Page 65 of Fated or Knot

“I think he accidentally had three in the Theli version too.” I scrunched my brow as I tried to remember.

“Well, it was some entertainment. I bought another for the trip. I believe it was titledTides of Treason.”

“Oh!” I gasped. “Muchbetter story. You should’ve started with that book! The crew is so much fun, and even though the author says it’s a romance, that part is really second to the swashbuckling.”

Marius’s face brightened. He sat up and stretched. “I’ll have to get started, then. Maybe I’ll get far enough in that we can talk about it—what, Fal?” He cut a sudden glare at the dark elf, who was posed with his chin on his fist, grinning broadly.

“I can hardly believe it. You two book nerds are flirting.” He affected a swoon with a grand gesture of his free hand. “Are you going to start a book club? I’ll join if we read the saucy bits out loud.”

I turned pink at the thought. Of course Fal wanted to read those parts out loud. I was also feeling a little flush all of a sudden. The pulsing in my belly that preceded a cramp was coming on, and I held my middle in anticipation of it. In the day’s events, Kauz hadn’t refreshed my suppressant tattoo yet.

“No,” Marius said flatly.

“Don’t be so hasty. The wee pixie looks like she likes the idea,” Fal teased.

I blushed a little harder. “Only if you’re the one to read them.”

The dark elf looked positively gleeful. “Do I smell a deal?” he asked, offering his hand to shake.

My eyes narrowed. Any Seelie would be suspicious when an Unseelie offers a deal, but this one seemed benign enough. What were the chances Marius wanted to start a book club with me anyway?

“I’ll shake on it if you give me your mask,” I said.

“Ah. If you’re adding to the deal, then so am I. I want to hear this scene with the human alpha and his three hands. Read by you,mo stór.” His expression was pure mischief as he continued to offer his hand.

I leaned back, whispering in Tormund’s ear, “What did he call me?”

“My darling or my treasure. Same idea,” he whispered back.

“Treasure,” Fal confirmed with a wink. “A prize I’ve stolen from Thelis.”

Oh. That was sweet, actually. My fluttery wings definitely gave away how flattered I was as I shook his hand.

And that was how I was partway through reading a Serian translation of a poorly written sex scene out loud when Kauz walked in with a basket overflowing with freshly washed bedding. He paused in the threshold, head tilting with a drawn brow as he took in the fascinated way his brothers listened to my off-kilter delivery.

Fal gestured for him to join us. And Kauz did, settling in the space next to Marius, his expression shading from confused to amused as I kept going. I pitched my voice higher for Sylvie and lower for John, pausing at a few unexpected points when myaudience burst out laughing. Usually followed by them urging me to read more.

Eventually, I hit the end of the chapter, and still, Fal was egging me on. I said, “I think that was the whole scene.”

“Oh yes, pages ago. I just love listening to you. You’re going to speak Serian beautifully.” He waited for a moment before adding, “Someday.”

I tossed the book at him. He caught it, laughing, before I even realized the audacity of what I’d done. A week ago, I’d never dream of throwing something at a prince, Unseelie or not. My stepfamily would’ve admonished me publicly for even thinking about it.

Well, they weren’t here. My whole day had been blessedly free of Cymora and Laurel, and I wasn’t going to let the specter of their disapproval ruin the evening.

“And, as promised.” Fal untied the mask from his face and offered it to me. I scented it with a soft purr of approval, sure to press it to my nose later when no one was looking. It smelled strongly of him after he’d worn it for so long. Plus, now that he’d taken it off, his forest elf disguise was replaced by his real features—his handsome coloring and striking feline eyes.

Silly, lovestruck omega,I sighed at myself.

I was four for four today, loving Fal a little more for his teasing and holding on to some hope of gaining more positive attention from Marius now that we’d connected as book lovers.

Fal cleared his throat. “Now, where are the other saucy bits? I promisedmo stórI would read them to her,” he said.

21

LARK

When it was time to pick a cot for our last night on the train, I chose Marius. I don’t think anyone was more surprised than the kelpie himself, who pointed to his chest to confirm.

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