Page 2 of Fairy's Forbidden Touch
Holy shit.
If I hadn’t already been warned about his identity, I would have known he was royalty just by looking at him. He moved with impossible grace, each step silent against the wooden floor. His tailored suit was midnight blue with silver embroidery that seemed to shift like constellations when he moved. But it was his face that made my breath catch—sharp cheekbones that couldcut glass, full lips set in a permanent slight frown, and eyes like amethysts that surveyed the room with cool detachment.
His hair was the color of moonlight, falling past his shoulders in an intricate pattern of braids and loose strands, adorned with tiny silver beads that clinked softly when he moved. Pointed ears peeked through the silvery curtain, decorated with delicate silver cuffs.
Don’t stare don’t stare don’t stare…
I was definitely staring.
“That’s him,” Fern whispered unnecessarily. “Remember rule number five.”
The prince took a seat at the far end of the counter, as far from other customers as possible. Everyone gave him a wide berth, some even relocating to more distant tables. He placed long, elegant fingers on the countertop and waited, his face impassive.
Fern nudged me. “Go take his order. Just don’t touch him.”
Great. First day and I’m already waiting on deadly royalty.
I approached cautiously, keeping a respectful distance. “Good evening. Welcome to Moonlight Brews. What can I get for you?”
Those violet eyes flicked up to mine, and I felt a jolt like static electricity. He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable.
“You’re new,” he stated, his voice unexpectedly melodic with an accent I couldn’t place.
“First day,” I confirmed, trying for a casual smile that probably looked more like a grimace.
“Nightshade tea. One drop of honey, not stirred.” He continued to stare at me with unsettling intensity.
“Coming right up… Your Highness?” I ventured, unsure of the proper protocol.
One pale eyebrow arched slightly. “Thalen is sufficient.”
I nodded and retreated to prepare his tea, feeling those strange eyes following my movements. As I carefully measured the deep purple leaves, Fern appeared at my elbow.
“He never speaks to servers,” she whispered. “Just orders with gestures or writes it down.”
“Lucky me,” I muttered, carefully transferring the steaming tea to a silver cup. “So what’s his deal? Besides the whole ‘touch me and die’ thing?”
Fern shrugged. “No one knows much. The royal family keeps to themselves. He started coming here about a year ago, always alone, always after midnight. Never causes trouble, never speaks more than necessary.”
I returned with the tea, setting it down with exaggerated care to avoid any chance of contact. “Your nightshade tea… Thalen.”
Those strange eyes studied me again, then dropped to the tea. He nodded once in acknowledgment and wrapped long fingers around the cup.
For the rest of the night, I felt his gaze tracking me as I served other customers. Whenever I glanced his way, he was watching—not with any particular expression, just… observing. He stayed until closing, nursing that single cup of tea for hours, and left without another word.
“Well, you survived your first encounter with Prince Charming,” Pix chirped as we cleaned up. “Impressed he actually spoke to you. Usually he just broods silently until we’re all uncomfortable.”
I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. “Maybe he was curious about the new guy.”
Or maybe I’m just that irresistibly fascinating,I thought sarcastically.
I had no idea then how true that would turn out to be.
Chapter 1: The Exception to the Rule
Two weeks into my new job at Moonlight Brews, and I’d settled into a rhythm of sorts. Wake up at noon on Maya’s couch, endure her daily lecture about getting my life together, arrive at the café by dusk, and spend the night serving various magical beings their preferred beverages.
The prince—Thalen—had returned every night since my first shift. Always the same order, always the same silent observation, always alone. I’d gotten used to feeling those violet eyes on me, though I couldn’t figure out what was so fascinating about watching me fumble through making complicated fae drinks.
