Page 17 of Treasured By the Fae Royal

“You’re hurt, Yvette.” His nostrils flare. “I can smell your blood.” He pries my fingers open one by one.

I wince at the pain, and I’m glad I can’t see just how many thorns are stuck in my palm. He cups my wounded hand in both of his, then golden light beams outward. The discomfort fades almost instantly, and the thorns eject from my flesh and fall to the ground. He releases me and steps back, and I wiggle my mended hand, uncertain if I should thank him or spin on my heel and run back to the cottage.

“I’m not sorry for attacking Trevos, sweetling. It had to be done,” he says in a quiet voice. “But I am sorry for the pain and fright it caused you and your mother.”

CHAPTER8

LUCAS

It would seemI ruined any chance I might’ve had with Yvette long before I met her. I try to think of a way to redeem myself in her eyes, but I come up empty. Yes, I rescued her from flesh traders, and I saved her mother’s life, but I’m also largely responsible for the deaths of thousands in Trevos. I can’t erase her dark memories of the attack, or the cruelty she witnessed on Tribute Day.

“Do you like my tears?” she asks as she wipes at her face.

“No. They sadden me and make me uncomfortable at the same time. They make me want to hug you to my chest and hold you until you cry the very last tear. They make me want to cut out my own heart because it’s my fault you’re crying. I ordered the attack on Trevos, and yes, I killed many human soldiers during the battle.” I regard her with a sense of deepening panic. What can I say to win her back? Not that I ever won her in the first place, but I’d started to believe she desired me. I’d started to think I had a real chance at convincing her to become my bride.

“I wish I could tell whether you’re lying,” she says. “I grew up hearing stories that the fae couldn’t lie, but I know those stories are all wrong. I know fae can lie like it’s nothing. Just like humans can.”

“And how do you know that?” I ask, curious about where she got her information. Among humans and orcs, it’s a common misconception that fae can’t lie, a myth that was born centuries or perhaps even longer ago. It’s a myth my people have worked to perpetuate because it helps us more easily make deals with humans and orcs, deals that largely benefit us.

“My best friend Mira told me. She happens to be Warden Valloc’s mate.”

“Ah. That makes sense. While I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mira yet, as I’ve been too busy protecting newly erected settlements of regular faefolk from marauding humans and orcs, I have heard a great deal about her.”

“You have?” She gives me a suspicious look.

“Oh yes, and I’m also quite familiar with Warden Valloc,” I reply. “He’s a distant cousin of mine, though if we’re being honest with one another, I don’t think he cares for me much. But as for lying, you are correct that fae can easily lie. I wish there was a way to convince you of the truths I’m speaking.”

“Look into my eyes,” she says in a firm tone. “Look.”

I lower my face to hers and stare directly into her eyes. I don’t blink even when she does. I don’t make a single fucking move even though I want to ask what she’s doing.

Does she honestly believe she’s capable of reading deceit in another person’s expression? I have my doubts that it’s possible, but if that’s what she’s doing, I don’t want to dissuade her of the notion, so I resolve to keep that opinion to myself.

I also resolve that I’ll be honest. Whatever she asks, I’ll answer truthfully. Even if my response causes the chasm that’s opened between us to widen.

“Why did you rescue me from the flesh traders yesterday?”

“Because the thought of those men hurting you both angered and sickened me. When I heard a human female’s scream and thought it might be you, I couldn’t reach you fast enough. I was worried about your safety.”

She flinches slightly, but she keeps maintaining close eye contact.

“Aren’t you going to ask why I was still in the vicinity? I met you hours before and then I flew off, yet I reached you only seconds after you let out that first scream. Ask me.”

“All right.” Still holding my gaze, she exhales slowly. “Why were you so conveniently close when I screamed?”

“I was on my way back to the Summer Court army, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you,” I confess. “Your spirit and your beauty captivated me, and I kept thinking about turning around and stealing away with you. So, I turned around, even though I hadn’t quite reached a decision yet. Eventually, I heard you scream, and you know the rest.”

She’s silent for so long I think she might be done asking questions. But finally, she has another one for me. “Why didn’t you steal away with me after you rescued me?”

“Because I couldn’t imagine scaring you or hurting you like that. When I saw your injuries, I was eager to mend you. I found myself wanting to take your pain away, and I also felt a strong compulsion to keep you safe. I couldn’t just leave you on the mountain without any supplies.”

She blinks a few times, then draws back. I finally straighten and watch as a look of disbelief plays over her pretty face. “So, you’re not fucking with me? You’re not pretending to be kind just so you can later be utterly cruel to me?”

“I…no.” I reach for her hands, and she permits my touch. “I genuinely like you, Yvette, and I admire you. I have never felt such a strong attraction to a female before, and I cannot imagine treating you with cruelty. I realize what’s happening between us is fast, but I-I am not certain how quickly humans fall in love. Does it usually take hours, or days, or longer?”

“Fall in love? Humans?” Her eyes dance with confusion. “I like what you said about liking me and admiring me and the stuff right after that, but why are you asking how long it usually takes humans to fall in love? You’re fae, and fae always have fated mates.”

I’m about to announce that I don’t have a fated mate, only to hesitate and press my lips tightly together. I’ve never talked about the curse with anyone but my parents and brothers. I know my father has discussed our plight with priestesses, but beyond that I’m not certain anyone else in the realm knows.

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