Page 75 of Chosen By the Fae King

He opened the door with his magic. Then he kissed me quickly, spun me around, and swatted my ass. All in front of his brother.

Lorne chuckled and shook his head. “Come on, Lady Aeryn, before he decides to do something rash.”

Dazed, I followed Lorne out.

At lunch, few spoke and even fewer ate. I wondered what others saw, but dared not ask. No one inquired about anyone else’s experience. The spell had wrecked us, temporarily holding the group together with dispirited strings.

The bond wilted and died when we began the second session, in the throne room of all places. Nox was front and center for this one but I couldn't look at him up on the dais, sitting on the steps instead of his throne.

We were presented with a topic of debate and given time to argue our positions. Lorne chose our opponents. Despite the truce I thought we'd reached, he paired me with Zoriyah. Again.

We were last to go. Apparently he really liked torturing me.

The fire fae and I faced each other, the other contestants gathering around. Lorne and Liam stood at the foot of the steps leading up to the throne. They watched with sharp eyes, judging our every word.

“Ladies,” Nox said. “You may begin.”

Zoriyah's smile widened. “Magic is a gift, My King, and should be celebrated. It is what makes us fae. To restrain it is to go against our very nature. I say wield it and show the world your strength.”

“An interesting perspective and one I know the Chancery family preaches.” I kept my tone light, though her words rankled.

“However, uncontrolled power leads only to chaos and destruction. Magic must be wielded responsibly, with respect for how it might impact others. Restraint is necessary for balance and harmony.”

“Spoken like one afraid of her own gifts,” Zoriyah scoffed. “Oh, wait, you don't have any gifts yet. I fear when you finally have access to your well-store you'll avoid using it. Though I suppose manual labor suits some better. A sad state, and yet you think of being queen?”

Heat flushed my cheeks at the insult, but I refused to rise to her bait. If I lashed out now, all would be lost.

“As I've explained before, I have never had my eye on the throne. But my personal aspirations and experiences don't disqualify me from having an understanding. One need not fear power to understand its dangers. A good ruler recognizes both the benefits and risks of magic, and implements laws to ensure it is not abused.”

Zoriyah laughed, the sound full of contempt. “Laws? And who would enforce these laws, I wonder? Those without magic, who cannot begin to comprehend it?” She shook her head, rose-gold hair shimmering.

“Lady Aeryn, magic is not meant to be contained, but recognized for its strength. Your restraint would only lead to discontent and rebellion.”

“And your lack of restraint would lead to chaos.” I stepped forward, meeting her gaze evenly. “A balance must be found. Laws to prevent abuse, yet still allowing magic to thrive. It is the only way for a kingdom to prosper in harmony.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but Lorne held up a hand. “Time.”

Thank the gods. I chanced a glance up at Nox but he was speaking with Liam.

As we filed from the chamber, Zoriyah fell into step beside me. My spine stiffened.

“Well done today.” Her smile seemed genuine, but I didn't trust it.

I couldn't lie and say the same to her. So I said nothing.

Once we reached the first landing on the stairs leading to our rooms, she tugged on my sleeve. I stopped, annoyed, and waited for whatever insult she'd come up with.

“I think we should form an alliance, you and I.”

Not at all what I was expecting. “You can't possibly be serious, Zoriyah.”

The soft curve of her lips came across as patronizing. “Think about it. We could help one another.”

“How?”

“Well, we could agree to help with one another's safety. Watch each other's backs, if you will. As long as you don't try to win, of course.”

Of course. “You intend to watch my back? And you want me to watch yours? The only fae here without access to her well-store, as you so kindly pointed out?”

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