Page 50 of Taken By the Fae King

Stuffing down my tangle of emotions, I turn my attention to Emryll. She pins me with an assessing gaze and a slow smile spreads across her face. “You are disappointed he is not here.”

I blink several times. Am I truly that easy to read? “I—”

“Forgive me,” she says quickly. “I should have warned you.”

“Of what?”

“My gift.” She grins. “Kyven is able to read people through touch, but I am able to get a sense of their emotions simply by being near them.”

“Oh,” I reply, slightly startled by her honesty. I’m so unused to people having any powers, much less freely admitting to them. After all, it was not long ago that the Order of Mages governed the laws as they related to magic in our lands. Anyone found harboring any sort of power was sentenced to death.

My sister and I lived in fear for most of our lives, terrified that someone would discover that we possessed the ability of foresight. Fortunately, High Mage Ylari taught us how to suppress and hide our powers by takingnylweed. Now that there is no need to conceal my abilities, I wonder how powerfully they will begin to manifest.

“I can assure you,” she continues. “My brother is likely just as disappointed, if not more so, as you that he is unable to join you for dinner.”

“Do all Fae possess these kinds of powers?” I ask, curious. “The ability to read someone’s thoughts through touch or someone’s emotions simply by being near them?”

“No.” Her gaze turns thoughtful. “Our history suggests that many of our ancestors possessed these particular gifts. But now, only a handful do.” She arches a teasing brow. “The rumors your people have that the Fae can sense lies… it is from people like Kyven and myself.”

Although I should probably be concerned that they can read people so easily, I find that it doesn’t bother me in the least. I have nothing to hide, and I have always valued honesty and sought the truth above all else.

Emryll cocks her head to the side, frowning. “I worried this knowledge would unnerve you, but I sense only fascination and… approval? Is that correct?” she asks, unsure.

“Yes.”

“Strange,” she mutters more to herself than to me before her expression softens. “Perhaps that is why the goddess has matched you with my brother.”

“What do you mean?”

Sadness flits briefly across her expression. “As I mentioned before, the ones with these gifts are few among my kind. The rare few that possess these abilities… they have difficulty finding a mate.” She sighs. “I suppose the idea of someone being able to read your innermost thoughts or parse your emotions simply by proximity would be disturbing to most.”

“Everyone harbors secrets,” I explain. “Part of us we keep hidden from the rest of the world. But I have always valued honesty.” I lower my gaze. “After witnessing the devastation that lies can have upon a marriage, as it did between my parents, I decided that when I wed, there would be no secrets between me and my partner.”

Tears gather at the corners of Emryll’s eyes as she leans in and rests her hand gently atop my own. “The goddess has chosen well for my brother, and I am glad.” She gives me a watery smile. “I would be honored to call you my sister, if you will allow it.”

Happiness blooms in my chest. I’d not expected to be received so warmly, especially by Kyven’s sister. But I am happy to know I was wrong. I smile. “I would like that.”

Joy seems to radiate from Emryll at my response. Grinning, she leans forward on her elbows. “Tell me all about your human ceremony. I wished I could have been there.”

She sighs as I relay the details. “It sounds so lovely that your entire family and all your friends may gather for such an occasion.”

I frown. “Is that not true for a Fae ceremony as well?”

“No,” she says, a bit hesitantly. “Has anyone spoke to you of the Fae ceremony, and what it entails?”

“I have heard very little about what is expected.” I reply honestly. “But I would appreciate it if you would tell me. I dislike the idea of being unprepared for anything, especially my own bonding ceremony.”

“To receive the highest blessings from the goddess, it is best to bond during the full moon,” she says, leaning back in her chair. “You are fortunate that it will not only be full tomorrow night, but also a silver moon.”

“Why?”

“It is a good omen,” she explains. “Almost every Fae ruler that has been wed beneath its light has had a long and prosperous bonding.”

“What should I do to prepare for the ceremony?” I ask.

“As Kyven’s closest family member, it falls to me to be the one to guide you through the process.” Her small brow furrows. “Although, I’m unsure how your mating flight will work since you haven’t any wings. But I suppose Kyven will figure something out. He—”

“Mating flight?”

---