Page 64 of Destined for the Fae King

After the introduction of the visiting royals and their courts, each of us are introduced and curtsy before King Vasilius and then once more before the crowd of fae. If having us all lined up in front of the dais wasn’t obvious enough, Vasilius has made it clear to everyone present that his court doesn’t lack for humans—or bride candidates.

It’s a bit of a slap in the face to some of the other courts, the Court of the Forest especially, given I’ve heard they had a startling lack of humans before the king found Lia and she discovered a stone that can open doorways to the human realm—something else the Court of Fire doesn’t seem to lack. But at least they’re here and the courts are talking, so maybe some good will come of it.

Presentation complete, the celebration moves into full swing. Harmonious music played by the fae band fills the air, weaving past the immediate flood of conversation to tickle my ears and ensnare my body. It’s impossible not to feel its melody resonate in my chest as it beckons me to move to its beat.

I’m caught there in its thrall when Vasilius unexpectedly steps before me.

“Would you care to join me in a dance?” he asks.

Me? Dance? I blink at him as the words sink in. My smile is genuine as I drop into a curtsy and reply, “Of course.”

Check this out, Uncle.

If he had any doubts about how I’ve represented our family, this should smash them to pieces.

Chapter 25

The song changes asthe king leads me down the marble pathway toward the wide circle where a few others have already started to dance. Fae and humans alike part for us. I raise my chin and channel all of my thoughts into looking like a queen and not tripping. Even the other royals look on.

The king’s hand on my lower back is warm as he pulls me into his embrace, as is his smile. I can almost forget the secret I learned the evening before. He really is a very good actor.

A slow rhythm leaves us in close quarters, my chest nearly brushing his crimson coat and the golden vest underneath. At first, I stare up at his face, trying to give the impression of being enamored in hopes that the crowd believe it. With the magic pouring off of him this evening and the feel of his body close to mine, it’s hard to keep up the act. I feign embarrassment and shift my gaze away out toward the crowd.

I catch sight of my uncle—hallelujah!—who gives me an encouraging nod. Yay for checking that box. My cousin is even less subtle with her two thumbs up.

Vasilius turns us slowly with the music, and I catch sight of something that almost has me skipping a step. Lysandir stands nextto Wren from the Court of Air. She says something, and he throws his head back with a laugh. I nearly stumble a step, despite the fact that we’re barely moving. He’s so relaxed with her, so at ease… Hard to do with the King of Air glowering at him from Wren’s other side, but he still manages it.

“You’re close with the other courts?” I ask Vasilius.

He stares at something over my shoulder and blinks rapidly before glancing down at me. “The other courts?” His head cants ever so slightly to the side. “Not particularly. The Court of Water is an old ally, but close?” He shakes his head. “We could do better in the future though, don’t you think?”

“Of course,” I say. “That’s a great idea.”

And one I hope he follows through on, no matter who he chooses as queen or whatever else happens.

“I only ask because, well…” I slide my gaze back to his brother, and Vasilius follows it.

“Ah. Yes, my brother has been a strong advocate for expanding our relations with other courts, particularly since he ventured to the Court of Air to participate in their tournament.” Vasilius tsks and shakes his head. “A prince, participating in a foreign tournament for the chance at a wish from the cauldron. Though I suppose the friendship he developed with the king’s human lover is a boon for us.”

Friendship. I cling to the word. Though the topic of the competition brings up an entire litany of questions that taunt me so thoroughly I can’t help but voice the one that shouts the loudest. “Do you know what he planned to wish for? If he won?”

Vasilius adjusts his hold on me. We’re closer than before, his nearness more unnerving than anything. It takes effort to focus on each word when he finally speaks. “That’s the thing. It had something to do with his fated mate.”

“Mate!” I squeak. “He has a mate?”

He chuckles in return. “Not yet. He said he saw her in one of his visions. She must have been truly horrible for him to want to change her future or his.” He hums to himself. “Both of them, in a way, I suppose.” He shrugs amid the dance.

Mate.Lysandir has a fated mate? Or will?A humorless laugh slips from my lips.

“Horrible. Yes, she must be,” I say in an effort to cover my reaction.

“My brother seems to think fate is set, but I prefer to think we choose our own destinies, don’t you?” Vasilius continues, as if what he’s shared isn’t all that significant. Maybe it wouldn’t be if I was as invested in him as I should be, but it’s his brother that’s woven his way into my heart, one who is apparently already fated for someone else. And loves yet another. Or maybe the same woman?

The whole night suddenly seems much darker.

“Yes,” I reply, feeling a bit numb. “That’s a much more optimistic perspective.”

The song draws to a close. Vasilius releases his hold on me, and for once, I’m reluctant for him to let go since he was the only thing keeping his comments from knocking me on my backside.

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