Page 121 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Only that the key to what I sought, the key to getting exactly what I needed, would be found in Greenhollow.”

Playing dumb, I cocked my head and pursed my lips. “What could you possibly have needed from a farming village?”

Nox flipped me to my back, settling between my legs. “Oh, I think you know the answer to that, little menace.”

“Stop calling me a menace,” I giggled.

“Never,” he vowed, nipping and sucking along the column of my throat. “Now, we only have a little over an hour before we have to deal with real life. You still owe me for being a good patient.”

The rock of his hips was all it took to distract me from the ramblings in my mind. My king spent the next hour collecting on his debt.

I thought I might have to try to owe him forever.

Twenty-Four

Aeryn

Nox cleared his throat, gaze sweeping the courtyard. The bodies of the fallen had vanished, spirited away by magic. Only stains of blood remained, dark against the cobblestones, something he'd insisted remain for the time being.

What was with the Scullbrook brothers and blood stains?

“Let it be known that Portia and Rodrik Brandenburg are traitors to the crown and responsible for the death of my father, King Orson,” Nox announced, voice ringing with authority. “Cowardly, they used a poison for which we had no cure.”

Shocked gasps and murmurs flowed through the crowd. They'd obviously seen how the fight began, but Nox hadn't let out detailed information about his father's passing.

“They are also responsible for multiple attempts to end the Scullbrook line. I know not how deep their treachery runs in Falcondale, but rest assured I will not be satisfied until I have uncovered the identities of every being who supported, assisted, and co-conspired with them. Any involvement or knowledge of their betrayals will not go unpunished. No one who has been involved in their plotting in any way is safe from my wrath.”

His words echoed across the courtyard, hanging over the crowd like a weight about to fall upon their heads.

“In light of the heinous acts committed today by our enemies, Lady Aeryn and I will wed soon, likely within the fortnight.”

My spine stiffened and I completely lost my focus for a moment. Nox had made no mention of such a thing.

More whispers rippled through the crowd. I felt the weight of stares, judging and calculating.

“You are hereby released from Thornewood. Return to your homes immediately.”

Nox stepped down to meet me, offering his arm. I curled my hand around the solid warmth of his forearm and let him lead me down the stairs. The sea of fae parted for us, a mix of emotions flickering over their faces.

We paused before Sofiya and her family. Nox inclined his head to them. “You have my gratitude, for the care you have shown Aeryn over the years. You will always have a place at court.”

Sofiya's eyes shone with tears as she curtsied. “You honor us, Your Majesty.”

I hugged her fiercely, blinking back my own tears. She had been my first true friend in a world that had taken so much from me.

“We'll plan a visit soon,” I promised. “I'll send a coach for you if I can't get away from here.”

I'd all but begged her to stay earlier, but Sofiya had insisted she return to the village with her parents. Part of me thought she might have considered it if Lorne had spoken up, but the big dummy had stood mute, studiously ignoring her.

I had plans to corner him in the near future.

Nox guided me onward, toward a line of waiting carriages. An army of soldiers on horseback surrounded the vehicles.

The footmen at the center carriage hurried to open the doors. I balked, glancing at the coach's plush interior. “Where are we going?”

Amusement crinkled the corners of Nox's eyes. “Did you think I would simply announce our betrothal and let that be the end of it? Tradition dictates royal couples ride to the Temple of Aine, where,” he paused, bending closer, “we make our union official in front of our countrymen atop the altar of the gods. Though, I suppose bent over it would do, as well.”

Heat flooded my face as I stared at him. Where did all the air go?

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