Page 99 of Beyond the Faerie Gate

Forcing myself to smile and nod while my heart sinks slightly is difficult. I’m struck with a strange kind of sadness as, once again, I remember Tom. Then, in the same moment, I think of Florian.

“Where is my brother?” I ask Jaro, curiously. “I thought he’d be here.”

My shifter smiles. “He is. Florian is a total workaholic. He’s probably outside checking that the guard patrols aren’t slacking.”

Ah, that makes sense, I suppose.

“We’ll let you go,” Lany says, bowing again. “Remember to come and visit the library. Jaromir, make sure you show her where it is.”

The group of females moves away, and I seize the second alone with Jaro to smile at him.

“They seem lovely. Your mother must have had her work cut out for her while you were all growing up.”

His smile is soft and almost sad. “Remember, it’s hard for fae to conceive. There are decades between all of us. Centuries between me and my oldest sister. Most older fae siblings take on a role closer to an aunt or uncle when a new child is born into the family. Freida used to take me on camping trips when my mother got overwhelmed.” He snorts. “Not that she was great at camping, but—”

“Your Majesty, it’s an honour.”

Jaro’s hand snaps out, and I turn, following the movement. He’s clenching the fingers of the male who was about to tap me for my attention in a vice-like grip. The veins on his arms stand out with the force he’s using, and I frown at the overt display of strength.

Is this another fae thing?

“You don’t touch the Nicnevin without her permission,” he growls. “Did you lose your manners while I was away, Harlen?”

With a savage flick of his wrist, he bends the offending fingers back, then tosses Harlen’s arm away.

“My apologies.”

His voice is slimy and cold, which instantly sets my teeth on edge. Everything in me wants to recoil, and that’s without even looking at him.

When I do, the feeling grows stronger. He has bland features—for a fae, anyway—mousy brown hair and a short, button nose, but it’s his eyes which get me. Deep set and shifty.

Colbert had those eyes.

He bows and looks away, but the gesture of respect seems forced. “I trust you’re enjoying the capital, my lady?”

It takes a lot of work to hide my grimace as I search for someone—anyone—who looks like they might want to talk to me so I can escape.

“It’s very lovely,” I reply absently.

“I’d be happy to give you a tour. My home is in the Inner Ring, quite close to the palace gates.”

Goddess, never. “Oh, really?” I say instead, trying my hardest to be polite. “I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, as I’m sure you can imagine…”

Come on, where is Drystan or Lore when I need them? Jaro is standing behind me, playing bodyguard, and I’m about to open my mouth to use him as an excuse to leave when Harlen replies.

“Ah yes, it must be difficult, trying to figure out how to correct the Goddess’s mistake.”

That catches my attention. “Mistake?”

“Choosing under fae for your Guard. I’m sure you’ll be banishing the two of them as soon as you’ve found suitable replacements. I know several young men—and women—all excellent warriors who would fall on their own swords for a chance to serve you.”

Every muscle in my body is rigid as a board as I meet his stare. Anger, piping hot and terrifying, runs like lava through my veins until my hands physically shake from the effort of keeping it bottled away.

“None of my males are a mistake,” I retort. “And I won’t be banishing any of them. You would do well to mind your manners and your hands, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d rather be anywhere else right now.”

I whirl on my heel and then ruin the entire thing by stumbling on my second step. My stupid ankle gives way, and only Jaro’s quick thinking keeps me from falling on my butt.

“Stupid shoes,” I grumble, my cheeks heating as I accept his offered arm and allow him to lead the two of us away.

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