Page 67 of Kingdom of Faewood

I gave the redhead a tentative smile. “I can understand liking the quiet and solitude of the Wood. I grew up in it. I’ve always enjoyed it too.”

Lars arched an eyebrow. “You do?”

I nodded. “I didn’t always wear gowns and pay regular visits to the king. When I was a child, we traveled regularly. Oftentimes, we camped in the Wood, much as you’ve all been doing.”

Jax’s attention drifted to me. “I didn’t know that you often camped, but I suppose that also explains why you’ve never complained about sleeping on the ground.”

I raised my shoulders. “I don’t mind that either, although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t prefer a soft bed.” I winked playfully.

The corners of Jax’s eyes crinkled, and there was a smile in his voice when he replied, “I think I can safely say all of us prefer beds over the ground, but we make do with what we have.”

Phillen grunted, then pointed toward a corner booth that fae were clearing out of. Once standing, they gestured toward the now-empty table. “Looks like they’re giving you your favorite spot, Jax.”

Jax brushed slightly against me, and a smattering of goosebumps worked up my arms. “Elowen? After you.”

“I’ll send a tray over in a minute, Dark Raider!” the bartender called from behind his workstation as the seven of us and Guardian Alleron skirted our way to the booth.

The bartender returned his attention to his work. He held the handles of three mugs in one hand and moved them beneath a stream of ale before slapping them onto an awaiting enchanted tray. The second the mugs were steady, the tray glided off to serve its patrons.

Floating trays drifted through the air, carrying pints of beer, wine,leminai, and a few other alcoholic beverages I wasn’t familiar with. Just as many trays carried food. I sighed longingly when a tray filled with six plates of spiced meat and fluffy rice floated by.

Most of the fae and wildlings who were seated were drinking, talking, and enjoying the music, but all I cared about was the next tray that drifted past me carrying a plate ofustorillroast sitting on a bed of root vegetables with a side of steamed greens.

Jax put his hand on my lower back, and all thoughts of supper vanished when the heat from his palm warmed me. He weaved us through the crowd, but as soon as more of the patrons became aware of his presence, a path was cleared as dancers moved out of the way, and chairs scooted to the side.

The Dark Raider stopped at the booth in the corner. It struck me anew that each time he’d chosen a place to be seated, it was where he would have a clear view of the entire room, windows, and doors. Even here, in a village that revered him, he didn’t seem to take his safety for granted.

I dropped onto the bench, scooting toward the center. Jax immediately slid in beside me.

His thigh bumped mine, his leg so hard it resembled steel. I froze. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been so aware of a male’s every move, each dip of his head, brush of his fingers, sound of his laugh, warmth from his skin...

But with Jax, it was as though he’d enchanted me, even though the reality was he’dabductedme.

Stars, Elowen, what’s the matter with you?

I was acting as idiotic as those females who’d been swooning after him on their porch step, and I really needed to stop.

Phillen slid onto the bench to sit on my other side, Lars beside him. On the opposite end, Lander, Trivan, and Bowan made themselves comfortable. Guardian Alleron, however,stood awkwardly to the side, still magically chained. Several fae gave him curious looks, but none commented, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they were used to seeing the Dark Raider arrive with captives.

In minutes, we had mugs of ale and plates of food before us. Everyone dug in. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one ravenous from the long day of traveling.

It wasn’t until I’d cleaned the meat off the bones and spooned every last bite of the delicious sides into my mouth that I felt satiated. Sighing in contentment, I returned my attention to the music and was soon drinking the bottomless rounds of ale the bartender seemed intent on sending our way while the lively beat ignited my soul.

“I take it you like music?” Jax asked quietly, his words like a low rumble beneath the steady beat. Around us, Phillen and the other males had fallen into a lively discussion about the upcoming Centennial Matches and were placing bets on who would win what competition, but Jax hadn’t joined in.

I trailed a hand through my hair, moving the long strands behind my back. “I do. I’ve always loved music.”

“Do you play any instruments?”

“Only one, the piano.”

“Is that so?”

I nodded. “It was part of my education growing up. What about you? Do you play anything?”

He scratched his chin through his mask. “The fiddle, butvery badly.” I laughed lightly, and he inclined his head toward Guardian Alleron. “Did he teach you?”

“No, he hired a piano tutor for me when I was younger and we lived for two full seasons in Ironcrest Kingdom.” I eyed Guardian Alleron. He still stood stiffly, his expression neutral, but I’d been with him long enough to notice the tightness around his jaw. For a moment, I worried he could hear us talking about him, but then I realized the music was too loud for words to carry. I could barely hear Jax, let alone someone as far away as my guardian.

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