Page 35 of Royal Captive
There was a stinging sensation in my wrist, and then I was instantly out, just a candle being snuffed with no control over its own flame.
Twelve
ELLIS
Iwoke up with a raging headache, and my mouth was fuzzy and dry as if stuffed with cotton. Sweat soaked through the heavy satin sheets around me, and in a flurry, I kicked them off, desperate for cool air.
And I was naked again. This was a continuing issue for me, it seemed.
What thefuck?
Outside my door, two voices were arguing in the fae language. My head hurt too much to wrap my head around the lilting sounds, turned harsh by the vehemence of the two females. Feyanna and …
I froze, remembering bits and pieces. There was another female who looked like Feyanna. A sister? She had … touched me.
Shame and embarrassment flushed my face. But why? I’d been a notorious playboy in the past: one who would’ve jumped at the chance to be with this alluring, strong fae princess.
Had Eve changed me that irrevocably?
Yes.
But it was more than that. Before, I’d used drink and women to escape the dreams and the expectations of my family. My vices were a welcome relief that distracted me from my lack of self-worth and direction.
Even since Eve came into my life, I was a compass locked onto north.
“I ae reve.”
The voices stopped after that last phrase, the new female voice switching to my language. Was it a deliberate change to be polite?
“It’s not fair. Father gives everything to the boys. If Shyllon and Alihandro get the princess, thenIwant the prince. What’s so wrong with that?”
My door opened, and I balled the sheets in my hand. Naked, what could I do? I couldn’t run. I couldn’t hide.
Well, I could. I just didn’t fancy showing the two fae princesses anything more than they’ve already seen.
“He is awake.”
The new fae female strode into my room, hands on her hips and assessing me critically. At first I thought she was Feyanna’s twin, but there were slight differences. Her features were sharper, her chin more pointed. She was taller and muscled like a warrior. Her large doe eyes nearly overwhelmed her face, and instead of gold or silver, her eyes wereboth; the left one was gold, and the right one was silver. Her hair was black like Feyanna’s, but instead of wavy, it was as straight as wheat in a field. It also went down to her shoulders.
Feyanna entered behind her, wringing her hands and frowning.
“On ne pu pa tra,” Feyanna grumbled, shooting me a look as if it were my fault I was naked and half-drugged in a bed.
“Nonsense. He liked it. I just think he has misplaced notions of chivalry for his princess. Isn’t that right?” The second female smiled sweetly at me, leaning in and running her finger down my chest.
I leaned away, unsure how to act. Did I play along to win her favor? Where did I draw the line?
“Come on, handsome. I’m only trying to help. Feyanna couldn’t explain it to you, poor dear. I’m Fallon, the first daughter. The smart and strong one.”
Feyanna had nothing to say to that, likely because she didn’t understand it.
“What do you mean by help?” I asked gruffly.
Fallon giggled as if I’d just uttered a clever joke. I also didn’t miss how she used the opportunity to rest her hand on my bare shoulder.
“We know what Father asked you to do. Wouldn’t knowing the fae language make it all so much easier?”
Well … yes, it would.
