Page 128 of Finding Love with the Fae King

Another Dark pixie flew into the room and dropped a small letter of parchment. He had the same haircut and dark wings but didn’t stay. It was a drop-and-go departure as soon as he had delivered his message. He flew into the morning light through the window without one bow or recognition from the others.

Alec was standing in the room's corner, observing. He had been quiet, just wandering the palace halls like a lost puppy. Alec and Tulip hadn’t been mated for long, and the effects were taking a toll on him and his wolf.

Osirus and my father grunted at the blatant disrespect of the Dark pixie while I picked up the small note. It was a deep-colored parchment paper, the handwriting was not Tulip’s. My heart stopped beating for a fleeting moment as I read.

“Osirus,

You have my mother, and I have your mate’s friend. I’ll give you an even trade. Meet me at Progronie Creek tomorrow at noon. No guards, no spells. Come with an open mind.

Daphne.”

Well, this positioned us with several problems. One, I would not let Osirus go alone. That bish was going to do something sneaky and put a spell on him and make him come with her. I wouldn’t put it past those witches to do something from afar. Two, my father wouldnotlet Elaine go alone. He’d die before that happened.

What a hot, sticky, uncomfortable, formidable mess this was.

Instantly, there was arguing, along with Osirus’s father and mother, who had walked into the room. There was so much royal tension going on that it about made my head explode. Little banter led to yelling, and the yelling led to full-out growls and roars. Alec was doing his best to keep his wolf in control and not rip a royal’s head off to protect his mate.

“My mate will not dare go near there!” My father gritted his teeth. His fins pierced through his royal blue blazer as Elaine tried to calm him. “I don’t trust the bitch, she will have the Blood Coven with her, and you know it!”

Nyx got in on the action, yelling that a future king does not work with traditor scum, and they needed to cut their losses and let Tulip take the wrap. Osirus started arguing that Tulip was my sister and Alec’s mate. Tulip now had the same rights as a royal and should be saved accordingly. The room grew louder, and everyone was talking over each other. The growl in my throat grew into a gentle hum as I tried to calm myself. Closing my eyes, I let the song come from my body as I imagined peace by the sea.

I hadn’t had time to spend much time with my father in his kingdom, but the thoughts of the waves, the cool water, and the fish brought me to my calm as I breathed slowly. The outward sounds of the noise and the fighting were no longer around me; it was just me and the gentle breeze of the sea.

I could almost feel the ocean spray glisten on my face as I felt a warm hand on my arm. My eyes flew open to see Osirus smiling at me and bringing me into his arms. The sea faded away, and I was brought back to the tearoom with two other couples and Alec staring at me intently. I buried my face into Osirus’s chest, to his amusement, as he petted my head.

“Sorry, Princess, this isn’t normally how we conduct meetings,” my father said apologetically. “My need to protect my unmarked mate got the best of me.” My father pressed his lips to Elaine’s forehead as he held her close.

“I think it is understandable. We all have someone to take care of. But, darling, you soothed some of the most powerful supernaturals in all of Bergarian. I’m impressed.”

“I didn’t mean to. I was just tired of the yelling, so I tried to zone out. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Nyx stood up and buttoned his blazer. “Your instincts kicked in, and we needed it.”

“Now.” Osirus pulled me to his lap at the head of the table and snaked his arms around my waist. I still had a few cramps leftovers from yesterday, but thankfully they had subsided substantially. I thanked Osirus and the bond for that. I was sure he had something to do with it because I would usually be in bed for days. “For us to proceed, I think we need to take one thing at a time…”

As Osirus spoke, Finley and a beautiful fae woman with spiraled chestnut curls stepped into the room. She looked vaguely familiar as she walked up to the table. Finley was gazing at her with such an adoring look. I couldn’t help but smile. His hand was on her lower back, and she stared at him longingly.

“Your Majesty.” She bowed at both Osirus and me. “My name used to be Nana. I have been hiding and taking care of the boy, Cricket, as my own. My real name is Opal.” Elaine took in a deep breath and held her hands to her mouth.

“Goddess,” she whispered. Opal took a glance at Elaine, who was equally stunned. “I’m so sorry about what happened, I—”

Opal walked toward Elaine and held out her arms while Elaine and Opal both wept. “I swear I didn’t want him,” Elaine cried. Opal held her tightly again and nodded her head in understanding.

“He’s evil, an evil beast,” Opal agreed. Finley growled and pulled Opal back. Phew, the sexual claiming tension in here was stifling.

“I will go to Daphne,” Opal declared. “I believe she has felt a bond between us, but she doesn’t understand it. This nonsense needs to stop, and I will tell her that.” Finley turned her around and grasped her arms.

“No, I won’t allow it! What if she turns on you?”

Opal stood up straighter and brushed her hair back. “I am her birth mother, and she will come to realize it. We just need to get a few witches to put a cloaking spell on your warriors. Do you honestly think she will play fair? She has no heart because of that evil winged bat. I’ve seen how she has tortured innocent people over the years; there is no turning back for her as much as I want to believe. I’ve got some witch friends that could possibly help.”

“They aren’t from the Blood Coven, are they?” Alaneo walked into the room with his new mate, Juliet, both sporting large mating bites for all the world to see. I wanted to run up to Alaneo, but I knew better. Osirus spoke last night about how territorial vampires could be. Standing still in awe of her beauty and curves, I couldn’t believe I stood in the same room as a vampire.

“This is better than Twilight,” I whispered to no one in particular. Juliet giggled and waved.

“Vampires that sparkle. Really?” Her voice rang like bells as she replied to me with a toothy grin.

“No, most witches stay away from the Blood Coven. Their practices are unethical,” Opal replied confidently.

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