Page 94 of Chosen By the Fae King

“What?,” my mind scrambled momentarily. “Oh, yes. I eliminated some contestants today. From the suspect pool.”

The features of his face sharpened in interest. “Who?”

“Sofiya and Raina first. It was easy to touch Sofiya since she grabs my hand all the time.”

“And?”

“And she's not involved. I could have told you that already, though.”

Nox took a sip looking deep in thought. “And what about the frost nymph?” he asked aloofly.

“Raina knows nothing. She was thinking of how much she doesn't want to win.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“That's because you don't like her.”

He snorted without humor. “That's putting it lightly.”

“Nox, what did she do to you?”

“To me? Nothing. But she broke something in Liam. He hasn't been right since.”

I felt terrible for Liam, but Raina was just as much a victim. “No, her parents did that. She didn't have a choice.”

“There is always a choice, little menace. Even if we don't like the consequences of it, there is always a choice.”

I set my drink on the table and crossed my arms. “It's not that simple, Nox.”

The king exhaled, setting his glass next to mine and taking my hand. He brought it to his lips, kissing my palm. The zing of lust hardened my nipples and settled between my legs.

“Let's agree to disagree. I don't want to spend the evening arguing our points on Liam and Raina.”

“Alright,” I granted, squeezing my legs together. He'd scent me soon if he hadn't already.

“Good.” He tapped a bell near the centerpiece.

The servant arrived with our meal, which was a decadent spread of roasted meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and various delicacies I couldn't even name. My stomach growled at the sight and smell of it all.

“This looks amazing,” I said with genuine appreciation.

“Only the best for my guest,” Nox said with a sly grin.

“Guest, huh? I'm pretty sure a guest arrives to visit willingly.”

The male ignored my slight and asked, “Anyone else?” as he cut into his fowl.

“Just Xerag.”

Nox wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I'm surprised she let you touch her.”

“It wasn't planned. I bumped into her accidently. We both grabbed arms to steady the other. She's focused on surviving and not disappointing her family, not on winning. She's also ready to return home and hates the castle.”

“Now that sounds just like her father. He despises court life.”

“Do you think he’s involved?”

He shook his head. “No. I've known Zeb since I was five years old. He trained me to use a sword. If he wanted my head, he'd have tried to take it with his blade in direct challenge.”

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