Page 46 of Taken By the Fae King

“Why?”

“It would be easier if I showed you.” He glances down at my hands. “May I?”

At first, I don’t know what he means, but then I realize he is speaking of the mind link, and I nod.

He slips his palms into mine, entwining our fingers. A light tingling sensation flows across my flesh at the contact. He closes his eyes and whispers.“A’lyra.”

The word echoes in the space between us, resonating within—a recognition and an awakening deep in my soul.

“Reveal the bond to me,” he whispers.

Glowing silver threads spread out from his chest and mine, floating in the space between us. Their ends swirl and dance around each other, but only a few of them touch. I stare transfixed as three of them tangle together, weaving into a thick braid.

When I reach for them, my fingers pass through as if nothing were there. “What is this?”

“The first threads of our bond linking together.” His voice is full of awe-filled reverence. “A tether from your soul to mine.”

He whispers words in the Fae tongue that I do not understand. Slowly, the threads of the bond begin to fade and then disappear completely. He lifts his gaze to mine. “To lose a bondmate is a devastation that most do not recover from,” he says soberly. “The loss of a fated bondmate is even more severe. If anyone wished to hurt me, they could do so by harming you.”

His gaze holds mine, and in his eyes it is easy to read that he holds something back. I’m not sure how I can read him this well already, but I do not question it. “What else is there that you are not telling me?”

“There is a prophecy in the ancient tomes of the Lythyrian about the Great Uniters,” he explains. “They are Outsiders—Sanishon—that will unite the various races and usher in an era of peace. And I believe you are one of the Sanishon that was foretold.”

“Inara spoke of this. She said Varys and the Dark Elves believe in the prophecy as well,” I tell him. “But the tomes were written thousands of years ago. Why do you believe they are true? And what makes you so certain that I am one of the Great Uniters?”

“Because no Fae has ever had a fated bond with one outside of our race. The same is true for the Dark Elves and Dragons.” His gaze pierces mine. “The fact that your sister has the fated bond with Varys and your cousin, Freyja, with the Dragon King… all of this points to the prophecy now unfolding. And there are those who would do anything to stop it.

“Most believe I married you only for the sake of an alliance. If they knew the truth of what you are, you could be in danger.” He looks down at our joined hands. “I am a new king. The people loved my brother, but me... I was a warrior on the Great Wall. I am not the one who was supposed to wear the crown.” He clenches his jaw. “I have enemies, Grayce. Some I know and some I suspect. And until I know who is loyal, I will trust no one with the knowledge that you are my A’lyra.”

“What about your warriors? And Lord Torien?” I ask. “What if someone saw me use magic when we were attacked?”

“Only Aren witnessed you using your powers.” His gaze meets mine intently. “And I trust him with my life, Grayce. He will speak of it to no one.”

“And your sister?”

“She is aware,” he replies solemnly. “My sister is one of the most powerful among us, and she will help keep you safe, but I will not risk confiding this knowledge to anyone else.”

A maelstrom of emotions swirls deep within. I lower my gaze, unsure how to respond. I’m disappointed that he withheld this from me, but I also understand why he did.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, he says, “Forgive me, Grayce. I should have told you sooner.”

“You’re right. You should have,” I reply sharply, and he blanches. “But you are also right that my brother would have used this against you. Any skilled negotiator would have,” I point out. “I understand why you withheld this. But I also need you to understand something as well.”

“What is it?” he asks.

“I may be human, but that does not mean I am weak,” I state firmly. “I entered into this marriage fully expecting that I may be in danger, simplybecauseI am human. All monarchs have enemies both within and without their courts. That is not something unique to the Fae. I have lived my entire life under the scrutiny of others. I will not break under pressure, nor bow to threats. But when I agreed to marry you, you promised that we would be partners. True equals in all ways.”

“You are right,” he says soberly. “It is instinct to want to protect one’s mate, and I find that the more time I spend with you, the more difficult it is to ignore this primal urge.”

For some reason his answer bothers me. All of his care for me… his emotions… Is that what it is? An urge? An instinct? “Is that the reason you are so protective of me? Because of the fate bond?”

“No.” He takes a step closer. My breath catches as his eyes meet mine, the full force of his devastatingly handsome features focused upon me with blazing intensity. As if I have lived my entire life in shadows and only now have seen the sun. Gently, he tucks a stray tendril of hair behind my ear. “I protect you because you are mine, Grayce. Because I care for you. Deeply.”

His admission is not quite a declaration of passionate love, but it is enough to make my heart flutter and my cheeks flush with heat.

Something shifts deep within me. Almost like a pull, but not quite. I think of the bond between us and the threads of fate that dance around each other, but do not yet meet. We are connected. Of that I have no doubt, but I do not fully understand what it means. I cannot deny that this makes me afraid. I have never been fond of the unknown. It is part of the reason why I spent so much time in the palace library back home.

For me, knowledge is not just power, it is mastery of the world around me.

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