Page 23 of Fairy's Forbidden Touch
“Let me guess—they’re not thrilled about you and me.”
“They have begun to make their objections known,” he confirmed. “Nothing overt yet, but the whispers grow louder.”
“Political complications,” I summarized. “Because of course there had to be political complications.”
He stepped closer, cool hands framing my face. “I will protect you, Jesse. From any who would seek to interfere or cause harm. You have my word.”
The fierceness in his tone was new—a glimpse of the powerful prince beneath the reserved exterior I’d grown accustomed to. It was both reassuring and slightly terrifying to be reminded of exactly who and what he was.
“I believe you,” I said softly. “But I need time to think about all this. It’s a lot to take in.”
He nodded, though I could see the concern lingering in his eyes. “Of course. I should perhaps leave you to your thoughts.”
“No,” I said quickly, surprising myself with the vehemence of my response. “Stay. Please. Just because I need to process doesn’t mean I want you to go.”
Relief washed over his features. “I am glad. I find I… do not like being apart from you.”
The simple admission made something warm unfurl in my chest. Whatever magical bond might exist between us, there wassomething very real and very human in the way he looked at me—in the vulnerability he showed only when we were alone.
“Help me unpack?” I suggested, needing something mundane to ground myself after such earth-shaking revelations.
He nodded immediately. “I would be honored to assist in establishing your dwelling.”
For the next few hours, we fell into an easy rhythm of unpacking boxes and arranging my meager possessions. Thalen approached the task with the same meticulous attention he gave everything, asking questions about the purpose and significance of various items. It was domestic and normal in a way that helped calm my racing thoughts.
As evening fell, we ordered takeout—another human experience Thalen had come to appreciate, particularly spicy foods that apparently were rare in the fae realm. We ate sitting on the floor, using the coffee table Maya had donated as a dining surface.
“Can I ask you something?” I said as we finished our meal. “About this bond thing.”
“Of course,” he replied, setting aside his empty container.
“When did you first suspect? That I might be… whatever this is to you.”
He considered the question carefully. “I felt something unusual the first night you served me at the café. A resonance I had never experienced before. But I did not truly understand its significance until the moment we touched and you remained unharmed.”
“And you believe it? That we’re magically meant for each other or whatever?”
His expression turned serious. “I believe that what exists between us is extraordinary, regardless of what name we give it. The fact that you alone can touch me without harm isundeniable. Whether that makes us ‘destined’ is perhaps less important than what we choose to build together.”
It was a good answer—thoughtful and measured, leaving room for both magic and free will. Typical Thalen.
“One more question,” I said. “If I… if we decided to pursue this officially. To acknowledge the bond. What would that actually mean for me? For my life here?”
“It would mean division of your time between realms,” he explained. “Learning our ways, our language, our governance. Eventually, standing beside me in official capacities.” He paused, adding, “It would also mean extended lifespan, as the bond naturally aligns your temporal energy with mine.”
I nearly choked. “Extended lifespan? As in, I would live longer?”
“Significantly longer,” he confirmed. “Though not immortal. Perhaps several centuries, based on historical precedent.”
“Centuries,” I repeated faintly. “That’s… a lot to process.”
“Indeed. Which is why I did not wish to burden you with these matters until necessary.”
I moved to sit beside him on the floor, leaning against the couch. “Why did it become necessary now? What changed?”
He hesitated, then admitted, “The opposition grows more organized. There have been… suggestions that steps should be taken to separate us before the bond deepens further.”
“What kind of steps?” I asked, suddenly alert.
