Page 68 of Destined for the Fae King

But my mind is screaming.Mate. Unwanted mate.

Maybe he can hear that, or sense it, because he lingers for only a moment, just long enough to steady me on my feet again before stepping back. It’s only when cool air rushes between us that I can breathe again, that my body remembers how to move on its own.

Bits of quiet conversation float around me, but the first words I make out are my cousin saying, “Maybe we should give you two a few minutes?”

“Yes.” Lysandir swallows. “But not here.”

We’re lucky enough that no one else has stumbled upon us, but someone could be listening. In this maze of a place, it’s hard to tell, and fae hearing is so much better than a human’s. The last rational part of my mind reminds me of that. It may be the only thing keeping a leash on my tongue and all the questions and accusations I want to fling at the prince. Keeping them in only makes my skin burn hotter and the tears trying to form at the corners of my eyes sting more.

It’s Wren of all people who rushes up to me and takes my hands in hers. It’s entirely too comforting, given that we haven’t properly met. “Tell Tharin that you have a headache and need a few minutes before you return to the party.”

My brows draw together and I blink at her. “What?”

“He can’t lie.” She looks over her shoulder at Tharin, who now stands at Lysandir’s side just a few steps away, then back at me. “But you can tell him something that he can tell others, should they ask about where you’ve gone. Right?”

He sighs. “Seems like we’re too far in to go back now.”

“Then you can have a moment.” This time, she glances over at Lysandir. “And he can explain some things?”

The look she gives him could peel paint. A queen in the making indeed.

That hard stare has softened completely when she looks back at me. “These fae and their secrets.” She shakes her head with a sigh, finally releasing my hands to gesture at Tharin. “Go on.”

He crosses his arms but nods at me.

“I…” It takes a moment to find my voice. “I have a headache and need some quiet. I’ll come back to the party in a little bit?” The words finally spill out of my mouth, but my voice doesn’t even sound like mine. I’m a world away.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll go back with them,” Selena says. If anyone can handle herself, it’s her. A techy she may be, but an introvert she is not. “Actually…” she slides up next to Wren like a kid to the ice cream counter. “I’ve been dying to talk to you.”

“Talk while we walk.” Tharin ushers them toward the pathway. “Our absence is likely already noted.”

I watch them go. The moment they are out of sight, Lysandir extends a hand to me. “Mira.”

The watering in my eyes increases. My chest grows tight. But I refuse to cry in front of him. I want to smack his hand away, to berate him for leading me on when he’s obviously tried to move heaven and earth to avoid me. But more than anything, I need answers.

So, I take his hand.

Chapter 27

One moment, we’re underthe evening sky, surrounded by glass and plant life. The next, we’re inside a room. It only takes one breath for me to know exactly where we are. The scent of sandalwood and spice—hisscent—clings to the space. We stand next to a small sitting area, but it’s the sight of the bed with its crimson sheets ruffled on one side a few feet away that makes me dizzy. Damn my traitorous body for wanting him after what I just realized.

Instead of releasing my hand, Lysandir adjusts his grip to try to twine his fingers with mine, and I jerk away.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I snap.

Apparently whatever leash held me back is gone.

He rears back like I slapped him. “Mira…”

“I’m supposed to be your mate?”

“I-I didn’t think you’d be so opposed. Not after that kiss or last night.” He shakes his head. “Did I misread—”

This man makes no sense. My hand balls into a fist at my side. “Last night? You think I was faking my interest? It’s you who led me on, putting on an act for the humans, just like your brother.”

Lysandir snarls, lips pulling back to reveal white teeth. “I am not my brother. I should have realized its him you prefer after all.”

“What?” I gape. “I do not! You know what I felt when I kissed him? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

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