Page 126 of Chosen By the Fae King

Shit.

The significance of possibly carrying a child was not lost on me. Nox was a king and I had been nothing more than an orphaned farmer with a small plot of land.

At the top of the steps, Nox turned to me, his piercing gray eyes probing mine. “Aine rules over the land's fertility and crops, much as you once did, love.”

A flutter rose in my chest at his words, comparing me to a goddess, of all creatures. The King of Falcondale wanted me, despite my humble roots. It was almost too good to be true.

Dwelling on it was a bad idea.

We stepped into the temple, lanterns casting a warm glow over the interior. Vines curled around weathered pillars and the subtle scent of night-blooming flowers perfumed the air.

Continuing through the antechamber, we entered a large open room with a vaulted ceiling that made me feel small. In the center was an altar made of dark marbled stone with symbols carved into its sides.

Candles burned all around, casting gentle light throughout the circular space. More greenery and vivid blooms covered the back wall and spaces between the sconces and tall candelabras.

“It's beautiful,” I murmured, overcome by the romantic setting.

Nox's eyes crinkled at the corners. “Sadly, I cannot take credit. Lorne and Sofiya prepared it for us.”

Warmth bloomed within my chest at the thought of my dear friend and my mate's brother decorating. And that Nox had crafted all this for me.

“One moment, kitten,” he said, releasing my hand and stepping up onto the platform that held the altar.

On either side of the marble structure stood statues of ancient gods in various poses; some offering blessings, others holding stern expressions that seemed to stare right at me.

Nox bowed his head before the one in the center and murmured something in an unfamiliar language as he did so. He then came back, taking my hand and leading me to the altar, the sound of our footsteps echoing off stone.

Through the flames reflecting in his eyes, I saw his beast again. Power and strength radiated from his very being, heating my skin and bringing the wild in me to full attention.

“There she is,” he spoke with that whispery voice he used only when we were alone.

“I cannot thank the gods enough for putting you in my path, Aeryn. My umbral may have chosen you immediately, but I soon followed. A female to wed, not for political gain, but because I want to keep her as my own.”

I swore I heard my pulse echoing all around. The raw emotion in his voice was going to bring me to my knees.

“I know fate brought us together, but I want to honor you in the old ways. Well, minus the sex on the altar in front of an audience. Unless you're willing, of course.”

I snorted nervously.

Nox slowly brought us to kneel in front of the altar, keeping a tight hold on my hands as we faced one another.

“Under the eyes of Aine and the ancestors who watch over us, I pledge myself to you, Aeryn Faulkner of Greenhollow, in all ways from this day forward. Will you pledge yourself to me? Accept me now and forever more?”

His eyes burned into mine. Waiting.

Overcome, tears pooled, blurring my vision. My skin felt tight and I fought to keep my composure. A shuddering breath left my lips when I opened my mouth to reply.

“A simple yes or no, will do, kitten.”

“Yes,” I whispered, crying and laughing simultaneously.

Joy blazed across his face. He hopped up, pulling me into his arms. His mouth found mine as the last of the light faded around us.

Nox's kiss was drugging. My hands tangled in his dark hair. His tongue danced with mine as he backed me up against the closest pillar. I could feel his desire pressing insistently against my belly.

Breaking the kiss, I gasped, “Someone could walk in.”

Nox nuzzled my throat, nipping at the sensitive skin. “Part of me wants them to see you're mine.”

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