Page 15 of Finding Love with the Fae King

“Nah, dear King. We just wished for ye to enjoy our spoils before the party tomorrow. There are to be many unmated women coming across to the territory, hearing of your arrival.” I groaned.

“Pass the flask, Braxton.” A loud cheer came from the group.

I could only be myself around Alaneo and Clara. My guards had pledged their life to me, but I could not let them in. There were too many dangers around. I had to keep the entire “Fearless King” facade in place for as long as I could until I found my mate. With that in mind, I would have to let everyone else in as well. I was just scared of the results. It would be all the better if I could fight with her by my side. I just hoped she could trust me enough to understand the dealings we would have to go through together to change a nation and rid it of the Court and Parliament’s oppression.

“Are ye ready for the ceremony tomorrow? The wolves do it differently from us, so I’m excited to watch,” Everett spoke. His fiery red hair, along with his brother’s, was always up in a bun as their beards grew long.

It was uncharacteristic for fae to wear long beards, but it suited the brothers just fine. They had grown up in the village, away from the Court and away from the stupid mannerisms. Most of his village sported them, and the women preferred them.

I took the pad of my finger and traced the flask. “Yes, I’ve been to one before. Clara and Kane’s was quite interesting. You can see the love in their eyes. It makes one quite jealous.” I lowered my eyes and took another sip of the strong ale. The men were quiet, not sure what to say.

“We will all find our mates one day. Goddess Selene has promised.” Finley slammed his pint down. He was the most dramatic of the group. “I just pray I don’t have to share a mate. I don’t think I could handle seeing my other brother’s cocks in my woman.”

Braxton let out a boisterous laugh while Everett spat some of his ale on Alaneo. Laughter invaded the table, and I let out a small chuckle at the antics.

“It doesn’t work that way, idiot,” Alaneo spoke. “You aren’t identical triplets. You don’t share a soul. It’d never work.”

“Never say never.” Everett laughed. “The Goddess just put humans on the supernatural mating list. Things could change.” Everett took a sip. This conversation was going from fun to ridiculous theories. I excused myself and went up to my quarters.

The room was large, and the king-size bed looked inviting. Taking off my belt with my sword and dagger, I laid it on the chair next to me. Riding boots, trousers, and a linen shirt, I threw them to the chair as well and sunk into the enormous bed.

Beds always felt lonely, but this night, it felt even more lonely and cold. Very cold.

My thoughts drifted to the little siren by the lake. Her voice was calming. It reminded me of Clara. Her hair was so dark that it cloaked her face just enough to where I couldn’t see her. The thought crossed my mind that if she had only looked up, I could have seen if she was mine. I had never been so captivated by a woman. My heart continued to race at the thought of her.

Putting a hand on my chest to calm my heart, I thought nothing of what she sang to help me get to sleep.

Chapter Eight

Melina

Thetwosunswereclose to being high in the sky by the time I woke up the next day. I didn’t sleep well at all from the night before. I was too bothered by the feeling I was being watched at the lake. Then there was the constant calling of “Your Majesty!” that was coming from the far end of the courtyard. I didn’t want to be caught outside at night and being a ‘defenseless human,’ it was best if I hightailed it out of there.

There was a loud knock at the door. I had an inkling I knew who it was, but was trying my best to ignore it.

“Melina!” the voice shrieked, and I put the pillow over my head.

The last thing I wanted to do was get breakfast or lunch in the dining hall. There were too many eyes on me yesterday, and I would rather starve myself than deal with that social awkwardness again. Before I could mutter a “Go away” in response, Tulip burst into the room and jumped on the bed.

“Goddess, woman, get off me!” I wasn’t the most wonderful person to wake up to.

“Get up. Mom, you, me, and even Luna are going to get mani-pedis and do the whole spa thing! They have their own room dedicated to it! Hurry and shower and meet me in five!” Tulip patted my butt and threw the blankets off my bed. I quickly curled up to warm myself, and then I heard another light knocking on the door.

Surprise, surprise, Esteban. “I could get used to that view.” Esteban licked his lips as he walked into the room.

I sat up and gave him an evil glare as I picked up the fluffy duvet and wrapped myself up. “Now I’m a burrito, not cute at all.”

“Ah, yes, you are still a cute burrito,” he purred. “Are you finally up? Everyone was wondering where you were this morning. You aren’t sick, are you?” Esteban asked, concerned.

“Uh, no. I didn’t sleep well last night and didn’t want to subject myself to another brawl in the dining room, so I slept instead.” I hobbled over to my suitcase to pick out a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Esteban rubbed the back of his head. “I kind of lost it there.”

“We are just friends, Esteban, nothing more. You can’t stake your wolfy claim on me, all right?” I shook my head as I walked to the ensuite bathroom.

“But what if I wanted to be possessive of you, Melina? I really do like you, whether or not you think so. Why do you think I keep coming for you, pursuing you, and wanting to protect you from those damn mutts downstairs?” Esteban gritted his teeth.

I clung to my clothes and looked at him warily.

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