Page 71 of Fae King's Forbidden Love

I turned my attention to the latest pretentious critic, offering my family an apologetic smile as I let the pompous gallery owner babble about my talent. Saint and Jace left me to deal with the latest fan of my work, and I turned my attention fully and politely to the heavily bearded fae who stroked his chin with far too much frequency while he studied the abstract piece in front of us.

“I’d like to put your work on display in my gallery in Steelshire,” he announced after he had finished his diatribe.

“Oh… almost all of this work is sold,” I explained. “The proceeds are going to build a community center in downtown Goldhaven.”

He scoffed like he was offended by the use of money, but waved a liver-spotted hand dismissively. “Not these works. Your next series. You have begun your next series, haven’t you?”

My jaw dropped at the question, and I was afraid to answer.

“Never mind,” he sighed, producing a business card from thin air and placing it in my hand. “When you have your firstpainting done, call me, and we’ll arrange the details of your showing. Don’t take too long.”

He spun around and disappeared in front of me, leaving me gaping in shock and excitement.

“What was that about?” Jace asked, joining my side.

“I… I think…” I sputtered.

“Elix?” Saint flanked me on the other side. “What did he say to you?”

I handed my brother the card, unable to speak as I looked at my husband, joy and wonderment shining in my eyes.

“I think I’m a professional artist now, Jace,” I whispered. His face broke into a confident smile, and he kissed my forehead sweetly.

“You’ve always been an artist, Elix,” he replied softly. “Just look at the way you painted your way into my life.”

“I’ll negotiate this!” Saint cried, stalking toward the gallery owner, but I was too lost in my mate’s eyes to notice.

“You’re wrong,” I replied, stepping closer to him, our mouths inches apart. Neither of us cared that the studio was now filled with more partygoers, or that flashes popped off to take our picture that would end up on social media later that night. All I could see was Jace, and I was sure the feeling was mutual.

“Doubtful that I’m wrong,” he joked. “But why are you saying that?”

“I didn’t paint my way into your life.”

“No?” He arched a dark eyebrow.

I shook my head and boldly brushed my lips against his. “I’ve always been there, even before you knew I existed. And my love, I’m not ever going anywhere.”

His strong arm snaked around my hip, causing me to squeal at the unexpected hold, but I didn’t resist.

“You better not, Elix,” he rasped. “Because I would burn down the entire continent looking for you all over again.”

Extended Epilogue

ELIX

Aloud crash and popping made my eyes fly open, my heart racing at the odd sounds. It took me several seconds to recognize that they had been a combination of my bad dream and the private plane descending.

Gaze darting toward the half-closed window of the jet, I exhaled, noting the fluffy white of the clouds beyond. It was a beautiful day in Goldhaven.

“Are you all right, Luna?” Llyodiver asked kindly, reading my discombobulated expression. Realizing I was completely safe among my guards and en route home, I smiled warmly at the head of the Royal Guards.

“I must have dozed off,” I chuckled. “I’m fine.”

“We’re about to land,” he informed me, nodding toward the window. “The king has been notified and will be waiting at the platform.”

My grin widened, and I shook my head. In our ten years of marriage, Jace had never failed to meet me at the airport once, regardless of what time I came in.

The plane made its descent, and in minutes, we taxied across the runway, coming to a halt outside of Goldhaven Regional Airport.

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