Page 62 of Chosen By the Fae King

“I'm surprised they're so gleeful about it,” my friend lamented. “And disappointed.”

“Few predators would bow out of a hunt, Sofe.”

She turned her amber eyes on me. “But to laugh with joy? Like it's a game of cards? I don't think so.”

“Aren't you going after your prize?” Nox interrupted, coming to stand beside us.

“Sofiya and I don't care to compete for companionship.”

Sofiya laughed then immediately clamped her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she apologized, words muffled.

“No worries, Lady Sofiya. I find my little hellion every entertaining.”

She made bug eyes at me. I ignored her as much as I ignored the flutters I felt over his wording.

“I can see you, Sofiya,” Nox declared dryly, dropping the formalities. “Why don't you go over to the gate with Lorne while I have a quick word with Aeryn?”

She curtsied and jogged over to the big blonde with a permanent scowl. Once she was out of hearing range, Nox spoke.

“You're still bound by the rules, Aeryn, so I can't have you sit out. I expect you not to do anything stupid out there. I've taken extra precautions, but I can't save you from yourself.”

“If you meant to offend, it worked,” I huffed. “You think I asked the wraith to pull me into the river?”

He grabbed my chin. “Stay safe. That's an order from your king.”

With that, he released me and stalked into the forest, leaving me alone with nothing but the echo of his words and the memory of his touch burning my skin.

Vexing male!

When a few excited shouts drifted through the trees, I gritted my teeth. Someone had noticed the king was finally out on the hunt.

“Come on,” Sofiya called and I slipped into the forest behind her.

Shockingly, Lorne took up the rear, too close to me for comfort. “Any particular reason you're imitating my shadow, Prince Lorne?”

“Yes.”

I looked back over my shoulder at the frowny fae. “That's it? Just yes?”

“Reword your question.”

“Okay. Prince Lorne, why did you hover over me in the armory and then follow me into the forest?”

“Ask my brother.”

I glared at him. Sofiya giggled and both sides of his mouth lifted, almost into a full smile. By the gods. The angry bear really did have a thing for my friend.

This was far more interesting than interrogating him for playing bodyguard. Hearing the rush of water nearby, I wasn't going to pretend I didn't feel safer with him close by.

After a short time, we came to a small clearing. Sofiya pointed, having spotted a deer picking its way through the brush. No one pulled their weapon. In fact, Sofiya was looking like she might try to go over and give it a hug.

“Let's keep exploring,” I whispered, not wanting to scare the deer. “We have a lot of time to kill and I'd like to map out the areas just in case we end up here during the trials.”

Lorne grunted something that could have been the word smart.

“Look at you handing out compliments, Sir Lorne. I knew you had it in you,” Sofiya patted his arm. He chuckled wryly and Sofiya beamed.

I couldn’t decide if I should worry about her flirting with the Prince of Falcondale. Too distracted, I chose a direction and started walking.

---