Page 166 of Kingdoms of Night

“Why wouldn’t I be? You are an exceptional werewolf. Handsome. Brave. A tribute to your entire race. To all males.” She placed her hands on her narrow waist as she studied him. “You should be honored.”

“I am not.” Feron placed his hand atop Idalno’s on his shoulder. “My heart, my love, and my devotion belong to Idalno. And so do I.”

Her heart skipped. She wanted to hug him. Giving this entitled fae woman the poison eye was more important at the moment. Later she would hug him.

Titania laughed, her eyebrow quirking. “My, my, how long have you loved her that your fidelity is so strong?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Feron stared back at her, jaw set, his body still shielding her. His chest heaved, his teeth bared.

“Oh, but it is. I would guess less than a week. Especially knowing my son has been involved in this. So, we will see what you say in a week.”

“Time will not change my answer.” A growl underpinned those words.

Nor would it ever change hers. Heat surged through her veins, the energy pulsing in her fingertips. He was her love and her heart. She would kill to protect him. Especially if this fae didn’t know when to stop. This fae could boil her head in centipedes and meet Black Annis for tea.

Titania’s gaze remained focused on Feron. Her smile curled a little broader. “Nor will it change your purpose. You have a destiny which you cannot avoid, and that is to join the Wild Hunt.”

“Even if I were to join the Wild Hunt, I would not accept you.” His muscles tensed, his eyes sparking with rage.

“It will always be your choice, Feron. I’ve never ordered any man into my bed, though I have certainly ordered many out.” Cutting a smug glance at Oberon, she dismounted and faced Feron squarely. Then she placed her hand on his chest, smiling pleasantly. “You would only come if you were willing.”

A growl rumbled in Feron’s throat.

“Don’t touch him.” Idalno struck her hand and then put her arms protectively around Feron’s shoulders. His hand closed over hers.

“Insolent wretch, you would dare to touch your queen!” Titania snarled.

“You are not my queen,” Idalno snapped. “And he does not belong to you.” If that woman touched Feron again, she’d start stabbing her with every poison she could find.

Feron snarled at Titania, his claws protruding from his hands.

Titania’s hand glowed red gold, her eyes blazing even brighter.

Idalno yelped as her right hand twisted, the bone straining against some unseen pressure.

Blue-silver energy sparked, forming a barrier between Idalno and Titania. The pressure vanished as did the pain.

Titania whirled around to face Oberon.

“I have decided I’m claiming the girl,” Oberon said with a mild smile.

“You’re claiming her?” Titania demanded. “Now! Since when do you want a protege?”

What did that mean? Moving beside Feron, Idalno glanced at him, her stomach twisting in knots. He took her hand in his, and she still clutched her hand to her chest. Did either of them have any say in any of this? These people talked about claims and others as if they were nothing.

“No,” Feron shouted, his voice more wolf than human. “You can’t have her. I don’t care what you do with me, but you won’t lay a hand on her. And I’m not going anywhere unless Idalno is safe.”

Titania turned and lifted her hand. “I swear she shall not be harmed by any weapon wielded by my warriors or myself.”

“Can you swear that she will not be harmed by anything or anyone?” Feron countered.

Idalno’s heart chilled as she saw the look in Titania’s eyes. That cold smile. That unshakeable confidence. She’d seen that before.

A pit formed in her stomach. That ruthless edge promised trouble. And Feron—dear sweet Feron—his green eyes burned, hints of amber already flecking in them. Would he fight to the death? Of course. To whatever end it required, no matter how bloody or violent.

What she and Feron needed was more time. Time to sort this out. Time to find a solution. Maybe they could find a way to hide in the castle and then uncover a solution.

Titania shrugged. “Accidents happen. I make no guarantees of the beasts or creatures or weather in this place. So long as she remains within the confines of this castle, she will be safe enough. As are all who are in this place. For now. Especially if that one claims her.”

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