Page 21 of Crown of the Fae King

“Because I steppedout,” he said, then gave me a pointed look.

“Ah. I see. Like we did last night.”

“Just like.”

“Worried I was going to run away?”

“Should I be?”

“I think you were.” I smiled awkwardly, my face half-frozen.

“Not worried. But I reckon ye did entertain the idea.”

“Yes. I did. But I’d just end up in the same life you bailed me out of. Pouring coffee in an ugly dress, paying rent, juggling bills and wishing I could afford a break.” I shrugged. “I think I’ll take my break now, while I can. On behalf of all the other single women out there who can’t.”

“Happy to hear it. Now, if ye’ll turn yer back on temptation, breakfast is ready.”

Turn my back on temptation? Was he kidding? Temptation incarnate was the guy luring me back to a quaint Irish cottage.

Wickhamand I walked through the door without knocking, hung up our coats, and joined Brian and Flann at the table. The food had already been plated. Four heaping plates, including one set in front of me. To my embarrassment, my eyes watered at the sight of my second big breakfast in as many days.

Flann worried they’d done something wrong, but I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Looks like you’ve gone overboard for my sake. I’m just…overwhelmed is all.”

The man appeared only slightly relieved and forced a smile while he held out my chair.

Brian said grace. I didn’t understand a word, but it might have been due to the speed at which it was said and the strong Irish accent. But I did recognizeAmen. My stomach tried to repeat the word, and everyone laughed.

“Just in time, so it is.” Brian winked from the head of the table.

I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t want anything going to waste, but there was no way I could eat everything on my plate.

“No pressure,” Brian said gently. “Just eat what ye like. A Full Irish in’t fer everyone.”

I stared at the assembly of sizzling breakfast meats, eggs, and toast combined with a puddle of canned beans, fried tomato halves, and sauteed button mushrooms. Though broth was all I’d had the night before, I willed my stomach to expand.

I started with the mushrooms. I never turned down a vegetable. It saved me the cost of vitamins. The men’s attention shifted from my plate to their own, and I enjoyed my bounty in peace. I didn’t know if they ate slowly to allow me more time or if it was simply the speed at which the Irish and the Scots consumed their meal, but I felt no rush.

“We must go to the library at Trinity College,” Wickham said, eventually breaking the silence. “We’re just outside Dublin,” he said to me. “Brian, if ye can spare a vehicle…”

“Nonsense. We’ll come along. Been a while since I’ve seen the old stompin’ grounds, so it has. And we do hold alumni library cards.”

“I’m grateful.”

I cleared my throat with a sip of cold orange juice and asked, “What are we looking for?”

“Mentions of Uncasts.”

“Sorry? What are Uncasts?”

They all answered at once. “Typical mortals.” “Humans.” “Without power.” “But found in magical circles.” “Communities of witches.” “Like to hunt for fairies.” “Obsessed.”

“So like, magic groupies?”

Wickham smiled. “Exactly that.”

I noticed Flann’s pinched face. “What’s wrong.”

He scowled at Wickham but pointed his fork at me. “I wouldn’t call our Lennon a groupie.”

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