Page 38 of Destined for the Fae King

“Who can say what such monsters plan,” Memnon sneers.

The debate continues, threatening to devolve into more of an argument again. The proponents of taking action are few, but they sure are loud.

“Maybe it would be best to save any military action until after The Choosing concludes?” I suggest when there’s a pause.

Vasilius leans back inhis chair. “And why is that?”

I’m not sure if it’s a test or he genuinely doesn’t like my suggestion. I risk as glance at Lysandir, who gives an encouraging nod. Bolstered by the idea that I haven’t totally screwed up, I glance back at the king and continue, “Because anything that risks lives should get your full focus and attention, and that might be hard to give when you’re still getting to know all of us so that you can make another important choice.”

“Mmm,” the king muses. “You all can be quite distracting.”

A flush races to my cheeks at the look in his eyes.

“But a worthy suggestion and a wise one. I cannot go far from you all, given our bond.” He raises his wrist. “It keeps the Unseelie from taking you all, but it also restricts my movements and keeps me close. Trying to venture into Unseelie territory would be extremely difficult for me, maybe impossible with all of your bonds pulling me back to you.”

Vasilius slaps a hand on the table. More than a few women jump at the sharp, unexpected sound.

“Enough talk about Unseelie,” he says. “Let’s debate a more pleasant topic—what activities to include in our upcoming garden party.”

Several of the women perk up just as many of the advisors groan. It may be a tiring council meeting after all.

Chapter 15

Yoga has become analmost daily routine, and something I find myself looking forward to. It’s the one time of day when the other women feel just like friends and not competition, and I’m finding I like that more and more. Making friends wasn’t something I gave much thought to before coming here, but now that the sprouts of possible friendship are starting to grow, it’s one of the best parts of The Choosing. Not that any of us are besties or anything, except Grace and Alex, but they came here that way. There’s potential though, and that’s something.

This morning, I felt Lysandir watching me again. I spied him on the balcony as we moved and stretched and surprised myself wishing he’d come down to our level where I could speak with him. I never did get to thank him for studying with me before the council meeting. More than that though, I enjoyed his company even more than that of my new potential friends. Maybe he could be more than just an ally if I play my cards right.

It’s for that reason—well, and the wealth of information available—that I spend the entire afternoon in the library. Alex had a date this morning. Katherine is on one now. I won’t miss time with the king. I’ve filled a few pages in my notebook with details aboutmagical fae objects when I get the little rush of feeling along my spine that I’ve been hoping for.

I’m not even surprised when I turn to find Lysandir headed my way. I give him a little wave and smile, which he returns. A leather-bound book is clutched against his chest.

“More research today?” he inquires, pulling out the chair next to mine and taking a seat at the table where I have books spread out before me, my green gel pen resting on my notebook.

“It can’t hurt. And there’s only so much time I can spend listening to gossip about fashion and celebrities from back on Earth.”

“Not to your interest?”

“No, not really.” Not at all. “Actually, I was hoping I’d meet you here.”

“You were?” He blinks, looking almost dumbfounded.

I hold back a little laugh. He actually looks kind of cute when he’s confused. Not that I’m looking… Though no one could say he’s unattractive, not by any means. Between his strong, balanced features, lean muscle, and stunning dark red hair, he’s many a woman’s dream come to life. But that’s something I try not to focus too hard on. I’m here for his brother after all.

“Yes, I wanted to thank you for your help here before, and during the council meeting. I did better because of you.”

He shakes his head and scoots in his chair. “I didn’t do much. It was you who put the information to use. And the points you made were very strong. Those were yours, not mine.”

“Still, I appreciate it. I was convinced you hated me there for a little while.” I push a wayward strand of hair behind my ear, and his gaze snaps to it, lingering after I drop my hand.

“I don’t hate you, Mira.” He leans in closer. “I’m sorry you thought that.”

I nod. “I know that now. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what the nonsense that first night was about yet, huh?”

A half smile twitches at the corner of his mouth. “Not yet.”

Of course. I nearly sigh with disappointment. Lysandir grabs my open book and slides it closer to him.

“What have you been reading about today?” he asks, even as he takes in the open pages.

---