous. He works with the unseelie court. You know, the one that tried to kill you."

---