Page 39 of Destined for the Fae King

“Fae objects of power,” I say. “The Unseelie King has his sword, and that weapon presents a great threat. But what if we could find an object to counter it?”

“Ah.” He flips through the next few pages of the book before settling on one. “Then you’ll want to learn a bit about the spear.” He slides the book back to me and taps the open page.

I lean in. “The Spear of Shielding.”

As I read over the details on the page, Lysandir opens the book he brought. Except, upon closer inspection, it’s not a book at all but a notebook.

“You brought a notebook.”

He slips a pen from his pocket and taps the end on the open page. “It’s wise to be prepared. You never know what we’ll discover.”

I bite my bottom lip, hiding the goofy smile trying to break out across my face. A fae prince taking notes. Who would have ever thought.

“Did you bring a red pen?” I tease.

He laughs. “I didn’t, though perhaps I should acquire one.”

Tension builds in the silence as we stare at one another, and only then do I realize how close we’re sitting. I scoot back a little in my chair and drop my attention to the open book, anything to try to ignore the warmth building inmy center.

“So, the spear.” He shifts his attention back to the book as well. “It’s an object of protection and one we have in our possession. It is always held by the Queen of Fire, so my mother possesses it now.”

“Oh! That is helpful. Though a spear is an object of protection? That seems strange.”

A soft murmur of agreement slips from him. “It is, I suppose, yet the spear allows its wielder to protect those near them.”

“Very handy in battle.” Though Elaine certainly isn’t taking the field if there’s a conflict. Maybe she would give it to someone else, then? I start to ask about it when someone clears their throat nearby.

I look up to spy Tharin advancing.

“Prince Lysandir. Lady Mira,” he says.

“Yes,” we echo in unison.

I’d swear he grimaces, but the look is there and gone so quickly that I start to second-guess it.

“The king has requested all the women of The Choosing return to the parlor,” Tharin says.

I push to my feet in a rush. “I thought he was on a date. Did something happen?”

“It seems the date has ended. He has something to discuss with you all, though I do not know the details of it.”

Sounds like Katherine’s date probably didn’t go as well as she hoped if it’s done already. Can’t say I feel too bad about that one. Some women I’ve grown fond of. Her and Cora? Not so much.

I quickly close my notebook and pick up my pens. “I should—”

“I’ll return the books to the shelves,” Lysandir offers.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” I offer him my best winning smile.

He shrugs. “Don’t want you to be late to meet my brother.”

Ouch. Right.The comment shouldn’t sting, but it does.

Tharin isn’t helping, staring at me like I’ve been caught doing something inappropriate. We were just reading and talking.

I turn and head toward the door.

“The library again?” Tharin asks.

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