Page 97 of Taken By the Fae King

CHAPTER52

KYVEN

“Another raven came from Corduin.” Aren hands me a small, scrolled parchment as I sit at the desk in my chamber. “They report that Wraith sightings have increased along the Great Wall.”

Clenching my jaw, I read the message. “The Orcs have reported more Wraith in the forests as well,” I add. Frustration simmers deep within as I crumple the message in my hand. “I don’t understand how they managed to slip past our wards. They could not have done this without help from the inside.”

“I agree,” he replies grimly. “But who would do this?”

That is the question that has plagued my waking hours and my sleep. It has been nearly a week since the Wraith attack on the city, and I am no closer to finding any answers. “I do not know, but we must find out.”

I gaze out the window as the sun dips below the horizon, and my thoughts are consumed by my mate and the safety of our people. “Is the queen still in the palace library?” I ask.

“Yes,” Aren replies. “Talyn says she has been studying the prophecy ever since the attack, trying to find a way to defeat the Wraith and the Mages. He also reports that she has become obsessed with the story of Queen Ilyra, trying to understand how her magic managed to destroy the Wraith when they breached the Great Wall.”

My heart stutters in my chest, but I force my expression to remain impassive. I am concerned about Grayce’s fascination with Queen Ilyra. The warrior queen gave her life when she destroyed the Wraith and as much as I wish to defeat them, I do not want Grayce in any danger.

“Talyn says he overheard her speaking with Scholar Norlyn, asking about any amplifiers to strengthen her powers.”

“Amplifiers?” Worry tightens my chest. Ilyra used an enchanted necklace to strengthen her powers, allowing her to draw not only from nature, but from herself when she used her magic against the Wraith. It is how she was strong enough to defeat them, but also why she was killed in the process as well. “What did he tell her?”

“He told her about Queen Ilyra’s necklace.”

I curl my hands into fists at my sides. Curse Norlyn and his loose tongue. Fortunately, the necklace is housed in the fortress of Corduin. If it were here, I’m sure my mate would insist upon experimenting with it to see if it could strengthen her powers so she could aid in the fight against the Wraith.

“Talyn says she is also researching other items that can be used to amplify powers.”

“Amplifiers are dangerous,” I grind out. “Did Norlyn bother to tell her that?”

“Yes.” Aren rests a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I specifically asked Talyn about this, and he said Norlyn warned her.”

“Still… the queen is stubborn,” I muse, more to myself than to him. “I doubt that has entirely dissuaded her.”

“In that, you are the same.” A hint of a smile tugs at Aren’s lips. “The queen is like you: when you become obsessed with something, you have a hard time letting it go.”

I narrow my eyes for I know he is speaking of my mate. He knows how I watch Grayce, how I observe every detail about her. I cannot help it. I’m completely and utterly fascinated with everything she does.

It is getting late, and I stand from my desk, finished for the day with my royal duties. “I think I’ll take a walk in the gardens,” I tell him. “I will see you in the morning.”

He dips his chin in a subtle nod and leaves the room.

Deep in thought, I stroll along one of the narrow pathways in the palace gardens, seeking solace in the fading light. The cool evening air brushes against my skin as I walk among the flowers, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

I want more than anything to go to Grayce, but I am trying to allow her to have her space. She has still not forgiven me for lying to her about being Joren. Every night, we share the same bed, and I hold her, but we have done nothing but sleep.

As much as I want to seal her to me, I will not push her into something she is not ready for. I am fortunate that she even allows me to be near her, especially after how deeply she was hurt by my lies.

She still loves me, but things are not the same. She is cautious now, and I cannot blame her. I just wish things could be as they were. I long more than anything to kiss her, to hold her in my arms and—

“Kyven?” Her soft voice rips me from my thoughts, and I turn to find her walking toward me. “What are you doing out here?”

“I came to think.”

“Me too,” she replies, moving to my side. “What’s on your mind?”

I gaze at the rose-covered wall that reminds me of her, gathering my thoughts. Before I can answer, she takes my hand, squeezing it gently. “I’ll go first.”

A smile tugs at my lips as her words make me recall the night we spoke in the palace gardens in Florin, before we were wed.

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