Page 8 of Accidentally Ever After
“You look more comfortable,” he observed.
“I feel more like me,” I admitted. “Thank you. That was… thoughtful.”
He inclined his head. “I may have been overeager to see you in Seelie attire. Your comfort matters more than court aesthetics.”
“Though the court might disagree,” I said, noticing the disapproving glances from passing courtiers.
“Let them,” he said with a surprising edge to his voice. “You are my consort, not theirs to judge.”
The possessive statement should have annoyed me. Instead, it sent a thrill down my spine.
Definitely the magic, I thought firmly.
Caelen had planned a tour of the palace gardens, which turned out to be more like an enchanted forest than any garden I’d ever seen. Plants responded to our presence, flowers turning to follow our movement, vines extending to offer fruit that tasted like liquid sunlight.
We were examining a pool filled with tiny creatures that looked like seahorses with butterfly wings when a commotion at the garden entrance caught our attention. A group of fairies entered, led by an elegant female with wings like stained glass and an expression of barely concealed disdain.
“Ah,” Caelen said, his posture stiffening. “Lady Ellaria. How unexpected.”
“Your Highness,” she said, her voice musical but cold. “I simply had to meet your… acquisition… for myself.”
Her eyes swept over me, lingering on my human clothing with obvious disapproval.
“Consort,” Caelen corrected sharply. “Blake Morgan, may I present Lady Ellaria of the Crystal Spires. She serves on my father’s council.”
I offered what I hoped was a polite nod. “Nice to meet you.”
“How charmingly rustic,” she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Tell me, human, what qualified you for such an… elevated position? Beyond your exotic species, of course.”
Before I could formulate a response that wouldn’t get me turned into a toad, Caelen stepped slightly in front of me.
“The matchmakers’ selection is not to be questioned, Lady Ellaria. As you well know.”
Something like anger flashed in her perfect features before she masked it. “Of course, Your Highness. I merely wonder whatspecial qualities this human possesses that the matchmakers found so… compelling.”
The implication was clear—she thought I was nothing but an exotic bedwarmer.
“I make a killer mushroom puff,” I said dryly.
Caelen’s wings twitched in what I was beginning to recognize as amusement, but Lady Ellaria looked affronted.
“You allow your consort such impertinence?” she asked Caelen.
“I value honesty and wit,” he replied coolly. “Qualities in short supply at court, wouldn’t you agree?”
The fairy lady’s wings fluttered in obvious agitation. “If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness, I have matters to attend to.” She swept away, her entourage following like perfectly coordinated shadows.
“I’m guessing she’s not a fan,” I said once they were out of earshot.
“Lady Ellaria had… expectations… regarding her own potential as a royal match,” Caelen said diplomatically.
“Ah. I stole her man,” I translated.
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Crudely put, but essentially correct. Though I was never hers to steal.”
We continued our garden tour, but I could feel Caelen’s mood had shifted. His wings were held more rigidly, his responses more measured.
“Does it bother you?” I asked finally. “Having a human consort instead of someone like her?”
