I get caught up, dizzy with his attention. When I recover, I laugh and nudge him away. “Not enough to miss breakfast.” I turn and catch Jaden standing in the doorway. His black hair falls roguishly over his violet-colored eyes.
“Smart woman,” Jaden says with a cocky grin. “Let’s get to the dining hall before Oakes eats everything.”
Eldrin chuckles. “He better not.”
“Well, he worked up quite an appetite last night,” Jaden says.
“We all did,” Eldrin adds with a wink.
I blush, remembering all the affection they lavished on me.
I will need to give them an answer about mate bonding soon.
Oakes stands when Eldrin, Jaden, and I enter the dining room. The handsome healer tosses his brown hair back as I smile athim in greeting. His amber eyes gaze at me hungrily as he licks his lips, reminding me of how I had taken him in my mouth the night before. “Good morning, beautiful.”
My cheeks heat with my blush, and I take a deep breath to calm down before the elves scent my excitement.
Jaden waves to the guards to wait outside. None of us want extra ears as we talk.
“Good. There is still some food left,” Eldrin mumbles jokingly as he sits down and fills his plate.
Oakes looks confused. Jaden shrugs innocently. I giggle and select some fruit for my plate.
“Mage Neven has requested an audience with you,” Oakes informs Eldrin.
Eldrin tenses. “What about?”
“She didn’t say.” Oakes gestures at me. “A lot has happened since we last saw the mage. She might have information on the social unrest or the ghoul attacks.”
“Could it be about eliminating humans from Elfhame?” I ask quietly. “Eliminatingme?”
“Has there been another threat against you?” Eldrin’s gaze pierces me as he senses more behind my words.
“Not exactly. Uh…” My eyes dart to meet his. “The flower faeries have heard rumors. They mentioned the rumblings of war and killing.”
Jaden raises his eyebrows in contemplation. “No wonder King Magnus wanted the little ones banned from the grounds. He doesn’t like them potentially overhearing his plans.” The head of Eldrin’s security scratches his chin. “They could be an untapped resource for us.” He asks me, “Do you think they would confide in you in more detail? Or talk to me?”
“Maybe. Probably.” I nod. “They seem to like me, and they are beginning to trust Eldrin. And by extension, they would likely trust you, too.”
“Good.” Jaden smiles, and it seems to light up the room. “The prospect of having extra resources to draw on is intriguing.”
Eldrin cuts in. “Let’s take a moment to consider this. I don’t want to abuse their trust or cause them any problems. Their lives would be at risk if anyone finds out about them besides the four of us.”
My heart warms that Eldrin is thinking of the faeries’ safety. He probably wouldn’t have done that before I met him. I touch his hand. “I agree with you, but I think they mightwantto help any way they could to prevent a war and the devastation that follows.”
“Alright.” Eldrin sighs. “Jaden, you can approach them, but don’t encourage them to take unnecessary risks.”
“I will do my best.” Jaden consoles both Eldrin and me. “But every living being in both realms is at risk.”
“And I seem to be an obvious target.” I toy with my food. “Which brings me to what I need to say—” I pause, not really wanting to say it. “About your offers of being my mate.”
All three elves freeze, hanging onto my next words.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for any of you to become involved with me.”
“We already are involved,” Oakes says.
“Moreinvolved.Continuedinvolvement. Bonded.” I frown at his argument.