Page 51 of Finding Love with the Fae King

Peoni and Primrose, who had been absent since we stepped foot into the marketplace, fluttered in the door and sat on the kitchen counter while I cooked. “How did you find me?” I asked, unamused.

“It’s a secret.” Peoni giggled.

I didn’t trust Peoni and Primrose one bit. These fairies always had something up their sleeve or up their dresses.

“Peoni was visiting a—ahem—friend,” Primrose said cheekily.

“Yes, and Primrose was also visiting a—ahem—friend.” I rolled my eyes as I threw the rest of the food into the pot.

The smell was wafting into the air. Children began sitting at the table, waiting for me to pour them a large portion of chili when the door came open.

Four exhausted fae women walked through the door and hung their cloaks, but immediately perked up as they smelled the chili on the stove cooking. Cricket came bursting through the kitchen and held onto the more worn-looking fae woman.

“Nana! I met a friend today! She made us all food!”

Nana whipped her head into the kitchen and stared at my giant posse behind me.

“I-I,” she spoke as the shocked look on her face dwindled. “T-thank you.”

I smiled at her warmly and handed her a bowl of chili. “Here, come sit.” I gathered her at a table and gave her the first bowl. She didn’t look old by any means because aging wasn’t a thing here, but she oozed experience. The worry she held in her eyes, the pain, and the suffering were all there. Older children grabbed rolls and bowls for the younger ones and fed themselves. Nana kept glancing at my ears and my short stature but didn’t utter a word.

The three girls continued to hold on to their cloaks and looked at my bodyguards with wide eyes. Once the infamous redheads looked up, their own eyes opened wide. Confusion was set on my face until they all said one four-letter word…

Chapter Twenty-Three

Melina

“Fuck!”theyallscreamedand ran toward each other. Hugs and cheek kisses were all around as Nana and I scrambled to cover the little one’s ears. Many of the older kids sat wide-eyed while the younger children happily slopped their chili on some bread rolls.

“Oy! I haven’t seen you in forever!” Finley blasted as he gave one girl a swift kiss on the cheek. All the girls laughed as they put their fingers through their beards.

One girl, a tall woman with long golden hair, gave Everett a pat on the chest. “Mother will be so sorry she didn’t get to see her favorite nephews.”Oh, so they are cousins.

“Melina, we want you to meet our cousins, Elana, Eve, and Wind.” The three girls all curtsied beautifully and were equally stunning in their looks, sporting various shades of blonde.

“A human!” Elana gasped. “I’ve never seen one before! Welcome!” The other two girls gave a slight wave and whispered to each other, pointing at my stature and point-less ears.

Elana turned to her red-haired cousins and clasped her hands. “This is such a surprise! When we moved to the capital just a year ago, we were wondering when we would find you three. Our paths never crossed, so we figured you had moved on to another place.”

Braxton laughed. “Nah, we are creatures of habit. Our loyalties are with the King and the King alone.”

Eve scoffed and crossed her arms. “I don’t know why. These poor children are starving, and he does nothing about it.” My eyes furrowed in confusion. Didn’t Osirus say he sent money to those just outside of the capital to help them?

“That’s not true,” I spoke up. The three sisters turned to me in confusion as to why I would defend their King. “He sends aid. There must be a mistake. If he knew there were children starving, then he would have surely sent more!” Wind turned her back to me and hung up her cloak.

“Listen here, little human. You know nothing of the fae. The King is heartless and lets small children starve while the nobles eat high-ranking meats and vegetables, discarding the scraps for their pets. Not even these children are said to be deserving of such a treat.”

Anger boiled inside me. In my heart, I knew Osirus would never allow such a thing to happen. He just said he helped aid them the best he could! Before I could speak again, there was a harsh knock at the door. Nana stood up, clasping her hands, and walked to the door carefully.

Once opened, we all stood and stared into the eyes of none other than Daphne. I felt my jaw tick seeing my mate’s former bed warmer. Braxton stood by me and put his hand on my shoulder, noticing my distress.

“Well, well, well, looks like a party in here this afternoon, hmm, Nana?” Nana stood back and gripped the child behind her that was still clinging to her dress.

Daphne was beautiful, just like every other fae, but she had lean muscles and a strong posture that oozed strength. I wondered if the fae trained as much as the werewolves.

“What seems to be the occasion?” She walked in and started smelling the pot. “Hm, not a fae dish.” Daphne turned to me and narrowed her eyes. “You,” she growled. “What is a concubine doing here? Are you too good to warm the King’s bed now?”

The women in the home looked at me, confused, and my face blushed red. “I don’t see how that is any of your concern.” I stood from the table in defiance. This woman wasn’t going to tear me down. She was just a jealous hoe that wanted Osirus—my Osirus.

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