Page 2 of Chaos Tempted

“You have been a friend to us little ones since you were a tiny one yourself.”

“You know about my friendships in Betonie?” I ask, shocked that the news traveled here.

“Don’t tell them, but faeries pay attention to more than the elves believe we do. We remember offenses and generosity. You have always been more than generous—no matter how little you had that was yours to offer.”

My heart swells, realizing I have been the talk of the fae kingdom positively. “I am blessed with your fellow faeries’ friendship. They kept my secrets when I broke the rules as a child, and I will never forget that. And I won’t forget what you did to save my life. I hear the only reason Oakes and Jaden found me in time was due to you leading them to the portal.”

Lalo frowns, her little wings drooping. “I just wish I had been able to stop that mean elf in the garden. But I didn’t dare enter the castle to warn your elf friends.”

“I know you would have if you could have.” Out my window, I watch the other flower faeries tending to their flowers. Lalo’s mates won’t be too far off, keeping an eye on her. “Is there anything else I can speak to Prince Eldrin about on your behalf?”

“Nothing he could fix.”

I lean in closer. “What do you mean?”

“Aside from elves, no one has a say in what happens in our realm. There are rumblings of war, and we don’t want that.” Again, Lalo glances around nervously to see if anyone is listening. “We have heard talk of killing certain fae species. And killing all the humans here. I even heard of other elves who want to hurt you. I suppose not all elves want war or killing. But we are asking, why do kings and queens decide our fate?” The last words spill out of Lalo. Then her eyes go wide in shock, and she claps a hand over her own tiny mouth. “I shouldn’t have said any of that!”

I glance around too before I confide, “Don’t worry, I agree with you.”

“But the king will have my wings if he hears such traitorous talk.”

“I won’t tell him what you said,” I add. “In fact, I hope I never have to share another word with him again.”

“Are you afraid of the prince knowing your thoughts?” Lalo asks tentatively.

“He seems to differ from most royalty. He accepts that I’m human and cares for me. From what I understand, he’s trying to make sure a war doesn’t happen. I highly doubt he would want to wipe out a species, even the ghouls. And remember, he gave you back your freedom in the gardens when he realized how cruel it was to prevent you from connecting with your companion flower.”

“True.” Lalo nods, her eyes brightening with the memory. “Do you think Prince Eldrin would be a good king?”

“Yes, I think he could make an excellent king.”

The door opens, and Eldrin strides in. “Good to hear you approve of me.” His long, white-blond hair is loose, framing his elegant, yet masculine face. His piercing blue eyes glint with good spirits.

Terrified that she has been discovered talking about the prince, Lalo screeches and collapses to her knees, bowing her head.

Prince Eldrin hurries over to the window. With a soft and worried voice, he asks, “What’s wrong, Lalo?”

“You rememberedmyname?” She gasps and adds, “Your Highness!”

“Of course, I remember you. You taught me a valuable lesson for my future reign as king, to be kind.” He smiles gently to reassure her.

“I…did?” Lalo asks as she clutches her heart.

“Yes. When Wynstelle opened my eyes to the royals’ unfair treatment of your family in our gardens. By granting your freedom, I was rewarded. However, I still owe you.”

Lalo looks like she may faint. “You do?”

“Yes, you helped Wynstelle survive. I thank you and your clan for everything you did that day.” Eldrin dips his head.

Lalo can’t help but blush, and a grin stretches across her tiny face. “Thank you, Your Highness. It was our pleasure to help you and Wyn.” Nervousness takes her again, and she asks, “May I be excused?”

The prince nods, and Lalo zips happily out of the window and back into the gardens.

Eldrin eased the faerie’s fear within seconds. My heart glows with his concern for the little one.

“That was sweet,” I say to Eldrin as I press a kiss to his cheek.

He slides his hands around my waist and pulls me into a hug, tucking my head under his chin. “Howsweet?” Then he leans down and kisses me passionately.

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