Page 71 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Because it is.”

“Well, that may be, but I'm not naïve. And I have experience with the opposite sex that you do not,” she rebutted pointedly.

Biting my tongue, I crossed my arms and let her continue her speech. Sofiya did have more experience with the male gender than I did; and I was dying to ask how experienced she was getting with a certain grouchy prince.

“I'm not an idiot,” she told me. “I see how Nox looks at you and how you look at him. I know you're struggling with it. I don't know what's going to happen, but I do know you have never, not once since we've met, given any male the time of day. I believe there's a good reason for that and maybe you shouldn't be a coward about it.”

“I hardly think that–”

Sofiya's hand covered my mouth. “Shh. Don't argue. Just listen. Life has a funny way of not giving us what we want, but offering what we need. It's up to us to reach out and take it.”

“Seriously. Who are you and what have you done with my friend?”

“I'm still me. I'm just tired of being treated like I'm made of glass. I know why you do it, and I love you for it. But Heath didn't destroy me when he left.”

“You're right,” I agreed, “but he left with a piece of you that's been missing for years. Do you realize that's the first time I've heard you say his name since he left Greenhollow?”

Her nose wrinkled. She couldn't argue with the truth.

Lorne came into the room. “Lady Sofiya.”

“I have to go before Prince Growly over there starts yelling at me so I'll be quick. If anything is going to be used against you in this little test, it will be your pride, your anger, or, more likely since I'm sure they're using magic, your newfound emotional entanglement. So choose a path or one will be chosen for you.”

“Did you See something?” I asked quietly.

“I didn't need to.” She patted my cheek like her mother used to do and marched to Lorne, who was tracking her closing the distance with concentrated interest.

They shared a quiet exchange as the door closed behind them and I was left with Sofiya's words ringing in my ears. I wasn't freaking out. Not yet, at least.

What was the path forward? Not just because of whatever was waiting on the other side of that door, but because of what was waiting on the other side of the bridal trials.

I'd already accepted that watching Nox take someone like Zoriyah as a wife, of having to see it, would hurt. But if he took someone worthy, like Astrid or Raina, and was happy to do it, it might break me.

Something, the wild thing, my soul, whatever it was, didn't care about circumstance or consequences. It wanted Nox. No, wanted wasn't a strong enough word. Yearned. Longed. Needed.

I didn't understand why. Sure, he was the most attractive male I'd ever laid eyes on. And he'd made me feel cared for. And acted possessive of me.

He was also a complete asshole sometimes.

But when his hands were on me and his eyes bore into mine, something clicked into place. It was alarming how right it felt.

By the time Lorne called my name, my brain was tired. I stepped past him and into a narrow hall, torches spaced out every ten yards or so. At the end was an arched doorway.

“When I say go, walk to the end and enter the chamber.” Lorne closed the door. “Once inside, you'll see a chalked circle. Step inside the circle and stay put.”

“That's it?”

“Refrain from losing your composure or using magic. You don't have your powers yet, so just focus on the other.”

I took a breath, nodding. “Okay. Thank you, Prince Lorne. Anything else?”

“Don't fuck up.”

“Right,” I laughed nervously. “Stand in the circle. Don't fuck up. Got it. Oh, and I didn't get a chance to say I'm glad you're okay. From the ... you know.”

He watched me guardedly. I waited for a response–or instructions–somewhat used to being under his intense inspection. Lorne bent to put his face level with mine.

“Same,” he whispered. “Now go.”

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