Page 40 of Destined for the Fae King

“It’s a public place,” Lysandir replies.

Tharin sighs. I’ve missed something, but I don’t know what. Should the prince not be in the library? And come to think of it, the two seem more familiar than I first thought. The whole walk back to the parlor—which isn’t that far—I consider asking Tharin about it but never do.

When we get there, it appears I’m the last to arrive, as the others all sit around the seating area, Katherine and Gabriella on either side of the king who has claimed the center seat of the couch. He looks almost uncomfortable with how close they are, basically pressed up against his sides. Maybe Katherine’s date didn’t go so poorly after all.

“A ball?” Katherine all but squeals. “I love balls!”

“Yes,” Vasilius gives her a wary look. “It’s tradition in The Choosing to host a ball, and we have extended the invitation to several of the other Seelie courts as well.”

This earns a round of excited whispers and comments.

I come to lean on the edge of Grace’s seat.

Vasilius looks at me. “I look forward to showing off all of my lovely candidates to our neighbors who attend.”

No doubt he does. It’s a strong statement to make to the other courts, especially the ones that don’t have relations with as many human families—if they attend, that is.

“But that’s not why I’m here this evening,” the king says. His countenance dims. “You all have been privy to the concerns we’ve had regarding the Unseelie of late.”

He pauses, waiting as we acknowledge him.

“We originally invited your families to attend the upcoming ball as well. The question is whether we should let them come, given that they are unbound and we cannot guarantee the Unseelie, particularly their null, will not try something.”

That sobers everyone up. It would be nice to see Selena again. But if it put her at risk? I’m not sure.

“You mean our family members are at risk of being stolen by the Unseelie if they come,” Alex says plainly.

Vasilius grimaces but nods. “It would be a significant risk for the Unseelie to take, given all the fae who will be in attendance, but we cannot guarantee they will not seek to take advantage of so many humans present if they become aware of it.”

“But it’s a small risk, right?” Adeline asks. “You don’t really think they’d get all the way here from the border, do you?”

“I would hope not,” the king says. “But the risk is not zero. I promise that my warriors will be present and alert throughout the event. And we will ask that the families not stay here in Faery to limit their risk.”

“You want them to come,” I say.

Vasilius looks at me again. He’s quiet for a moment before he says, “I do.”

And it makes sense. Even more humans present will show off the glory of his court, and that’s the whole point of the ball. Well, that and probably seeing how we interact with the other courts or what they think of us. It would be foolish to assume it’s not another test or chance to evaluate us.

“If you want our families to come and are taking precautions to keep them safe, then they should be invited,” Zoe says. “If they are worried, they can choose to stay home.”

“I don’t know.” Grace shares a look with Alex before blinking dolefully at the king. “Maybe it would be best if they don’t come.”

“Why is that?” Katherine retorts. She grabs the king’s arm, and I don’t miss the way he subtly jolts at the touch. “King Vasilius will keep them all safe. They wouldn’t dare try to harm those under his protection.”

“Wishful thinking,” Alex says.

Katherine huffs.

Vasilius frees himself from her grip and stands. “Think on it this evening. Tell your attendants your wish in the morning, and I shall use that to make my decision. For now, I have things to attend to.” He gives us a slight bow.

“Aww,” Katherine whines.

But he doesn’t give her a backward glance as he leaves the room.

Chapter 16

The king elects toinvite our families to attend the ball. I’m not surprised. No one seems interested in spilling their vote, so I don’t know if his decision aligns with ours but assume it probably does. Lying in my bed last night, thinking about my mother and brothers, I realized how much I missed them. Selena too. I could do without seeing my aunt and uncle, but the others? Yes, it’s a risk. Something bad could happen. But bad things can happen just walking up the stairs, driving down the road, or anything else. If I could see my mother, I wouldn’t want to miss out on that chance because of fear. Not that I can, since she’s not gifted, but I wouldn’t want to deny others feeling the same way the chance to see their parents or loved ones. So, I gave Fia my vote of yes and didn’t doubt it later.

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