Page 93 of Faking with the Fae King

“We’ve been working on it as much as we can,” Daigan says. “I’ve still got everyone with plant magic working the sun houses that grow our food.”

Only a few other wielders of plant magic are sprinkled throughout the population. My gift has always been unusual for a shadow fae, who tend to be stronger in the less nature-based areas of magic, such as glamour and illusions. I often think Avalon granted a royal this power out of desperation, wanting once more to bloom.

I shoot a pulse of plant magic into the ground, lettingit ripple outward into the dead forest that surrounds the palace. Little echoes ping back, tiny bits of plant life, stirring, growing.

“Now that things are settled on Earth, I’ll visit more often and work on the land.” I stand. “Avalon will be beautiful again. If not for us, then for our children.”

Daigan grunts.

“In the meantime, I want you to put yourself into the rotation for Earth. You deserve to live for a time among trees.”

He frowns, opening his mouth to protest.

“Before you refuse, hear me out.” I smirk. “I found a brownie baker for the town. You can have all the bread and pastries you desire.”

“Damn you, Severin.” My friend shakes his head, a smile quirking the corners of his lips. “You had to go and say the magic words.”

“We should also consider if there are more shadow fae who can begin businesses in Ferndale Falls. We have one dress shop so far, but if we open more, those fae can find permanent homes on Earth, which will free up more spots in the palace.”

“I’ll put out a call for interested people.”

“Consult with Varyn about shop ideas.”

We wrap up a few more matters, and I spend several hours walking the forest and sending healing magic into the tiny new bits of plant life poking above the soil.

Then I return to Earth, visiting the live forest around the palace, and sending healing magic into the trees. All the growing foliage around me resonates with my power and fillsme with the heady vitality of life. I will always care about Avalon, but Earth is now my true home. This is my forest, my small town, and my amazing lady love.

I launch into the air, flying toward Ferndale Falls, eager to arrange a few more surprises for my enchanting little witch. I want to buy her a wedding band that matches her engagement ring, and I also want Haute and Bothered to provide whichever wedding gown she may desire, as well as the dresses for the bridal party. She’ll say it’s all too much, but what good is it to be king if I can’t spoil my love?

A flash of red in the corner of my eye makes me come to a hover.

Lukendevener soars toward me in his weredragon form, his red wings cupping the air as he comes to a halt before me. “Severin, I’ve discovered what it might mean that your magic mixed with Mayor Wylde’s.”

I arch one eyebrow.

“I think it means you’re fated mates,” the dragon says. “You’ll probably need to knot her to be certain. All the texts say a mate mark should appear.”

“You mean like this one?” I tug aside my clothing to display the new tattoo over my heart, my fingers lingering as they trace over it. I’m still amazed it happened, that I’m lucky enough to be bound to Hannah.

He scowls, his wings stirring the air in agitation. “You could have told me.”

“It only happened last night, and I was in the middle of knotting my mate.” I glare right back. “Youcertainly weren’t on my mind.”

He grunts. “Fair enough.”

Goddess, I’m not handling this well. I need to smooth over relations with other fae, and the dragons will make for powerful allies. I admire Hannah’s ability to talk to others. What would she do?

“Thank you for researching this for me,” I grit out, hoping it doesn’t sound as reluctant to his ears.

“I wish it hadn’t taken so long,” he says, sounding as uncomfortable as I feel. “That library of mine…” He shakes his head.

“You need to find help. Perhaps one of the humans.”

“Maybe.”

“Come.” I gesture toward town. “Let me buy you an ale for your troubles.”

With a snap of his great wings, Lukendevener turns to fly beside me. We soar into town and land on the green near The Thirsty Tusk.

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