Page 43 of Their Chosen

Arryn laughed. “Yes. Baer's air magic from Spring allows him to form an air shield that reflects the sound waves back to them and keeps the noise from escaping. We didn't want to interrupt your meditation.”

“That's so cool!” I exclaimed, gaping at such an awesome and useful skill. “I must admit, a part of me is eager to learn what I’m capable of. So, what else can you guys do?” I demanded, turning to face Arryn again.

He was still smiling, clearly amused at my eagerness and enthusiasm. “Honestly, there's almost nothing we can't do as fae. The issue is that each fae tends to have different affinities in varying strengths. Only the Queen and Chosen can access the magic of all the affinities of their consorts, which is why they are assigned to help them.”

“So, you're saying I can use each of my consort’s magics, even if I can't access my own?”

“I can't say for sure in your case, since all the Chosen and queens have been able to access their own magic, at least that I know of.” He leaned back on his hands and extended his long legs out in front of him, crossed at the ankles. “But typically, the Chosen are able to access the magic of their consorts by the time the trials begin.”

I mirrored his more relaxed pose. “So why didn't I feel y'all's magic when I was searching for mine? I'd assume that y'all's would be quite evident to me. All of you seem to be strong.”

“I assume you didn't feel our magics because we have yet to confirm our oaths to you as your consorts through a bonding ceremony.”

“What kind of oaths?” My curiosity got the best of me as I considered being able to use air like Baer or to heal like Arryn had. On Earth, the idea was pure fantasy, and to think that these acts were possible fascinated me. If I could have used some of these gifts on Earth, I'd have been able to stop so much from ever happening to me or my girls.

Almost immediately, I recalled the fact that my journey gave me an inner strength and perseverance that I never would have gained without hard times. In my lowest moments, I had always managed to find something within myself that allowed me to push back, making me a true fighter in every sense of the word. The physicality of my training only enhanced that which was already deep within my soul. I was more than a survivor; I was a conqueror.

I smiled to myself at that thought and knew that wherever this journey of life took me, I would always persevere. There was a peace that could burrow itself deep inside when you realized that no matter what, you'd be okay. That peace of mind allowed you to truly embrace everything as it was.

“Our oaths will swear us to be your protectors, your supporters, and your servants in the name of our people and the land from which we have been blessed. We’ll be extensions of your will and are meant to meet any needs that you may have during and after your reign as queen,” Arryn said, meeting my eyes, his passion and honor at having the ability to serve as a Consort evident in every word. It was touching and yet overwhelming at the same time.

I wasn't sure I was deserving of such faith, especially when he knew so little about me. I also wasn't sold on having them be my servants. Knowing what it was like to be on such unequal footing with another, always seen and treated as lesser than, I would never impose that on another. It's not something I would ever allow in my life again, and I never wanted to be the one to demand such an inequality of power.

“Well, I'm not sure I need any protectors, much less servants, so I guess it's a good thing that you guys won't be stuck in those roles once I return to Earth.” I met his gaze, letting my determination shine through so he could see that I wouldn't be swayed in this.

He glanced away, clearly not accepting my decision but choosing not to challenge me. Instead, he nodded and faced me again. “I know that this has all been so very new and strange to you, but I hope you can also see us fae as different to humans. We have different cultures, different priorities, and different ideas on what we find honorable. At the same time, we also have many things in common. I'm here to help you see all those differences and similarities and find the beauty in all of it. While you are with us, know that I am here to help, and my only wish is to support you in whatever you decide is the best course of action for you.”

Smiling sadly at him, I said, “Thank you, Arryn. I'm happy I've had this chance to meet you. You're a good man, and I hope that you'll consider me a friend as well.” I placed a hand on his knee, my first time touching him in such an intimate moment. His body heat seeped into me as we measured each other, a glimpse behind the curtains we both used to hide from the world and others.

He smiled at me. “Alright, friend,” he emphasized the word friend playfully, “I do believe we should be heading back to our suite now. We have much to prepare for.”

He stood and reached a hand down to offer assistance. As he pulled me up, I stumbled over my feet, not expecting the strength he’d used effortlessly, and I laughed out loud.

“Any luck?” Baer asked as he drew closer to us, his skin covered in a sheen of sweat, his shirt clinging to his muscles in the most delectable way. I couldn't help licking my lips, Baer smiling back at me knowingly. Oh, he definitely knew what he was working with.

“What exactly do I need luck for?” I asked, raising an eyebrow and playing coy.

“Alright, Killer.” He laughed, “I mean, were you able to find your magic?”

My smile slipped a little, not loving the idea of failing at my task but also not beating myself up too much since I had so little knowledge about any of this. “I found it, but I couldn't access it. Arryn and I think that whoever made my glamor also made sure I couldn't use my own magic on Earth and locked it away from me somehow.” I frowned at that, turning to Arryn to confirm.

“We were hoping Master Jude would also help us unlock it,” Arryn said matter-of-factly.

“Well, the Queen has already ordered him to remove my glamor, something about not wanting me to look human during the trials,” I told them. Arryn and Baer were a little bit surprised at this, their eyes widening at the information.

“Was that what she was talking to you both about last night after the ceremony?” Arryn asked, as if putting puzzle pieces together in his head.

I simply nodded as Lennox approached, shirtless, his muscles and pale skin providing a devastating contrast that any red-blooded woman would find alluring. He was drinking water as I tracked the sweat that trailed over his chest and rolled to his waist, his low-slung pants providing a glimpse of that “V” that made me want to lick up and down the lines.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry and my skin flushing with heat as I realized the full impact of having these three men next to me. Their presence made it hard to focus. I was used to being around a lot of sweaty, ripped guys on Earth, but this felt different, and I wondered if fae males had something that made them more alluring. Their looks were all at such a completely higher level than I was used to with human men.

I finally met Lennox's eyes, which were hooded as he lowered his water. “Sounds exactly like something Mother would do. She wouldn't want the human servants to get any ideas that they might gain power here if you were allowed to be presented looking like them.” His tone was harsh and with so much disdain that I was slightly taken aback.

I bristled. “We wouldn't want the humans to think they're our equals now, would we? We surely can't have that. If we don’t remove this glamor soon, they might get too many ideas,” I snapped, sarcasm dripping from my words. I heard someone sigh, but my eyes never left Lennox's, glaring at him as if looks could kill. The utter gall.

“Exactly. I'm glad you understand,” he said pompously and with a slight smirk.

I was about to launch myself at him, trembling with the need to punch that smug look off his face, when Baer spoke, “Rhowyn, I'm sure that's not Lennox's feelings on the matter. He was simply letting us know the Queen's thoughts behind her orders.” He glared at Lennox. “Weren't you?”

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