Page 18 of Faerie Hunted

“Why me?” Why did hearing him say he needed me only increase the squirming sensation?

He stared at me like I’d grown another head. “You keep me centered. Not to mention you have insight I might not necessarily think about, and right now, with my head spinning, I’m having a hard time focusing on the important things.”

I wasn’t in a better position but I kept my mouth shut. Because damn, the compliment was nice to hear.

“You’re being too sweet to me. Is it because I almost died?” The longer he held my gaze, the harder it was to stay composed.

“I’m being sweet because you deserve it.” He moved away from his perch and crossed to where I stood a little wobbly, but every part of me leaning toward him. “But I’m also being selfish. I can’t do this alone and I don’t trust anyone else.”

Something inside of me relaxed in his presence even as he dragged me closer. Electricity pulsed between us when Mike lowered his lips and captured mine in a sweet kiss.

I drew in a sharp breath colored with his scent, and for a heartbeat the rest of the world fell away and there was only the two of us.

I felt that way about him, calm in his presence, and safe. That was the important part. I’d never felt as safe as I did when Mike and I were alone.

“Come on. You look beautiful, by the way,” he murmured, drawing away.

“Lies. You’re full of them today.”

Baldric had removed the IV but hadn’t helped me dress. Some of my things had been brought over from my room in the castle to make me comfortable.

Maybe I should have gone with a dress or something fancy but those kinds of things weren’t staples of my wardrobe.

I’d ended up going with something I might have worn when I interned at Uncle Will’s law firm: a pair of pressed black pants, and a sapphire-colored silk blouse, tight around the wrists and under the bust, with tiny pearl buttons between my breasts.

For Faerie, I was severely underdressed.

Mike didn’t seem to care, although he looked regal in a sharply cut blazer the same color as his eyes, verdant forest green struck through with gold thread.

This was the prince. And he wanted me with him.

The sweetness of the moment faded, as I knew it would, when the intrusive thoughts returned with a vengeance. The king wouldn’t be in a coma if it weren’t for me.

I’d provided theAugundae Imperiumto Barbara. And Barbara was in custody. If she told the guards where she’d got the weapon?—

I was in trouble.

On so many levels it wasn’t even funny.

What else was new?

Mike looped his fingers through mine, tucking me close to his side and keeping his strides short to accommodate me. The walk back to the castle was the only softness we’d experience today.

The sinking sensation in my gut grew worse the closer we got.

Rather than taking a chance on alienating some very important people, drawing more attention to myself, I sent Noren back to his space in the royal menagerie the moment we reached the main courtyard of the castle.

Every part of me stiffened, tensing at the sight of the old place. Especially with the direwolf slinking around the garden and out of sight.

“It’s going to be okay,” Mike added. He tightened his grip on my hand. “I’ll protect you when he’s not around.”

“Do you have any idea what they’re going to discuss?” My voice shook.

He stared grimly ahead, his profile cut from granite. “I’ve never been in this situation before. Cosmo Foxfall reached the level of Premier for his skills, both with policy and with military. He’s ruthless and strong-willed. But whatever he determines is the best course of action in my father’s…absence will have to be approved by the Elder Council.”

He’d chosen his words with care.

It sounded terrifying.

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