Page 32 of Tempting the Fae Lord
“Tell me everything!”
We continue to chatter as she finishes taking my measurements. It’s nice, this happy bit of normalcy. Marissa cheers me up so thoroughly I almost forget Ezra will be leaving again tonight. Leaving and heading into danger all alone.
When dusk rolls around,I’m dressed in my winter clothes and waiting down the hall from Ezra’s wing. I want to see him off,and secretly, an idea has occurred to me that I have to try. With any luck, he won’t notice that part.
The creak of his door sets butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I count his quiet, even footfalls as he approaches.
“Good evening, Gale,” he rumbles.
“How’s your knee?” There’s no limp, but is it still sore?
“All better.”
“I wish you wouldn’t go alone,” I blurt out. I can’t help myself.
“You’ve nothing to fear.” He urges me onward with a gentle touch to my lower back.
I shiver. I won’t argue. He’ll do what he likes regardless of what I say, and arguing won’t help either of us, so I bite my tongue.
He glances at my cloak, my winter boots. “Will you be escorting me to the gate, then?”
“If you’ll allow it.”
“So long as there’s no theatrics when I must cross.”
“Absolutely none. Promise.”
He lifts his brows but leads us toward the front exit. “I usually fly, you know.”
“Yes. I’ve watched many times.”
He chuckles. “I’m familiar with all your favorite perches.”
“The castle has many to choose from. I watch and imagine what it must feel like. To soar into the air as you do. You make it look effortless.” For him, it probably is. “I’m hopeful you won’t mind walking tonight, since I can’t join you in the air.”
He grins, and my heart races. He hardly ever grins, and this one is only for me. Just a hint of a smile, really, no pointy teeth to ogle, but on him, it’s transformative. “Who says you can’t join me?”
My mouth hangs open. “Erm, no wings, for one.”
“Then I shall carry you. You wish to know what it’s like, so I’ll give you a taste. Perhaps when I return, I’ll show you more.”
Breath rushes into my lungs. I go from worried to excited in the span of a second. It never occurred to me that flying would be a thing we could share. But—“Are you sure you can carry me?”
“I’ve done it before.”
“When I was a baby.”
“Yes, and as a young child. Several times in fact. You’re a magnet for trouble.”
“I don’t remember flying.”
“I covered your face.”
“I’m a lot bigger now.”
His gaze passes over me, a hint of mischief sparkling in his eyes. “I’m aware.”
“You can still carry me?”
