Page 48 of Destined for the Fae King

Lysandir falls into step somewhere behind us. If not for the steady feel of his gaze leaving tingles down my back, I might have thought he’d stayed behind. But no such luck. Every step back toward the party, all I can think about is our kiss. It’s marked me like a scarlet letter across my chest, haunting me with the thought that somehow everyone will know what I did.

“Why are we going so fast?” Adeline asks.

The question drags me back to the moment, and I slow my pace. I hadn’t even realized I was dragging us along like a champion speed walker.

“Don’t you want to see the king?” It’s a cruel jab, and I regret it the moment it’s out.

Adeline flinches and pulls away, coming to an abrupt halt. “How much did you see?”

I drop my voice to a whisper. “Too much. And you should be glad I kept Lysandir from seeing it as well.”

Said fae prince has stopped further back on the path, giving us some semblance of privacy, thank goodness.

A deep flush colors her cheeks below her freckles. “Mira, I can explain.”

I sigh and loop my arm through hers, turning her back in the direction we were headed. “You don’t need to. I won’t tell.”

Her head snaps toward me. “You won’t?”

“Not a word.”

“But why?” She leans her head back, almost like I’ve slapped her, as if this act of decency is some kind of trick or deception. “You could damn me.” Her whisper is almost a hiss. “Destroy my chances.”

“You’re interested in someone else.” I shrug. “That’s no big deal.”

She stares at the dirt as we walk. “It is here.”

The reply is so soft I barely hear it.

And damn, don’t I know it. The back of my neck burns at the memory of what I just did, the feel of Lysandir’s lips against mine that I can’t erase no matter how I try to block it out.

We round a corner, sounds of the party growing louder, and Adeline quickly looks up and over at me. “And what were you doing in the maze?”

“Taking a moment to breath, as I said.”

She cocks one brow. “With the prince?”

I attempt a shrug with our linked arms.

“He followed me. Apparently, he’s good at that.” I shoot a glare over one shoulder before we make another left.

“Wrong way,” Lysandir calls from behind us.

I jerk to a halt, more annoyed than I have any right to be. How can I long for him in one moment and loathe him the next? Adeline and I turn around and head down the other side of the split in the path.

“Thank you,” I reply with a little courteous nod.

Lysandir gives a little bow and sweep of his arm in return, which I swear is a mocking gesture meant to get under my skin. Bastard.

Finally, we make it out of the maze, and Adeline sucks in a deep, steady breath as she takes in the many fae milling about. Her arm tightens on mine.

“You promise you won’t tell?” she asks, leaning in so only I can hear her.

“Promise.”

She untangles from me but then takes my hand in hers and gives a little squeeze. “Thank you. For that and…understanding.”

More than you know.

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