Page 42 of Destined for the Fae King

The other fae I was playing with work to collect the little balls and targets and bring them back so that we can start a new round.

“I think you have potential,” he says. “Besides, have you ever played this game before?”

“No. We have something similar in my world, but I only played it a few times.” Once actually. Someone brought it over to my aunt and uncle’s house during a get together, but we only played a little bit before my aunt lamented we might leave divots in her perfectly manicured lawn. I almost roll my eyes thinking about it. She gets bent out of shape about the most random and ridiculous things.

“I’ll partner with Mira for this round.” Lysandir holds out his hands to the returning fae, and they pass him the four little balls for our team.

Lysandir takes his place at my side as one of the fae males set out the targets. I barely notice where they’re placed. Tingling warmth radiates from the side closest to him, almost like we’re magnetsbeing pulled together. I pounce on my feet, the wide heels of my shoes sinking into the grass.

“The trick,” he says in a whisper, “is to throw the ball in an arch so it stays where it lands and doesn’t roll away. Unless, of course, you go second and decide to try to knock away your opponent’s ball. Then a hard and direct roll is best.”

I turn my head and crane my neck to look up at him. The gentle breeze blows his hair, a few strands brushing against my cheek due to his nearness. With it comes his scent, a heady mix of leather and spice that has my toes curling.

“You make it sound so easy,” I say.

“Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest, but I like a good challenge.” A hint of amusement twinkles in his eyes, and I don’t think we’re talking about the ball game anymore.

I step back, putting some much needed space between us. Spending time with him in the library was comfortable. Easy. This is… I don’t know what this is.

“Well then,” I say, “why don’t you show me how it’s done?”

His lips quirk up in the corners, and he steps up to the mark. With three balls balanced in one hand and the one he plans to use in the other, he gives it a toss. It sails through the air in a perfect arc, landing with a soft thud. Right next to the target.

“Show-off,” I mumble.

“Would you like some help?” he offers once it’s my turn.

I glower at him. But then I remember that getting on his bad side isn’t going to earn me any points with his brother, so I relent with a sigh. He did help me with preparing for the council meeting after all. Maybe he can work some magic here too.

“Sure, why not?” I say.

He drops two of the balls and passes the remaining one to me. Our fingers brush in the process, a little jolt zipping up my arm at the fleeting connection.Weird.

“Okay, so—” he starts.

My breath hitches as he comes up behind me, cupping my hand with his so that our arms are flush with one another. Butterflies erupt in my stomach.

Lysandir leans in, his hair brushing my cheek. “Pull your arm back like this.” He does it for the both of us. “Now, when we go forward, let go of the ball the moment I release your hand.”

Such a simple instruction, yet it feels like a monumental task that I’m bound to screw up. “Um, okay.”

“Here, let’s practice. I’ll tap your hand instead of releasing it this time.”

He swings our joined hands, tapping his fingers against mine when we’re about forty-five degrees past my legs. “There, just that speed. Are you ready?”

“S-sure.”

Gosh, did I really just stutter?

We swing the ball back again, and this time, when he releases my hand, I release the ball and slam my eyes shut. I suck in a breath. Hold it.

“Excellent.” His heavy palm lands on my bare shoulder, and my lids fly open. I twist to look at him, blowing out the breath I was holding. Lysandir grins down at me, still touching my shoulder. “Look at that, right near the target.”

Is it?I turn back to the game.

“Wow.” Only an inch or two away. It’s far closer than I ever managed on my own.

A loud, slow clap comes from somewhere nearby. Those near us step back and give a little bow.

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