Page 61 of Silent Secrets

I can’t believe this nonsense. Why are the Fae so determined to keep their courts segregated? I don’t like it and it will be one of the first things I work on changing. All of this stupid shit so families can stay in power. They were so fucking worried about another Fae Queen emerging that they punished their own people and look—here I am, regardless of everything that they tried to do to prevent it. Sucks to be them, doesn’t it?

I don’t say any of this out loud, because I know Grace doesn’t want to hear it. It’s something that I’ve discussed ad nauseam with Marcos, and even Caiden and Kai a few times. The three of them agree with me and it’s nice to know it’s not just because I’m new to this realm. Though it’s very obvious to me that the Fae need someone to shake things up—something that I think I shall enjoy immensely. And at least I know my three men are on my side.

Thinking of them makes me think of Hunter and the fact that even after everything that happened—because he’s dumb if he thinks I don’t know about how he held me as I fell apart—he’s still refusing to deal with me. He’s not cruel to me, but he seems to enjoy acting indifferent during our lessons and at meals. He still refuses to be in my presence outside of those times, going as far as leaving a room if I come to hang out with any of the other three. It’s honestly ridiculous. I’ve tried calling him out on it and he just ignores me. And because of his refusal, I guess I will need to find another consort from the Winter court.

Because, yes, I’ve decided that Marcos, Caiden, and Kai will be three of my four consorts. I enjoy spending time with them and the sex with Marcos is exceptional. I still haven’t slept with either Caiden or Kai, but it’ll happen soon. Of that, I have no doubt. I didn’t think it was possible to fall for anyone this quickly, but while I might not be in love with them, I do care for them. I think it’s the most I can expect in such a tight timeframe.

Real romantic, I know. But at least I’ve had time to get to know them and I still have two months before the wedding, so who knows what will happen? Maybe I will love them by then, or at least be on the path to it. Seeing as I’ve never been in love, I don’t know exactly how it works. Sad, yes, but I accept this. As with much of my new life, I’m taking it one day at a time.

“Well, why don’t we start looking at dresses? Then there’s still shoes and masks to look at. Not to mention undergarments.”

I roll my eyes, not bothering to hide my grimace. How I wish someone else could do this for me, but I force myself to my feet and start flipping through the dresses. There’s no doubt about it. They’re all well-made and gorgeous in their own way. It’s obvious that Grace has picked up on my style as there are very few that I immediately discard as something I wouldn’t wear—though I do immediately get rid of the orange and yellow racks. You couldn’t pay me enough to wear either of those colors.

Hours later, I’m exhausted, but we’re finally done. I’ve picked a dress that Grace approves of and the tailor is taking it in as we speak—though there aren’t many adjustments to make. I’d made Adaline and Grace choose everything else to go with the dress, not having it in me to do so. Knowing that it’s important that I have the right look for my introduction doesn’t change my mind. I’m just all out of fucks to give.

“Please tell me that we’re done,” I beg from where I’m slumped down on the couch. Lunch has come and gone, once again eaten in my room. There are still a few hours left until dinner, but I’d love to do something with this unexpected free time that has nothing to do with gowns or masquerades.

“Yes, Hadley, we’re done. Go on.” Grace sighs, but waves me away.

“Going to see Marcos?” Adaline asks, wiggling her eyebrows. “Or maybe Kai and Caiden?”

I grit my teeth, glancing at Grace, who pretends she isn’t listening. I shake my head, glaring at my friend who pretends she doesn’t see as she just grins at me.

“I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.” She clears her throat. “Are things going any better with you and Hunter?”

I shake my head. I really appreciate the fact that she cares enough to ask. She knows what a hard time I’ve had with him, but I haven’t told her that I’ve decided that I will try to find another consort from the Winter court. I don’t want to discuss it in front of Grace, and I want to talk to the guys first. I need to know that they’ll be okay if I choose only the three of them and someone that they don’t know. Or maybe they will know them, but it won’t be their friend. Because I can’t choose Hunter, not with the way he acts.

“I’ll see you tonight for tea?”

Adaline nods, eyes narrowing for just a moment at my lack of answer.

“Thank you both for your help today. I don’t think I could have ever chosen a dress without you,” I tell them before ducking out the door.

I hurry through the halls that are already becoming familiar to me, even after less than two weeks. It still surprises me to realize that I’ve been in Sorlphi for such a short amount of time. I think it’s because I’ve finally accepted that this is home—that this is where I’m meant to be. For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong somewhere. I’m not sure how much of that is because of where I am as much as who I’m with.

The walk from my wing to the guys’ doesn’t take long. I don’t even think about shooting any of them a text, even though Kai got me my own phone. Honestly, I forget that I have it most of the time—something I didn’t think would ever happen, but here we are. I have no idea what any of them have planned for the day, but I know at least three of them will be happy to see me done early.

I knock lightly on Marcos’s door as I push it open. I know that if he doesn’t want me to come into his room, he’ll lock it—something that he, Caiden & Kai have all made perfectly clear. But as I wander through the room, I find it empty. Sighing, I head to Kai’s room next door.

No one is in the sitting room, but as I turn to leave, I hear a sound from the bedroom. I grin as I head to the partially shut door and push it open, wondering what I’ll catch Kai doing. I’m not sure what I expected to see, but it’s definitely not what I find.

Arousal rushes through me, heating my belly and dampening my panties as my tongue darts out to wet my suddenly dry lips. Technically, I know that I’m interrupting and that it’s probably rude to keep watching, but that doesn’t stop me.

Kai is on his hands and knees at the end of the bed with Caiden standing behind him, hands tight on Kai’s hips as his cock slides in and out of the other man. Kai pants, almost mewling as Caiden groans and the sounds do something to me.

I lean back against the doorframe as neither man has noticed me yet. My hand moves between my legs, rubbing my clit through my leggings as I try to relieve the pressure building with me. But it’s not enough. Biting my lip, I trail my hand back up my stomach before dipping beneath my waistband and into my panties. I can’t bite back the moan when I slide my fingers through my wet pussy, brushing against my clit.

Both men’s heads jerk in my direction as Caiden continues to fuck Kai. Caiden smirks when he realizes that it’s me, eyes dropping to where my hand moves beneath my pants.

“Are you touching yourself while you watch me fuck Kai?”

I slide two fingers between my lips, knowing I’m wet enough already. My palm rubs against my clit as I fuck myself on my fingers, wishing that they were longer—wishing that they belonged to someone else.

“Don’t stop,” I beg, not answering his question because it’s very obvious that I’m doing exactly that.

“Oh, angel,” Kai sighs. “Come here. Let me touch you.”

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