Page 45 of Kissed By Songs of Lilies

"Well, the isle’s air combined with our betrothal bond should extend your minuscule lifespan, assuming you can stop running headlong into danger."

I winked. "No promises."

He grinned down at me.

Oh, my stars. Why had I winked? I was flirting with him! What was the matter with me?

Our conversation quieted as we entered the bustling center of the castle and encountered a growing number of onlookers. There was no ceiling here, and I could look straight up at the evening sky. The moon was only a tiny sliver, and it was waning. That meant there were only two weeks until the full moon revel.

The faerie court was out in full force this evening. There were entertainers– gliding, dancing, juggling, or laughing their way through the crowds. There were also dignitaries with straight backs and serious demeanors. Then the most frightening of them all, royals and politicians with their sly, knowing smiles and calculating lips. I knew them well.

"There are so many fae out tonight," I remarked in a soft voice.

"The new moon brings new beginnings," he said. "It’s always busy at this time."

I tried not to let a soft smile flit across my lips. Is that why he wanted to bring me out tonight? Were we one of those new beginnings? Did he hope we were? Did I?

Forrest quieted. Neither of us was foolish enough to air our personal business in front of so many watchful eyes. I supposed that was something we had in common. As royals, we were used to wary, watchful lives of solitude and secrecy. Hyper aware that any casual word or deed could be used against us. But maybe I was giving him too much credit. Maybe he was just entertained by the jugglers.

I had been wise not to wander the castle. Not all of the fae glancing in our direction appeared welcoming. I wondered if taking a human bride was frowned upon or if they simply wanted to kill me. With fae, one could never be certain.

Still, they weren’t all bad. Rosie and Harry were nothing like the bloodthirsty, changeable creatures in our dockside stories. Even Forrest, I supposed.

As we neared the castle’s exit, a ceiling appeared overhead once more, and the walls were tall and vaulted. Ornate pillars of salt stood on each side, carved to look like waves. They ranged in color from pale aqua to pure white to faded coral. Enormous chandeliers dangled, fracturing light against the sea glass floor.

Despite the grandeur, it was still totally wild. Sea oats grew in clumps along the edges of the hallway, and at one point, when we passed an intersecting hallway, I saw marshland. It seemed the fae couldn’t keep nature out, or they simply weren’t inclined to do so.

Soon, we reached the main doors and exited the castle.

"What makes you want to visit our greenhouses?" he asked.

I considered my answer for a moment before replying truthfully, "Your plants are legendary in our kingdom. I’ve seen a few with my own eyes."

"Have you now?"

"Not many. They’re very rare," I lamented.

"Our people aren’t welcome on your shores. Perhaps, you haven’t heard the story of your forebears."

Oh, I had.

Far across the waters lie the old country— a place with dirty, overpopulated cities and sweeping famine. It had been nearly one thousand years since we departed their shores. We were long forgotten now.

Our relationship with the fae had started off badly. We left with one dozen ships, but only three made it past the isle. One with half of its passengers massacred. But I was curious about his version of history. "What do you mean?" I asked.

He snorted. "Your fifteenth great-grandfather trapped and skinned a bear. That bear was my grandfather."

I hadn’t realized how closely Forrest was related to the fae bear from our legends. Something that felt like a campfire story to me was tangible to him. I knew the legend, but he knew the man. "I’m sorry," I said in a low voice.

He shrugged. "Don’t be. He was a brutal man who sowed discord everywhere he went. During his rule, the fae courts were embroiled in a nearly century-long war. His passing was barely mourned."

For the first time, I realized Forrest wasn’t just some ill-tempered immortal god; he was a man. He had family and a past. Had he been forced to fight in those wars? Had he been forced to kill? Had he always held the throne?

Not long after, we reached a series of three massive, domed greenhouses. I looked out at them and I sighed. "They’re beautiful." I quickened my pace, longing to reach their lush interiors.

I heard a low chuckle beside me. "So impatient."

"Well, as you pointed out, I have limited time on this earth. I want to make the most of it."

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