Page 9 of Spring of the Cursed Fae

I could say so many things, but I refused to appear weak in front of my brother. Nothing ever seemed to bother him. I didn’t want him to know of my pain, of how much I wanted and needed Lia. We’d shared many women before but none of them were her. She would never choose me over him, and I knew it. Did a part of me begrudge him that? Yes. I was never one to be jealous of any man, but deep down I knew Lia loved him. She cared for me too, but I had yet to know the full extent. Bayleon had never told me his true feelings, but I knew the truth. He loved her, too.

Before I could give a neutral response, Lia opened the door, wearing a midnight-blue dress and a crown of vines and blossoms. Her shimmering golden skin sparkled in the light, making me want to touch her and inhale her sweet flowery scent.

She smiled radiantly as she looked at us and said, “I’m glad Shaylah caught you in time.” She grabbed our arms and linked hers with ours as we walked down the hall. My heart started to flutter the moment her hand touched mine.

“You look breathtakingly beautiful,” I whispered, hoping she couldn’t hear the strain in my voice.

“Gorgeous,” Bayleon added.

Lia beamed at us and held us tighter as we continued on. Music was already playing outside, and I could hear everyone chattering and laughing.

“Thank you,” Lia replied softly. “You both look quite dashing yourselves.”

Spending a whole night beside her was going to be complicated; it was too tempting. All I could think about was slipping my fingers through her hair and feeling her body close to mine as I kissed her. It wouldn’t take away all the pain, but it would give me a little break.

When we arrived at the exit, I looked around. People from all of the fae courts were there, set apart by their differences. Winter fae had shimmering skin, Summer fae were tanned, and Spring and Fall fae had a light golden color. But Bayleon and I weren’t like them. We chose to live in Spring, but our appearance stayed the same. We were cursed from birth, living in the Mystical Forest, and condemned from that second. The reaction was predictable at every ball we attended with Lia: some were angry, some were fearful, and some desired us. Fathers would keep their daughters away and husbands their wives. A few women always wanted to play with fire. I had lived off lovemaking for centuries, and it was almost painful to deny it when someone tried to give themselves to me. Even now, I could sense their longing, calling me to use my charms on them.

Keeping my eyes forward, I walked with Lia and Bayleon through the crowd. Everyone congratulated Lia on her new court. It was supposed to be a night she’d remember forever, a night for us all to enjoy, but I already wanted it done.

As soon as we stepped across the invisible barrier that marked the Court of Rivers, I could feel the magic in the air. The power of the court seemed to buzz, and I envied those who could control the elements. I imagined what it would be like to draw power from the earth and manipulate the wind; it was a luxury I’d never possess.

All the fae gathered around had these abilities, many of whom probably failed to recognize their luck. I wished I could join them, but my curse of seduction seemed like a heavy burden compared to their elemental gifts. We strolled alongside the river that snaked around Kale’s palace and the tranquil water reflected the full moon’s light.

We soon arrived back at the Blossom Court, where the air was filled with music and laughter. Tiny lights hung from magnolia trees, glittering like stars, and a long table had been set up near the trees, with hundreds of glasses filled with blue, sparkling faerie wine. I knew that one glass of this wine was more potent than three shots of whiskey.

Lia’s grip tightened on my arm, and I followed her gaze toward a tall figure in Spring Court garb. His name was Cas, one of her former lovers, who was about a hundred and fifty years younger than me but closer to her age. He had trained with me on many occasions; he was a fierce warrior yet egotistical. That’s why Lia had ended their relationship when Bayleon and I became her protectors.

Cas bent his head, his green eyes burning with longing as he looked up at Lia. “Good evening, Your Highness. Will you do me the honor of a dance?”

Lia shot me an almost playful glance before addressing Bayleon. “I will if my escorts don’t mind.”

Her words hung in the air between us like a challenge. Bayleon shifted his arm away from Lia and glanced at me, unable to refute the suggestion without appearing rude. It was apparent that he didn’t want her dancing with Cas either.

“If that’s what you wish, we will not stand in your way,” Bayleon suggested.

Lia’s eyes glinted with what seemed to be annoyance at Bayleon’s answer, or perhaps disappointment. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was her way of testing us or if she merely wanted to use Bayleon and me as an excuse to avoid the other men all night. The smirk on Cas’s face widened as he offered his arm to Lia, and they set off to dance under the magnolia trees with everyone else. Over the past couple of years, I’d been able to handle seeing her around other men, but now I just couldn’t take it anymore.

“I need a drink,” I grumbled, turning my back so I wouldn’t have to see Lia with Cas. I went straight over to the table of faerie wine and tossed back a glass, the liquid tingling down my throat. Before I could grab another one, Bayleon’s disapproving huff echoed behind me. “Do you have a problem?” I snapped, picking up more wine.

Bayleon sighed. “You’re on edge, brother. I want to know what’s going on with you.”

I jerked around to face him, keeping my eyes on him as I swallowed all the wine in one gulp. I saw the look on his face when he let go of Lia so she could dance with Cas. Setting the empty glass down, I stepped forward and squared off with Bayleon. His tight expression and rigid posture made it clear he wanted to discuss something important. I had to know the truth.

“You want to know what’s going on with me?” I countered, tightening my fists. “What about you? You didn’t want Lia dancing with Cas any more than I did.” Bayleon stiffened and looked away, his jaw tight. The air between us seemed unbearably heavy. He said nothing, so I continued, “Dammit, Bayleon, be honest with me, brother.” He met my eyes and even through the silver mask, I could see a wildness in them I’d never seen before.

His chest rose and fell rapidly as he spoke in a low growl, “Fine. I don’t like her around other men, especially ones she’s been intimate with.” His admission was the first time he’d ever revealed such a thing to me.

“Are you in love with her?” I asked.

We both stole a glance at Lia, lost in the music and oblivious to what was transpiring between us.

“I am,” he confessed, meeting my gaze again. “I have a feeling you are, too.”

Desperate to close off all feeling, I raised the crystal flute of bluish-colored wine and held it aloft as a toast. “It doesn’t matter. We’re not worthy of her. And even if we were, she’d choose you over me.”

I was almost surprised by my words, the bitterness and resignation that had spilled out of me. I needed to get away before the terrible anger and sorrow broke out of me, so I quickly placed my glass on the table as the musicians wound down their song. Just then, Lia came over and looked at us suspiciously.

“What’s going on?” she asked softly.

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