Page 21 of Sold to the Fae King (Kings of the Fae Islands 2)

His manhood certainly had no problems with me, she thought with a little wave of glee. Trying not to read too much into it, she pushed the thought from her mind and forced herself to eat a few morsels of the honeyed toast that Pria had brought her, requesting, "Pria, please could you fetch me a clean gown?"

Pria nodded and began to leave. She paused at the door and turned back to ask, "My lady, forgive the direct question but shall I have someone bring a bath in for you?"

Iris's throat constricted. She had been so caught up in what had happened the night before, she hadn't thought of the aftermath.

"Yes! Of course!"

Having eaten, washed and dressed, Iris was unsure of what to do with herself. She couldn't stand the thought of returning to her own chambers yet and instead decided to wander through the palace gardens, a large plateau overhanging a sheer cliff that overlooked the side of the mountain.

Iris had always appreciated nature as a young girl, often picking wildflowers, or drawing butterflies whenever she could get her hands on parchment and pencils. However, recent events had caused her to lose contact with this interest and it was only now, after the experiences she'd had the night before, that she finally found she could see the beauty in all the color and life around her.

Although there were guards following behind her, they seemed to walk further back than usual, and feeling that she had earned a little trust, she breathed fresh air for what felt like the first time in years.

She hadn't gone very far around a large, slightly overgrown flower bed when she became aware of voices ahead. All too late she heard them and stopped almost right on top of the king and the gentleman walking at his side.

"Oh, Your Majesty!" she gasped, dropping instinctively into a curtsey.

"Ahh, Iris!" Ember replied, sounding stunned, though Iris couldn't tell whether he was pleased to see her or not.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to disturb you," she insisted, still lowered toward the ground until Ember stepped forward and gripped hold of her arm.

"Rise," he said gently and urged her to her feet. In the next moment he gestured to the man beside him, "Iris, this is my brother, King Asher of the Mystic Isle."

The two looked so different in appearance that Iris would never have guessed they were siblings. While Ember's hair was crimson, his brother's was a dark blue-grey, almost like a stormy night sky. Where Ember's eyes were charcoal, Asher's were slate grey. The only similarities between them were their creamy skin and their handsomeness. It was clear that their parents had been gifted in the genes department. The pair standing before Iris took her breath away. It wasn't until Ember's next words that she realized she wasn’t breathing at all.

"Asher, this is my guest, Iris," Ember explained. Asher looked her up and down and Iris struggled not to allow them to see her trembling.

Guest? She thought, grimly. The circumstances that had brought her to the palace surely offered her a higher title than guest. Perivale had always introduced her proudly as his 'bride'. Even though at the time it had made her feel sick, most saw it as an honour, at least those who weren't stuck with the title. Now Iris couldn't help but wonder why Ember hadn't used it. After all, the law of tradition stated that she was, in fact, Ember's bride.

"You are a very lucky man, brother," Asher announced, still eyeing Iris even as he clapped his brother on the back. Bile began to rise in Iris's throat at his words. She didn't like the way he was eyeing her so hungrily.

"One day you may be so lucky," Ember responded, clapping his brother on the shoulder in return. A solid lump instantly formed in Iris's throat.

He doesn't mean...she struggled to allow the thought to form, he wouldn't trade me to his brother, surely! Their night together had to have meant more to him than that. It had to!

It had meant more to Iris than she had allowed herself to believe up until now. Had one night been enough for Ember? Was he bored of her already?

I never should have allowed myself into his bed! she thought, feeling the color drain from her face. This can't be happening!

"Maybe, one day," Asher responded and as if he suddenly realized he had been examining her much too closely, he cleared his throat, straightened up and bowed respectfully before adding, "Forgive me, Iris, I did not mean to stare but your beauty is beyond compare."

Iris's throat constricted. Obviously, Ember wasn't the only one with a charming demeanor. Was that all last night was? An act to get me into bed?

Ember made no attempt to get close to her now, showed no affection toward her. quite the opposite, It appeared. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze entirely.

"Please, forgive me for disturbing you both," Iris said quickly, dropping into a curtsey and hurrying off before either of the royals could stop her. Her face felt white as a sheet, her chest hot with embarrassment, and she was sure that if she remained a moment longer, she might burst into tears. I must get out of here!

She was almost sure that she heard Ember calling after her, but she didn't dare turn back. Her wings were itching to spread and carry her away, but she just barely managed to keep them under control, knowing that her guards would be on her in an instant if she did, not to mention that it was against the rules of every Isle to fly in the presence of a royal without their permission or express wish.

"My lady?" One of her guards spoke up with a concerned tone as she rushed past.

"Please, I just need one moment alone," she pleaded with him, averting her face from him, fearful he would see the tears in her eyes. She was relieved when he didn't immediately rush after her.

She hurried away until she could go no more, dropping down onto a marble bench that just so happened to be overlooking the very edge of the cliff.

Chapter 12 - Ember

Ember was startled by the way the color drained from Iris's beautiful face. Had he said something wrong? He couldn't be sure, but he didn't get the chance to ask because she hurried away before he could open his lips.

---