Page 59 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

"And your umbrals are fine with it?" I inquired, remembering the deep mating bond shared by creatures like them.

"They’ve already joined our souls," Aeryn confirmed, a note of reverence softening her voice. "That's more binding than any wedding or crowning ceremony could ever be."

"More romantic too," I added softly, a pang of longing for something lost tugging at my heart. But there was no time for wallowing.

"Let's go then," I said, meeting each of their gazes, finding strength in their unwavering presence.

After asking Astrid to help Mirrelle pack out of fear the fashionista would take too long, Aeryn escorted me downstairs. Once it was just the two of us, I finally spoke aloud the question that I’d been wanting to ask her.

“Are you worried?”

“Of course, but I’m sure you’ll be fine, Raina.”

“No, about Nox. This whole thing isn’t actually about me, remember?”

His mother had been killed long ago. His father, quite recently. Then there was the attack on them both at the conclusion of the bride trials.

It had been an attack planned by my parents. I prayed a day would come when the thought of them didn’t make me want to vomit or hide in shame, a day when I didn’t think of them at all.

“I know,” she exhaled tiredly. “But we’re taking every precaution we can.”

"Who will hold the crown if something happens to Nox?" I asked suddenly, the thought like a cold splash of water.

Aeryn's eyes darkened, a storm brewing in their depths. "Queen or not, I won't stay on the throne without him," she said firmly. "I'd pass it to Lorne or one of the other Scullbrooks."

I wasn’t surprised. As much as she loved the king, she’d been adamant she didn’t want to reign. Which was exactly why she would make a good ruler.

In fact, I found that I very much wanted to see my friend in that role. A fair and just queen who refused to be cowed was what Falcondale needed.

"Please note I got ready and packed in record time!" Mirrelle's voice rang out as she came running down the hall behind us.

I did a double-take at my glamourous friend, who’d returned to us without any hint of her typical style. Sure, she’d been dressing in the same garb as the other castle guards, but still managed to add touches of elegance here and there.

Gone was her perfect make-up, though her lips had a natural red tint to them that couldn’t be washed away. Not a single piece of jewelry adorned her neck or wrists.

The most notable change, though, was her hair. The white streaks that ran through her dark gold mane were more noticeable with her hair pulled straight back from her face into a severe bun. Not a single strand was free.

Aeryn pursed her lips. “You look ready to kick some ass, Mirrelle.”

“I feel ready to kick some ass,” she chirped merrily. “Fuckface better watch himself.”

"Language, Lady Mirrelle," I chided sarcastically. “The Duersians hold extremely high standards for their females.”

And they did, just not in the same way as the average king’s court. Mirrelle had never been to Ephandor, but she would get the joke.

"Right, right. My apologies, Lady Raina. I meant to saySir Fuckfacedoesn’t stand a chance.”

Aeryn snorted and once again I found myself laughing, something I hadn’t done much of for most of my life. The moment was brief, but that made it all the more precious.

Glancing behind Mirrell, I didn’t see our favorite light fae. “Where’s Astrid?”

“She traveled ahead to let Nox and Liam know about Lady Aeryn’s decision to send me to Ephandor. I swear she moves through light and shadow faster than any of her kind. I’m totally jealous.”

I nodded in agreement. I, too, lacked the kind of magic that could move me from one place to another.

When we turned the corner and saw the small group, Nox was listening intently to Astrid. Lorne looked deep in thought, but that was how he always looked. Well, that or like he couldn’t stand the sight of whatever he was looking at.

Liam, however?

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