Page 12 of His Summer Prince

Grinning from ear to ear, Wren sprinkled a pinch onto his porridge, the sweet scent filling his nostrils. “You’re thebestbest friend anyone’s ever had.”

He took a big spoonful of the oatmeal and moaned loudly as the creamy sweetness hit his tongue. Beside him, Elior stiffened but then proceeded to eat his food.

For the first time in half a year, Wren was happy. There was nothing better than having Elior by his side.

Later, when the sun had dipped below the horizon and will-o’-wisps danced over the lake, their green and pink lights reflecting on the water, Elior grabbed his lute. He played a piece so wistful and full of longing that Wren’s heart clenched. Elior conjured pure magic with his lute, enchanting him. Wren treasured those moments, more so now that Elior was going to be forced to marry. Would Elior have to move to the Winter Court? He’d hate that. The Winter Court was far away, located in Vale’s north. If Elior lived there, it’d make it impossible for them to see each other, let alone spend entire summers together. Elior’s husband wouldn’t like that.

No, Wren would leave Castlehill and settle near the Winter Court so that they could meet whenever possible. He’d leave Castlehill, his family, and if it had to be, even his sheep behind. He wouldn’t let anyone take Elior away from him, not even a king.

“Nobody plays the lute like you,” Wren said when Elior finished. “You’re magical.”

“Thank you.” It was Elior’s time to kiss his cheek, and Wren’s eyelids fluttered as those soft lips brushed his skin.

Wren had to bring up what had been rotating in his mind all day. He took a big breath, then blew out the air. “I’d do anythingto help you avoid a marriage you don’t want. If I can support you in any way, I will. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

He peered at Elior, who’d gone still. Wren wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him into his side. Elior went willingly, leaning against him.

“I want you to be happy,” Wren said. “Can’t we somehow get you out of this? Maybe there’s someone influential at the Summer Court who could talk to your mother? Whatever she hopes to achieve might be attainable through other means.”

Elior curled an arm around Wren’s waist and dropped his head onto his shoulder. He let out a resigned sigh. “I tried for months. There’s no changing her mind.”

“I could hide you in my shepherd’s hut,” Wren said, only half joking.

Elior huffed. “I wish.”

“Is there nothing we can do? There has to be. If no measure was out of bounds, what would you do? Because I swear, I’m ready for anything. If you tell me chopping off my hand will do it, I will.”

Elior chuckled.

“Don’t laugh. I’m dead serious. If you need a virgin sacrifice, please, use me. I’d happily die on your altar.”

He said it lightly, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t true. Wren lived and breathed for Elior. He’d drive a knife into his heart if that was what it took to ensure Elior’s happiness.

This time, Elior didn’t laugh. He didn’t move or speak, and the silence stretched. The crackling of the fire was deafeningly loud, sparks rising into the air and falling as white flakes of ash.

“A soulbond is eternal and unbreakable,” Elior said after a long while, and Wren’s stomach turned at the reminder. “Bondmates feel each other’s emotions. They’re connected in the deepest possible way.”

“And there’s no way to break a bond? Not ever?”

“No. Not even death can snap the invisible tether that connects soulmates. The bond lasts into the afterlife and beyond.”

“So we need to prevent the wedding,” Wren said, stroking his thumb in circles across Elior’s shoulder. “What could stop a bond from forming?”

“Nothing. There’s a small number of fae who are inherently unable to bond, but that’s a rare condition. It’s highly unlikely the bond wouldn’t take. There’s nobody in living memory who hasn’t been able to bond. The only thing—” Elior stopped himself.

Wren turned to face him. “The only thing what?”

“Nothing.”

Alarmed, Wren held him tighter, staring at him. “No. You were about to say something. The only thing what? I told you, nothing is out of bounds. If there is a way… If there is anything I can do, I will. No matter what it is. I mean it.”

“Not this.”

“Yes,this. Whatever it is. Tell me, or I swear I’ll march into the Summer Court, eat faerie food, dance at your balls and do all sorts of reckless things until I get an answer.”

Toby barked. At least someone agreed with him.

“Please, forget about it,” Elior said.

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