Page 36 of Courting the Fae Captain
Akira bumped her shoulder. “Brains, beauty, and brawn,” she said wistfully. “Captain’s got his decision cut out for him.”
“Why choose? He could just keep us all. We could terrorise the castle inhabitants forever,” I said, fluttering my fingers as I whispered.
“Oh, gods, no,” Sherai said with a snort. “No offence, but the two of you would surely send me to Ryvia before I was due.” Her gaze swept pointedly to me. “And anyway, he’s already courting this one.”
I scowled at her. While alone on the island, we’d had plenty of time to talk about everything, including my escape attempt being foiled by the captain, followed by his proposal. “It’s only for show. There’s a difference.”
“Is there, though?” she asked with a coy grin.
“There’s a fine line between eye fucking and simply fucking,” Akira agreed. “Besides, all the best romances start with some brewing tension. Maybe a little forced proximity.”
“You’re both insufferable,” I said with an eye roll. “Romance is the last thing on my mind. Especially when I don’t know where the captain’s true allegiances lie.”
“True,” Sherai said with a sigh. “Still, it’s fun to dream. Wouldn’t it be ironic if he were a fated mate to one of the females here?”
“Come again?” I asked.
“Fated mate,” she repeated. At my blank look, she let out a ‘tsk’ noise. “I read a fascinating book about the phenomenon. It’s a rare thing, but every so often, a Fae will find their other half. A connection so strong, ancient magic literally binds their souls together in a love so strong nothing can break it. There’s even a ritual of sorts for it. The female offers her throat in submission, and the male claims her with a bite. It’s very primal.”
“Lies,” Akira said with a roll of her eyes. “I don’t believe it for a second.”
“Well, I like to think it’s true,” Sherai said with a huff. “Maybe Aeris will find that with the captain.”
Talking about the captain made me wonder where he was. I felt her eyes on me, but I was too busy looking out the windows of the dining hall, somewhere towards the sea. I wondered if he was out there on one of his ships, surrounded by a fleet of the Shadow Court navy. Or perhaps across the border, visiting a different court altogether. Then a bigger question came to mind … why did I care where he was at all?
“Ladies, if I could have your attention,” the sea serpent of the Pentad said from his position at the head of their table on the dais. The Pentad stood, wearing their usual black garb and golden masks. It was easy to imagine a mangled monster behind them when, really, they were probably handsome, maybe even captivating, to look upon. A juxtaposition to the cold and cruel hearts beating beneath. “We are so pleased to see you healthy and thriving before us, with another test under your belt. You came here as blooming petals from a rose, and with winter now upon us, we have seen you shed your skin and sharpen like thorns. Eat and drink with us tonight, knowing you are one step closer to our captain and all the responsibilities that come as the lady to our lord.
“While Captain Windaire cannot be present tonight, fighting for our land and seas as is his duty, rest assured he is aware of your progress and will return soon. Despite the harsher season, there are many triumphs to come. A toast”—He raised his wine, which had been freshly filled, along with all the glasses in the room—“to old blood and a new age.”
The Pentad lifted their masks just enough to sip their wines. I had the distinct feeling that not drinking would be unwise, so I took a sip from the wine we had each been poured … and nearly spat the thing out. Akira didn’t hold it in, however, unable to maintain her graceful composure as red dribbled down her lips. The sentiment was echoed by several others along the table.
“What is this?” she sputtered with red-stained teeth.
“Blood,” Sherai said with narrowed eyes.
“To your good health, and the death of the unworthy,” the sea-serpent said before he drained his glass and took his seat once again.
It took everything in me not to charge across the hall and stab the fucker in the throat. Instead, I put my glass down on the table and smiled prettily, as if pleased with all of the Pentad’sempty praises.“Akira,” I said quietly once I was sure no one was listening. “I think it’s time we revisit that discussion about fighting back.”
“Finally,” she said with a huff. “I knew you’d come around.”
“We’re having this discussion now?” Sherai looked around and laughed softly, like we were discussing some big joke. And once, I would have laughed at the notion, too. But this wasn’t a game anymore. Not one we could all win. Not on the Pentad’s terms, at least.
“No more Rites. No more killing for the pleasure of males,” Akira said under her breath. “Isn’t that worth fighting for? I mean, fuck, don’t you have a dream, Sherai?”
“Yes, of course, but I?—”
“If you could do anything with your life, what would it be?Whowould you be?”
Sherai was silent for a moment. “I’ve always wished to study at the Palantai Palace. To ensure our histories are remembered, and our future is never forgotten. I would be … me. A scholar and a dreamer, but still me.”
“Don’t waste a single moment on a wish,” Akira said. “Dreams are a desire we can all afford, but goals are worth fighting for. That future? The three of us? We are worth fighting for.”
Sherai smoothed back her hair and downed her cider in several long gulps. When she was done, she wiped her mouth with her sleeve and nodded. “Okay.” She nodded once more. “Okay.”
I shot a sly grin at Akira as she looked at me. “Do you even have to ask?”
My friend grabbed her mug and passed me mine, then lifted it into the air. “To us.”
