Page 10 of Taken By the Fae King

Kyven is friends with Varys—the Dark Elf King. My sister, Inara, has this ability as well, and I know not if she has told her new husband that I do too. And if she has, did Varys then tell Kyven?

In the wrong hands, my curse could become a weapon. Is that why he truly wants me?

Fae cannot lie, so I will ask him for the truth.

“Do you know of my sister’s curse?”

“Curse?” He regards me a moment before answering. “If you are speaking of her visions, Varys has told me of them. Though some would consider this ability a rare gift.”

Perhaps some might think so, but not me. It has only ever been a burden. “Did he tell you that I have them too?”

“No, he did not.”

“Now that you know, would you use my… ability against your enemies?”

His brow furrows deeply. “If you were my queen, they would beourenemies,” he says pointedly. “But no, I would never force you to use your gift if you did not wish to.”

“It is hardly a gift.” Lowering my gaze, I fold my hands in my lap. “Truth be told, it is not something I can call upon at will anyway. It simply happens sometimes when I dream. Magic has only recently become accepted in Florin, now that the Mages are no longer in control. And my visions are still something that many people fear because of it.”

“Were you in danger because of this?” he asks.

My eyes snap up to his. Before they were our enemies, the Order of Mages were the protectors of not only Florin, but several other human kingdoms. They used their dark powers to keep the Fae, Elves, and Otherworldly beings from using their magic in our lands. But according to their laws, any humans found to possess any hint of magic, were put to death.

“Yes. High Mage Ylari knew our secret. He helped us hide it from his own people. I would have been put to death, along with my sister, if the Order of Mages had ever found out.” I swallow hard. “And I will be if they ever manage to defeat Florin and bring us back under their laws.”

“That will not happen,” he states firmly.

“How do you know?”

“The Order is strong, but not strong enough to stand against both my people and the Dark Elves. And our alliance would mean we would come to Florin’s aid, if they were to invade again.”

His reasons are sound, but I still have more questions. And because he cannot lie, I will ask them bluntly so that I may have the naked truth. “You vowed to treat me as your equal, but is a wife considered the property of her husband according to Fae law?”

“Property?” His head jerks back. “Is that how human males regard their mates?”

“It is how some treat their wives,” I answer honestly. “Especially those acquired as part of a treaty.”

His violet eyes meet mine evenly. “You have my most solemn vow that I would never do that to you, Grayce.”

“Is there anything else I should know about you?” I ask.

“Yes.” He gives me a hesitant look. “I understand what it is to be feared by others. I am one of the few among my kind with the ability to read someone’s mind through the act of touch.”

My mouth drifts open.

“Forgive me. I should have mentioned it sooner.” Guilt shines in his eyes. “I am so used to hiding my… ability. I have not used it in years,” he adds. “It is against Fae law to delve into the mind of another without their permission. I was taught to create a barrier—a shield of sorts to prevent the transfer of thoughts or emotions through touch. And I am always so careful to keep my shields up. I did not think it would ever be a problem.”

“Are you able to maintain your shields while you sleep?”

He hesitates a moment before replying, “I believe so, but I am uncertain.”

I bite my lower lip, considering. “I suppose we could place some pillows between us at night while we’re asleep.”

His head jerks back. “You would sleep in my chambers?”

“We are to be husband and wife, Kyven.” I give him an incredulous look. “Where else would I sleep?”

He blinks several times. “Most Fae couples have separate rooms. They only share a bed for the act of mating, but otherwise—"

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