Page 35 of Foretold

Yep, consider my heart stolen.

“I know, son,” Rave calls out, watching us both head to the lake.

“Where have you been?” Vale asks once we head into the dense forest. “I tried to look for you yesterday.”

“My dad lives in the Incubus Kingdom, so I visit him sometimes. I only just found out about him. I have two brothers, too,” I explain.

His eyes widen. “I always wanted a brother. Maybe you and Dad will give me one. Or a sister.”

I’m now one hundred percent sure he’s working with Rave as his wingman.

“He’s sad when you’re not here,” he adds, and at this stage, it’s basically emotional blackmail.

“You don’t need to worry about your dad. He is fine,” I say,smiling at him.

“And what about you?” he asks, and I wonder if this kid is going to be a therapist instead of a king one day. “Are you still angry that my dad had me?”

My stomach twists, and I stop in my tracks, leaning down and looking him in the eye. “Let me tell you something, Vale. Don’t ever think that, okay? You are a really special little fae, and I’m so lucky to have met you. And also, maybe stop listening to adult conversations because you know more gossip than you should.”

He shrugs with an impish grin. “My mom talks loudly.”

I’m sure she does.

“We’re going to be great friends,” I tell him with a wink, and he beams. “You don’t need to worry about anything, okay? Now let’s go and catch some fish.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Astrid

After training with Rave for a few hours, I’m tired but still restless. Deciding I want to have a little fun and maybe go out for a drink, I get ready in one of the new black dresses Celeste has filled my armoire with and grab a bottle of wine from the kitchen. Next, all I need to find is a partner in crime, and Soren, Elios, and Sinda happen to come across me as I sit at the dining table, all three of them stopping with raised eyebrows when they see me.

“What trouble are you up to?” Soren asks, smirking.

Elios rakes a hand through his red hair. “Where’s Rave?”

“He was taking Vale back to Vera’s…” I pause, frowning. “Well, technically, that’s his house she lives in, isn’t it?”

They all shift uncomfortably.

“What’s on at your mom’s inn tonight, Sinda?” I ask, grinning at him. “I’m thinking I might drop in and say hello.”

His green eyes widen. “They have a band playing. I know she’d love to see you, but you can’t go alone, Princess.”

“I won’t be alone. I’ll have you three with me,” I say, opening the bottle of wine and taking a sip.

“What’s going on here?” Cove asks as he steps into the room with Nico. “What are we celebrating? The fact that Astrid hasn’t killed Rave yet?”

“Or Vera,” Nico adds, his lip twitching.

“What a reunion,” I mutter, taking another sip straight from the bottle.

“I’ll go get some glasses,” Soren sighs, heading to the kitchens.

“I’ll help,” Sinda offers, joining him.

The rest of the men sit and watch me like I’m a time bomb ready to go off.

“So, what’s new?” I ask around the table. I’ve noticed the king hasn’t been around much, and I wonder if it’s because he’s off sleeping with his secret Vampire Queen lover.

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