Page 144 of Crown of Slumber

Mal huffed again as I strode back down the hall. Fenn was right where we’d left him, pacing the small space in front of the tea room. He looked up at my approach, his eyes wide with desperation and hope.

When I faced him, my eyes narrowed into slits. “You have until I finish my cup of tea to convince me to believe you.” Then, I pushed past him, returning to my seat on the sofa and taking another sip of tea. When he didn’t move from the doorway, I said lightly, “Tick tock.”

With a groan of frustration, Fenn stepped into the room, sitting on the sofa opposite me. He clasped his hands over his knees and looked at me with an intensity that made my stomach flutter.

After a moment, he said, “I killed my mother.”

My hand froze halfway to bringing my teacup to my lips. Then, I laughed. “You would never.”

“But I did.”

I stared at him, trying to figure out if he was joking or not. Sometimes, with Fenn, it was impossible to tell. “How did you do it?”

“I deposed her. She was so enraged she attacked me with a sword. And I—I—” He broke off, his eyes full of anguish.

I shook my head, taking another sip of my tea. “Sorry. I don’t believe you. You let your mother cage me. You let her steal my dragon. You worded our bargain so I would be trapped to stay in your court. I have no reason to trust you’re telling me the truth.”

“None of that was intentional, Aurelia.” His face was stricken and full of despair. “Yes, I knew she’d stolen a dragon, but I wanted to wait until after the fete to tell you.”

“YouknewI was looking for that Blue Amethyst’s mother,” I snarled. “YouknewI suspected someone had captured or killed her. How could you have kept this from me?”

His eyes closed, and he nodded, his mouth pressing into a thin line. “Yes. You’re right. I’m sorry. I should have told you right away. But the bargain… I was only looking out for my kingdom. I had no idea about your shifting abilities, Aurelia. I thought for sure it would be Jorey who would come with me to the Midnight Court. I was looking forward to it, actually.” A slow smile lit his face, making him look like the normal Fenn for the first time since he’d shown up here. His gaze turned distant as he no doubt thought of the happy silver dragon who had warmed up to him so quickly.

I was torn between affection for the man who cared about a dragon as much as I did, and defensiveness that anyone dared to try to take Jorey away from me.

“I didn’t know what she was planning,” Fenn said, his eyes pleading. “I know that’s no excuse. You’re right—Itismy fault. Because I should have seen this sooner. I should have paid more attention. By the time she’d imprisoned you, it was too late for me to do anything. The bargain was fulfilled.”

“How convenient.” I took another sip of tea.

“Dammit, Aurelia!” Fenn slammed his fist on the table between us, making the teapot and saucer rattle. “I amin lovewith you. And it’s been tearing me apart, finding a way to get back to you. If you never want to see me again, that’s perfectly fine. But youmustreturn with me before this place kills you. If you don’t believe me, then believe Mal. He’s here for you, too.”

“Don’t you dare drag him into this.” I set my teacup on the table so hard it sloshed, spilling onto the saucer. “He was captured because of you. He lost his eye because of your soldiers. That alone should have kept me from trusting you. But I was a fool. I won’t be making that mistake again.”

I rose to my feet. “Sorry. Your time is up.” I didn’t care that there was still tea in my cup. I was done speaking with this arrogant ass.

“Wait!” Fenn caught my arm before I could stride for the door. “I—I’m going to kiss you now.”

I stiffened, my body heating from those words. The very same words he uttered before he kissed me at the Equinox Ball. My mouth went dry as I stared at him. “What?” My voice was shaky.

Fenn stepped around the table until he faced me, our chests touching, our bodies sharing the same space. “I’m going to kiss you. And if you feel nothing, then I will leave you alone and never bother you again. But if you feelanythingat all, then I’ll know I’m right.”

“Right about what?” I tried to make my tone sharp, but the tremor in my voice betrayed my fear.

“Right about your feelings for me.” He gave me a crooked half-smile that both infuriated and aroused me all at once. “You love me. Admit it.”

“Never,” I growled.

“Fine. Then this test should be easy for you.” He drew closer, his mouth hovering over mine as he waited for me to object.

I wanted to shove him away. To scream. To throw the teapot at him.

But if I refused, I would have to explainwhy.And I couldn’t do that.

So, in answer, I grabbed his collar and pulled his mouth to mine.

Fenn’ssoft mouth claimed mine, his tongue sweeping over my lips, eliciting a moan from me. Powerful and explosive emotions flooded within me, and heat scorched my blood and veins. I pulled away, startled by the intensity of it. As soon as I did, my mouth ached for more, yearning for Fenn to come closer so I could taste him better.

My eyes were still closed when I withdrew. I was too afraid to open them. He was panting, his hands on my waist, and I didn’t even have the strength to push him away.

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