Page 14 of The Poison of the Earth
The Monkswick family is an bizarre one: powerful, rich, composed only of adopted Fae and run by the Father and Mother, and all believe they are blessed by the Lord and Lady themselves. I truly believe they would have died off centuries ago if they had not had one of the Veil Stones upon their island, and thus, easy control of it. They are the fifth cornerstone of the ruling families of our realm.
Gaebawasthe water Fae ruling family, now all dead, thanks to the old King, King Wells, Alder’s father. Larkstead, ruling at the base of the Quiet Mountains, keep the fire Fae in line. Guivre Shores, run by Narisa’s Clan–the oldest dragon family, is home to most of the shifters of the realm now, originally home to the air Fae. And finally, RedWater Castle, ruled by the usurper High King Alder Stonesthrow, head of the earth Fae.
This Ordained has long, straight, black hair. As I step back, I notice their eyes are solid black.A bat shifter. So an air Fae. Around their neck is a necklace made of smooth white stones that gleam as if every color of the rainbow is trapped inside them. An Ordained and a soothsayer.Great.
I lift my now empty tray and walk as slowly as I can without attracting notice out of the room to the kitchen. And I swear I can feel Lonan’s eyes on my back the entire time.
THAT AFTERNOON, I’Mmaking a marinade for the meat for tomorrow’s dinner when the door opens. I glance up, expecting Lu, or perhaps that one young guard who’s been hanging around me like a dog looking for scraps—not happening, kiddo—or the Steward, Nell.
Instead, I freeze, knife in the air above the wild citrus I’m slicing.
It’s Lonan.
He grins at me, looking down, his face taking on a boyish edge and I can’t stop my returning smile. I quickly drop my gaze as well as the spell breaks.
Cook returns from the cellar at that exact moment and her keen gaze flicks between us.
“Hmm,” she says, placing the glass jar on the counter, “I think I need two of these.” And she turns around and heads back out.
Fuck.Stop that, looking at him with sheep’s eyes. You’re here to seduce him, not fall in love with him. He’s meant to love you, spoil you, become utterly besotted.
He steps forward, his hand going to settle on this sword hilt, his fingers opening and closing repeatedly. “Allie. How are you settling into the kitchen?”
I blink several times and look down, starting to cut the citrus again. As I slide the knife underneath the slices to lift and transfer them into the bowl, I answer without meeting his gaze. “Fine, my lord.” I turn and grab a handful of random herbs. I have no clue if this is what Cook wants in this but I’m not going to stand idle. I place them on the cutting board and continue, “‘Tis kind of you to check on me.
His voice is hoarse, “It’s not kindness that motivates me, Allie.”
Yes. Here is it.
“Oh? Then what, Sire?” I pause chopping to flutter my lashes at him, eyes wide and innocent.
He steps forward, though the wide counter is between us.
“I ask this of you as a man, not a commander...” He pauses here, so I lean forward and feel the neck of my gown dip.
His eyes go to my breasts, as intended.Gods above, even powerful men are morons.
Lonan continues, “I would have you. As a man. I mean...” He shakes his head, obviously frustrated.Love to see it, I crow internally.
“I’m just so fucking drawn to you, Allie. I don’t understand it.” He slowly raises his hand and I don’t allow myself to flinch. His knuckles slowly trace my cheek and the electricity I feel is shocking. Fire Fae mayhap?
“Have dinner with me? In my rooms?” He asks, his voice revealing his nervousness.
I pause, trying not to nuzzle into his hand on my face.What the fuck is wrong with me?
“My lord,” I gasp, breathlessly, “I could never. It would be... improper.” I drop my eyes firmly upon my hands and wait.
His hand lowers and he leans in. “Why improper, Allie? Do you not trust me?” His maroon eyes bore into me, I can feel them as if they were a physical touch.
I mutter, “I trust no one, Sire.”
At that exact moment, the door bursts open, slamming against the wall. Both Lonan and I jump.
It’s General Kai. And he’s surly.
“Commander.”
Chapter Seven
