Page 12 of Treasured By the Fae Royal

But does he possess a cruel side like most fae? I can’t help but wonder. Also, how many of my people did he slaughter during the battle against Trevos?

Does he enjoy killing humans? Or does he view it as a necessary part of war?

The Trevos army attacked a new settlement of fae first, and not long after this attack, the entire Summer Court army showed up seeking vengeance. I can’t fault him for protecting his own people, but the fae response was more brutal than my home city deserved, and I can fault him for that. Thousands of innocent people died or were taken as slaves.

Aunt Heather enters the kitchen and gives me a scolding look. I offer her a smile and pretend I don’t know why she’s glaring at me.

“He’s still here. You invited the fae prince to stay for dinner, didn’t you? Have you lost your mind, girl?” She pulls at her hair and makes a face. “Are you trying to get yourself kidnapped and violated? You don’t realize how lucky you are that he hasn’t snapped and turned into a beast and stolen you away to ravish you. Your mama would be heartbroken if you were taken by a fae and she never saw you again. So would I.”

“Thus far, the prince has treated me with kindness. If he wanted to do all those things you just mentioned, why would he have brought me here and healed Mama? He didn’t even try to make a deal with me, as I was taught the fae always do. He said he was happy to help without any strings attached.” I give her another smile as I chop vegetables for the pot pies.

“The fae are not to be trusted.” She steps closer and her eyes become haunted and filled with pain. “I love you, Yvette, and I don’t want to lose you. Not after I finally have you back after all these years. You and your mama can live with me for as long as you want. Forever, even. I would love to have you. Please promise you’ll be careful around the prince. Please never forget that all fae have terrible tempers and they are prone to jealousy.”

“I love you, too, Aunt Heather.” I pause chopping vegetables and face her. “I’m not going anywhere, and yes, I suppose Mama and I will live with you for a while. Actually, I think Mama will want to stay with you forever, but as for me… Well, Mama wants to eventually find me a husband in Sorsston. And as for Prince Lucas, I promise I’ll be careful. But after the kindness he showed me and after he saved Mama’s life, it seemed rude to just send him on his way.” I don’t admit that I wasn’t ready to watch him fly out of my life for good. I don’t admit that I might’ve developed a little crush on him in the short time I’ve known him.

“You’re too sweet for your own good, Yvette.” She pats my arm.

“How’s Mama doing?” I ask, eager to change the subject.

“She’s just fine. She drank a whole pitcher of water, and she’s snacking on some bread and cheese right now. She'll be delighted that you're making your famous pot pie. I know it's one of her favorites. You’re a good daughter.”

A good daughter. I know Aunt Heather added that last little part to remind me of my duties to Mama. To remind me that I can’t go breaking her heart by absconding with a highborn fae male. Not that I was planning to. Daydreaming a little? Yes. Making firm plans? No.

Maybe I shouldn’t have hugged the prince and kissed his cheek within their view. In my joy over Mama’s abrupt and miraculous recovery, I’d simply launched myself at him, overcome by the need to show my gratitude.

“Well, I’m going to check on your mother again.” She takes a few steps back, casts a wary look toward the sitting room, then turns and heads down the hallway.

Once again, I’m left to my muddled thoughts. I sigh and resume working on the pot pies. I think of all the romance novels I’ve read that included a handsome man kidnapping or coercing the heroine into becoming his bride, only for the woman to eventually fall in love with him after a period of resistance. I have an impressive collection of books back in Trevos, but books are heavy, and I was only able to travel with a few of my favorites.

But my life isn’t a novel. Neither is Prince Lucas’s. We’re not destined to be together after a few struggles and disagreements. There’s no chance we might actually fall in love, and even if we did, there’s no chance we would enjoy a happy ending.

I snort and give my head a shake. How ridiculous my musings have become. I’ve known Prince Lucas for less than a day, and while it’s been a very exciting day, even if it weren’t for the fact that he must have a fated mate somewhere out there, it would still be far too soon for me to entertain thoughts of marriage or mating.

What about a kiss?

The idea enters my mind before I can stop it.

I’ve never kissed a man before. Well, not a real, passionate kiss on the lips.

I flush as I imagine the prince cupping my cheeks, tilting his head, and leaning down to capture my lips in a soft, sweet, lingering kiss.

My heart flutters and heat quakes between my thighs.

He would be a skilled kisser, of that I am certain.

I hurry to finish up the pot pies. Thankful for Aunt Heather’s well-stocked kitchen, I also whip up butter rolls and a peach cobbler. There. Dinner and dessert are sorted. I finish setting the table, double check to make sure everything is perfect, and hurry into the sitting room to retrieve Prince Lucas.

My eyes widen when I notice what he’s holding. One of my romance novels. In my haste as I’d brought Mama inside yesterday, I’d tossed the small pack holding my prized books into the sitting room. It would appear Prince Lucas not only found the pack, but he helped himself to the most explicit book in the collection.

He notices me watching but doesn’t close the book. Instead, he reads aloud, “The warrior’s muscular thighs clenched as he took position behind the fair maiden. Her swollen, pink cunny glistened in the candlelight, and her legs trembled as the warrior took a firm hold of her buttocks and spread her center wide.” He pauses and meets my eyes. “This is your book, is it not? Your name is inscribed on the inside cover.”

At first, I think he must be mocking me. But as I study his visage, I don’t see a hint of mockery. Instead, his eyes are darkened with lust, and there’s a definite bulge in the crotch area of his pants. His lips quirk in a tiny smile, then he closes the book and returns it to the pack that’s leaning against the wall.

“I’d forgotten I left the books in here,” I confess, knowing my face must be bright red. I feel as though I’m burning up, and I suspect it’s a combination of my own embarrassment and Prince Lucas’s summer heat.

He approaches me with slow steps and draws in a deep breath. “Dinner smells delicious, sweetling.” His eyes darken further. “And so do you.”

CHAPTER6

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