Page 43 of Bride of the Fae Prince

“Miss me?” I say, my lips spreading in a wide grin that shows my canines. “I’ve returned with my new wife.”

Chapter 19

The Princess

We stand in athrone room. A stream is cut into the marble floor before the dais, crystal water flowing in a circle around the throne, which is lined with pillars carved in elaborate designs of flowers and waves. At its center, in a dazzling glow, must be the High King. The fae who has slowly been swallowing up our land with his forest. He is the most beautiful person I have ever seen, man or woman, fae or human, and his golden radiance would put even beautiful Vivienne to shame. It makes me thoroughly uncomfortable to be in the presence of one so transcendent.

A transformation has been working over Ash since he left our bridal chamber this morning. But in that last minute, before the door of the throne room, there was a complete shift. His eyes have darkened, narrowed, even as that sardonic eyebrow quirks up and a poisonous grin spreads across his face.

Now I stand on the arm of a complete stranger.

I cannot help but wonder if the true Ash was the one who held me while I cried last night, or the one that prowls towardthe High King of Faerie, dragging me alongside him despite my unyielding footsteps and the heavy train of my dress.

“She’s a human!” comes a high-pitched female shriek.

The High King shoots to his feet. “What have you done, Prince Trenian?” he bellows, his tone a kindling fire before it bursts into a blaze. “This goes against the terms of our bargain!”

Ice floods me from head to toe.

Something is very, very,verywrong.

My instinct is to clutch Ash’s arm a little tighter, but suddenly . . . I’m unsure of everything. Why is the High King so furious? Hadn’t he sent Ash to marry me?

Will Ash even protect me?

My husband gives a dark, humorless chuckle. “If it did, I’d be dead, dear Father, my High King. But alas, there was no stipulation that my choice bride must be fae.”

“She was to be from one of the Courts!” Even as the High King says it, a paleness comes over his face, as if realization has sunken in. Realization of what? He reaches back toward his throne, grabs the armrest, and sits down heavily.

“You meant the fae courts?” asks Ash innocently, tsking his tongue. “You should have specified. I thought a human court satisfied that requirement completely.”

What is happening?

I curl into Ash, my mind reeling, my heart thundering in my chest. He offers no comfort, however, and it’s like seeking refuge in one of the marble pillars surrounding the dais.

The High King stares at Ash, not moving a muscle, not reacting. Then, suddenly, he leaps to his feet, grabs something near his throne, and hurls it.

Straight at me.

I can’t even scream as I try to duck behind Ash, but his hand shoots out and grabs my upper arm with enough force to break it. Does hewantme to die?

But then I look up, and the gleaming point of a spear winks at my face. Halted mere inches from me. I go cross-eyed looking at it.

I’m either going to faint or vomit.

Ash has snatched the spear right out of the air, stopping it from killing me on the spot. I swivel my gaze from the tip to him as he grins viciously down at me. He turns that grin up to the High King.

“Get rid of it!” demands the High King. “I command you!”

Ash tosses away the spear, his fingers still digging into my upper arm. With a quick jerk, he pulls me to his side, wraps an arm around my waist, and splays his hand possessively over my stomach. His pinky hooks around the gold chain draping my hips. I go rigid.

“Sorry, Father. She’s my wife now. I’m a little attached.” He bends down, nuzzling his nose against my hair. “I couldn’t bear to be parted from her so soon.”

I don’t dare breathe. Especially as Ash’s thumb swipes over my ribs—not a sweet gesture, but a claiming. My whole body shudders.

Who have I married? And what have I done by coming here?

Something has shifted in the air since I arrived. Something deadly. I counted my blessings too quickly. I didn’t marry the best man of my sisters, did I?

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