Page 81 of The Fae King's Labyrinth

“They are fae,” he protested.

“And I am a shapeshifter. Carry me in your arms if you must, but your people need you and you need me.” I lifted my chin and challenged him to deny it. “You aren’t the only territorial and protective person in this marriage. The last time you faced offwith this particular fae, you were cursed. I am not about to let that happen again.”

Illeron’s amused laugh cut through the tension. “Might I suggest a compromise?”

Azulin nodded without breaking eye contact with me.

“As the king of Eldarlan’s representative in this situation, I can offer a show of power and support.”

That caught my husband’s attention. “The Unseelie won’t take kindly to us flashing our alliance. It might even open up hostility between them and Eldarlan. Would Emrys accept that risk?”

Illeron tilted his head to the side as though considering it. “What do you think allies do, Azulin?”

“Still…” Azulin stopped himself and took a deep breath before bowing his head. “Thank you. I would be grateful for the support.”

“Wise choice.” Illeron clapped him on the shoulder as he passed him on the way to the door. “Time is wasting. You’d best get moving. I’ll have a host ready to accompany you through your portal in ten minutes. They will report to you in the back gardens.”

The room cleared swiftly as Azulin worked his storage spell, pulling out his semi-sentient sword, belt and all. Strangely, an awareness of the weapon tingled my senses. As Azulin belted it around his waist, the weapon let off a pulse of magical warmth, almost as though it were greeting me.

“Will Vorpalus interact with me differently now that we are mate bonded?” I asked.

Azulin settled the sword belt around his hips and then bent to test his ease of movement. “Does Vorpalus feel different?”

“It does. It’s almost as though it greeted me when you put it on.”

Azulin paused for a moment before he reached for the storage spell again. “Interesting. It is possible, I suppose. After all, our magic has melded.” He pulled forth three wickedly sharp knives. They prickled with malicious spells so strong I flinched. Still, they brightened slightly as though greeting me as well.

“Are those semi-sentient too?”

Azulin paused in the middle of concealing them on his person. Narrowing his eyes at me, he frowned. “What makes you ask?”

“They greeted me like Vorpalus did.” I eyed the pair he had just strapped to his back. “No offense meant, but I’m not sure I wish to hold them. Those spells are deadly.”

“That is going to be a problem, then.” He held the remaining knife in his hand. “I had hoped you would be willing to use this one.” He considered my expression. “It is no less deadly than Vorpalus.”

“But with intent,” I pointed out. “Vorpalus doesn’t carry an intent to harm, but that—” I motioned to the evil-oozing blade in his hand. “That feels evil.”

His eyebrows rose. “Intriguing.” He frowned as he reached for the storage spell. “You can detect blood magic.” He stowed the knife, and after rummaging around a bit, he pulled out a smaller but equally sharp knife. However, unlike the blades at his back and Vorpalus, this weapon felt completely benign. “Would you be willing to carry this instead? It is my eating knife. It’s not much, but I would feel better if you were armed.”

I nodded, accepting the weapon. He offered a belt as well. It must’ve been one of his because it was large for me. I looped up the extra, and he helped me attach the knife and sheath to it.

“What do you think?” I asked, spinning away when we were done. I had hoped for a smile from him, or at the very least some lightening of his expression. Instead, he stared at me, hisexpression intense and burning. “What? Does it ruin the line of my gown?” My voice wavered, the teasing falling flat.

“I hate it.” Azulin crossed the gap between us in a single stride, pulled me into his embrace, and kissed me with a ferocity that drove the breath from my body. When we finally came up for air, he rested his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. “I hate the need for it. I hate that you’re going to be in danger.”

“I feel the same about you,” I confessed. “Is there no other way forward?”

“You could stay here.” The eagerness in his voice tore at my heart.

“No.” I stated it as gently and firmly as I could. “You are stronger with me by your side.”

Azulin groaned in frustration. “I will be walking into battle with my heart exposed.”

“It might not be a battle,” I countered.

He huffed. “The Unseelie king will be at my gate with an armed contingent. What else could he want other than a confrontation?”

“A dessert recipe?” I offered weakly.

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