Page 52 of Kissed By Songs of Lilies

I frowned. I really should have made time, but I had been distracted by Forrest and shoe salesmen. "A bit. My time has been very limited these last few days."

"Ah, preparations for the revel," he said.

"Yes."

"Save a dance for me?" he asked with that jovial grin.

"Of course."

We reached the front doors, and I paused.

"Would you like me to walk you the rest of the way?" he asked.

"No, thank you. I’m okay on my own."

He inclined his head. "Enjoy your time in the sun."

"Enjoy your time in the library."

Once into the woods, I stepped lightly, trying to make as little noise as possible. I didn’t want to attract unfriendly attention this time. Even so early in the day, it was very hot, and I fanned myself. Perhaps, an afternoon shower would knock down this humidity.

My thoughts on the weather were interrupted as I heard a twig snap behind me. My heart hammered. This was all too familiar. Forrest’s words echoed in my ears, "There are no tricks of the light on the isle." Probably no tricks of sound either.

I walked carefully forward a few paces as if I had heard nothing. Then, suddenly, I whipped around to face my would-be-attacker.

I was practically nose to nose with a beautiful stag. The one that helped rescue me from the Unseelie Queen. He wasn’t alone either. There were at least seven of them visible, though I suspected more had hidden behind trees or lain in the moss.

I looked at the stag in surprise for a moment. Its big, warm brown eyes stared back. Was this the stag that had saved my life the other night? I reached out my hand to pat his nose.

Then I stopped and retracted it. I shouldn’t get attached to this beautiful creature. After all, he had sent him. I was almost certain of it. He was spying on me! I let out a frustrated sigh.

The stag looked at me.

I gazed suspiciously back. "You’re going to tell him where I go, aren’t you, boy?"

He gave me a baleful look, and I relented and petted him. After all, he was only a pawn.

I couldn’t be sure, but I swore I heard a small laugh somewhere in the distance. Was the Fae King out here, too, and if so, why wouldn’t he just show himself?

CHAPTER 28

The Stolen Bride

Ireturned from a long day of working in the greenhouses with the sun setting at my back. My muscles ached, and dirt was caked beneath the tips of my fingernails.

When I reached my bedroom, Rosie was waiting with a large glass of water infused with fae berries and herbs. I accepted it gratefully, sucking half of it down in one gulp. "Thank you."

"You know what would do wonders for your sore muscles? The king’s private hot springs."

"Hot springs?" I echoed hopefully.

"Oh yes, the royal hot springs are filled with minerals for healing and anti-aging."

I didn’t need convincing. A hot soak sounded perfect. Any anti-aging was a delightful bonus. I had seen the fae walking around with their flawless skin and assumed they were all glamoured, but perhaps not. Perhaps, there was something in the water. "How do I get there?" I asked.

"Simply walk toward your bathroom with the intention of the hot springs. The faerie circles will do the rest," Rosie said.

"Should I bring a towel?"

---