Page 6 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Focus on Thornewood, on security.The self-imposed command reminded me of the issue I meant to bring up yesterday.

"There are a few matters that demand your immediate attention," I announced, voice steady despite the internal chaos.

"Such as?"

"Aeryn's personal guard. There are only two."

His head canted. "You feel there is a need for more?"

"I'm surprised you don’t."

Nox chuckled. "I count myself as one," he said. "I can feel her through the mating bond. I know exactly where she is and have insight into her emotions. While she's within the wards of Thornewood, I don't worry much."

I nodded. "I don't either, but she can't stay inside indefinitely."

The strongest wards were in the very walls of the castle, which would quickly become a gilded cage if Aeryn was forced to remain within.

"No, she can’t,” he agreed, leaning back in his chair. “Did you have someone in mind?”

“Bair.”

“Klim’s older brother?”

I nodded. Bumping into Klim had been a lucky reminder.

“No.” Nox’s denial was immediate.

“Why not? He’s more than capable.”

“He’s male.”

“You want to require that every member of the queen’s guard be female?”

Nox strummed his fingers on the table. “What do you think about adding Raina? The frost nymph has proven herself capable. Perhaps she would be interested?"

"No," I insisted more harshly than intended.

Both of the king's eyebrows rose this time, a silent question hanging between them.

"Fuck," I exhaled.

I turned away, my gaze fixing on the ornate tapestries that lined the walls, their vibrant threads an unwelcome reminder of the color drained from my life since losing her nearly two years ago.

Time had done nothing to close that gaping wound inside my chest.

Memories unfurled like the woven scenes before me. The warmth of Raina's skin against mine, the intoxicating scent of winter flowers in her hair, and the soft gasps that escaped her lips when I touched her.

"Is something bothering you, Liam?" The soft clink of the king’s signet ring tapped against wood, punctuating the tense air.

Nox was my closest friend in the world. He knew damned well something was wrong.

Being fae, I couldn't lie to him, not that I ever would. "Nothing, I wish to discuss."

He rose from his seat and poured two glasses of amber liquid from the bar. Handing me one, he said, "Sláinte," and clinked my tumbler.

"I think I need a hell of a lot more than a toast to my health.”

Ever patient, Nox waited.

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