Page 90 of A Bargain with the Fae King

He stands. Long, calloused fingers tug my chin up to look him in the face. “And if it doesn’t, you’ll use it to help my people? Assuming you can get it?”

If. Way to be ominous. “Yes.”

“I’ll be satisfied with that for now.”

Riven leans in and claims my mouth with his. This kiss is deep, passionate. When he pulls back just a few moments later, I breathe heavily, aching for more. The remnants of my anger fuel a different sort of fire.

“We’ll leave today and travel there.” His eyes sparkle with mirth. From our kiss or hope of the key, I can only guess. Maybe both.

“Is that okay?” I am still trying to calm my racing heart. “Withguestshere?” I choose the word carefully.

Riven shrugs. “It gives us both an excuse to get away from Sigurd, and I’ll leave enough of my guard here that he won’t be tempted to try anything foolish.”

Chapter 29

Irubatmyaching head as I scan another page of the fae book. “What are we looking for again?”

“Namenshia,” Solona says.

It’s one of the ingredients needed to work a complicated spell that might be able to heal some of the Unseelie lands. But offering to perform the spell in exchange for May won’t work if we can’t find all the ingredients. Old spells like this, according to Solona, take more than just a fae’s inherent magic. It needs tangible elements too.

What I wouldn’t give to be able to use Google search right now. For all the luxuries of fae life, the lack of internet really sucks.

“Maybe it’s an error?” Sylvie says. She and Galen joined us in the library this morning in lieu of training.

“I don’t—” Solona breaks off, her eyes widening.

“So this is where the lovely ladies spend their time.” Sigurd leans against the door frame.

I stiffen. How long has he been standing there?

Sylvie and Galen jump to their feet, sending chairs clattering across the floor as they step between Sigurd and me. His smile falters. No doubt he senses Riven’s mark on my body. My friends haven’t commented on it…yet. But they’ve been in high spirits this morning.

The frown tugging at Sigurd’s lips vanishes in a flash of teeth that even back out into his characteristic grin.

“Ah, the faithful guards,” he drawls at my companions. “But there’s no need to worry. Riven and I promised no violence while the little girl is missing. And I see that dutiful Lia still wears her bracelet.” His eyes dip to my hands, sprawled frozen across an open book, and back up again.

Next to me, Solona stiffens.

Sigurd cocks his head to the side, stepping into the room. The door behind him swings shut on a phantom breeze. “Though you seem to have lost the ring I gave you.”

“Enough. Why are you here?” Solona asks, steel in her voice.

“Curiosity?” He shrugs. “My court leaves tomorrow, yet you’re all cooped up in here, out of sight. Such a curious thing.” His fingers trail along the bindings of a row of books as he stalks in our direction.

Sylvie and Galen shift their positions, keeping between the King of Air and myself.

“Let me guess,” Sigurd says. “You’re looking for a way to deceive the Unseelie. Or possibly something to trade for the girl?”

My hands curl. Nails scrape along the page of the book.

He smirks at my reaction. His hand stills on the row of books.

Shit.

“I could offer my assistance,” he continues.

This again.

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