Page 92 of Faking with the Fae King

“The worst.” I give a pretend shudder, making her laugh, the joyful sound ringing through my soul. I take another bite of brownie-baked bliss and pour us both coffees. I’ve taken a liking to the dark, bitter beverage, though I add sugar and milk to Hannah’s until it turns a light brown.

She takes an appreciative sip, then says, “That’s one thing we still need to find for the town, a dedicated coffee shop. If you like black coffee, you’re going to love espresso.”

“With Ferndale Falls now thriving, I’m sure you’ll attract one. And if we don’t, I can always mesmerize the appropriate human to get them to come.”

“Severin!” Her eyes go wide. “You can’t do that.”

“Of course I can.” I frown. “My magic’s easily powerful enough.”

“No, I mean it’s not right.”

“Ah, well. You’ll need to act as my moral compass. Mine’s still a bit rusty.” And really, all’s fair in love and good food, so maybe a tiny compulsion wouldn’t be so bad if this espresso is as good as she says. I am, after all, still shadow fae. I never claimed to relinquish all of my devious ways. And if something will make my Hannah happy…

I hide my smirk behind my coffee cup and enjoy the smile on her face as she takes another bite.

As soon as we finish eating, I lead her into the bathroom.

Hannah’s eyes go wide as she points. “Holy shit! Is that a bathtub or a swimming pool?”

“Both.” I smirk, gesturing to the marble bathing pool. “It can be any temperature you want.”

She spins slowly, taking in the gold-veined black marble sinks and counters, the fixtures all made out of gold. “This is seriously lush.”

I hug her from behind, watching us in the mirror. “Fit for a queen.”

“I’m really going to live here?”

“If you want.” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “Although I’m rather fond of your cottage as well. We could keep it, use it as a getaway when palace life gets to be too much.”

“I’d love that.”

I scoop her into my arms and carry her into the pool, settling in the hot water with her on my lap. My soapy hands glide over her soft skin and comb through her wet hair until she melts against me with a sigh of contentment.

Her eyes sparkle as they meet mine, as bright as a sky fullof stars.

My love, my fated mate. I’m still in awe I’ve been given such a gift, one I never thought possible for one such as me. I’m not worthy of her, but I’m far too selfish to give her up. I’ll simply need to become the man she deserves. And if breakfast in bed and my luxurious bathing pool make her happy, then she’ll have all this and more.

I’m amazed all over again at how much her happiness sparks my own. My past self thought happiness was something to be snatched from other people and hoarded selfishly. Hannah has shown me the opposite is true. Nothing will ever make me as happy as bringing her joy.

When I fly Hannah to work, we sign a new agreement in order to anchor the palace on Earth, but this one has no expiration date.

I return to the palace, lift the tapestry in the foyer, and step through the door to Avalon. The same room, even though a mirror of the one I just left, feels immediately different. Magic thrums powerfully beneath my feet, but the light dims, the colors fade, and the air loses the sweetness of flowers.

Yet even here there is now hope. Shadow fae walk past, their steps full of purpose.

“Severin!” Daigan greets me as I stride into the throne room. He stands from the regent chair to give me a heartyclap on the shoulder, his shadow wings tucked against his back. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

“They are indeed.” I grin. “I will marry my Hannah in a month. You will be there and stand with me.”

“Will I have to dress like a human?” Still wearing fighting leathers, my warlord scowls at my fine cotton shirt and pinstriped waistcoat.

“You do realize our ancestors wore clothes not too dissimilar to this?” I point to a tapestry, where an elf of three-hundred years ago sports breeches and a long open coat trimmed in brocade over a heavily embroidered waistcoat.

“Bah.”

“Cotton or silk won’t hurt you, old friend. You may even come to like them.” I pass the throne and continue through the door leading outside. Only, here in Avalon, there is no garden.

I crouch and press a palm to the ground, and for the first time, I note a tiny answering spark of seeds that may yet spring to life. “It feels better.”

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