Page 96 of Taken By the Fae King

“Is this true?” I ask Kyven, and he gives me a reluctant nod. I purse my lips and then turn my attention to Draymon. “I apologize, Healer Draymon. If you would like to leave to get some rest, I—”

“It was no hardship to tend you,” Draymon says. “You saved my young daughter from the Wraith when we were under attack. I can never repay you for this.”

My brow furrows slightly, trying to remember any children during the invasion, but I cannot. Everything was a blur during the fighting as I focused solely on protecting as many people as possible and countering the magic of the Wraith. “I am glad she is well.”

He brings his hand to his heart and bows his head. “Thank you, my queen.”

Draymon leaves and Emryll hugs me tight. “I’m so glad you are all right, my sister,” she whispers in my ear. “I am off to the temple to give thanks to the gods for answering my prayers.” She flashes a quick grin at me before leaving as well.

I try to push myself up to sitting, but I’m still weak. Kyven places a hand at my back and helps me the rest of the way. He studies me, worry etched in his features. “You could have died, Grayce. Promise me you’ll be more careful.”

“I had no choice, Kyven. I had to help defend the city.”

“Not if it means risking your life.”

“That is what leadership is about,” I tell him. “How can I ask others to do that which I will not?”

He clenches his jaw, and I know he means to argue, but I’m tired.

“I’m exhausted. I do not want to argue with you, Kyven. Please.”

“You were so pale and still in my arms when you fell,” he barely manages as he drops his forehead gently to mine and closes his eyes. A tear escapes his lashes and rolls gently down his cheek. “I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”

“I’m here.” I cup his cheek and he opens his eyes, studying me with a look of such intense love and devotion it takes my breath away. I give him a faint smile. “And I do not plan on dying anytime soon,” I tease lightly. “I promise.”

“Good.” He huffs out a laugh and then pulls me close, curling his wings around me. “I will hold you to it.”

He studies me a moment, his violet eyes staring deep into mine as he tenderly brushes the hair back from my face. “You are everything to me,” he whispers. “And I—”

A low cooing sound fills the room and we turn to find Greywind walking in from the balcony. He comes to the side of the bed. When I reach out to pet him, he leans into my palm and begins his trilling coo that means he is happy.

“He has stood guard on the balcony ever since you fell unconscious.” Kyven smiles as he pets him as well. “He is very attached to you.”

“And I’m attached to him.” I grin at the nylluan.

Kyven pulls a book from the side table and holds it out to me. “Would you like me to read to you?” He arches a brow and a hint of a smile tugs at his lips. “We were just about to reach the part where the Fae knight declares his undying love to the princess.”

I nod. “That’s my favorite part.”

“Mine too,” he agrees.

He sits in the bed, his back propped against the headboard and I rest my head on his shoulder as he reads. Greywind lies on a pile of furs at the edge of the bed, his front paws folded in front of him as he listens too.

As the time wears on, my eyelids grow heavy with exhaustion. Despite my attempts to remain awake, the smooth and rich sound of Kyven’s voice eventually lulls me back into sleep. As I’m drifting away, I feel him shift on the bed as if to get up, but I open my eyes and grab his hand. “Wait.”

He turns to me, his gaze full of concern.

Feeling bold, I pull him toward me. “Stay with me. Here in the bed.”

“Are you certain you wish me to stay?”

“Yes, but just to sleep.”

A smile crests his lips as he nods. “All right.”

He settles back down in the bed, beneath the blankets and loops his left arm and wing around my form.

With a deep sigh of contentment, I nestle into his side. His familiar masculine scent floods my nostrils as I close my eyes and fall away into sleep.

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