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Kian appears suddenly at Ever’s side, his voice ringing loudly as he says, “Oh, I beg to differ. Raff speaks highly of her songs. Apparently, she has a voice to rival the sea witches.”
“What shall your pet sing to entertain our royal guests, Everend? A murder ballad? No, not festive enough. Perhaps a spring song?” Ever’s eyes dart wildly between the Merit king and his mother.
I’m not sure why he’s in a panic, but I hope to push him further into it.
Ever does not clap. Ever doesn’t cheer. Mouth set into a plush sulk, all he does is stare.
“Thus, it is decided,” he crows loudly, metal chinking as he moves. “Despite the flaws you spoke of, Prince Everend, we will be glad to take her off your hands. She will sing to us whenever we grow bored and somber,
“No,” says Ever. “We’re not prepared to release her yet.”
“Ah,” booms El Fannon. “Let us settle her fate on the outcome of a contest. We must ride on the morrow to the sea witches. But, if you agree, Queen Varenus, when we return in two weeks at Samhain, my son will challenge yours. The winner will gain permanent ownership of the human.”
Varenus glares at him. “No. We will not bargain or trade. I do so love a battle. Let us decide the girl’s fate with swords. Both princes are highly skilled,
This is a terrible outcome. Singing was stupid. I shouldn’t have given the Merits another reason to think I’d make a nice trinket. I’m an idiot.
“Tell me, do you find my son Everend pleasing to look at?”
“Answer me this: have you not desired Prince Everend above all other men, fae or no? Have you allowed yourself even once to dream of tasting his lush kiss, his cold-blooded strength, if only for one night?”
I steel my voice. “No, Your Majesty, I haven’t desired Prince Everend above all others.” “Ah! There it is, a lie upon your breath.”
“I lied. It’s true. I have desired Prince Everend above all others of your kind.” I hope she’s too pleased with herself right now to notice the extra words slipped into my admission.
Your boon is granted, Lara. As clear as the words you spoke, so shall they be set in stone and none, including my son, may rescind them.”
“What’s a prince doing slumming it on the servants’ stairs?” “What is slumming it?” “Fraternizing with those beneath you. Although, if we’re speaking about ethics rather than station, I’m probably above you.”
“Why did you defy me in the Great Hall?”
but I tried to warn you not to sing for the Merits, and you knew it. You have no idea what you’ve done, the future you doom yourself to. Temnen is one thousand times worse than I am.” A strange feeling kindles in my gut, mixing with cold fury.
“Was it you who made my dress dance?” she asks. “And my hair?” It was me. It was her. We did it together.
“You were the only one who wasn’t smiling, the only fae not moved by the song, yet the wind—it felt like you. Like you but gentler. It was a… caress.”
Somehow, she took my power and changed it. And that’s the part I don’t want to admit—what she did—because I do not understand it. “I was affected by your song. My powers are over the air element and, somehow, you made me lose control of them.
“You liked it, then?”
“Of course I liked the song.” I fix my gaze on a deep fissure in the stone above her head, so she cannot see how greatly it pains me to compliment her.
“So, you did like it!” She laughs. “And I know you’re telling the truth because you can’t lie.”
“You do not desire me,” I whisper. “It was a lie.”
“Speak, human. Do you wish for me to touch you?”
“You are made of lies.” With one hand, I tighten my grip on her shoulder, fingers digging into soft flesh, while the other rises to cup her face. The edge of my thumb trails down her cheek, nail scraping a white line through freckles. As her heartbeat accelerates, her eyes remain defiant. I’m careful not to draw blood. “Why don’t you fear me?” I ask.
“Because there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Wrong. She’s so wrong.
She’s either the bravest girl I’ve ever met or the most foolish. I can’t decide which.
A shaky smile, ripe with challenge, spreads over her face. It’s unpleasant and magnetic, like a red flag to a crazed lycan. Or a bewitched fae prince.
“You should be careful what you say, Lara, for I shall give you the very thing you claimed to want.”
Then she pushes. “No. Stop.” “What?” Tears shine in her eyes. I don’t understand them at all. “Why do you cry?” “I’m not crying.” Expression fierce, she scrubs her cheek. “I disliked you before, but it’s nothing to what I feel now. I’m not your plaything. I’m a prisoner here. Your cruelty is astonishing.”
“Stop telling me what to do!” She grips my ears, draws me down, kisses me—breath panting, teeth nipping—then pushes me backward when I groan against her skin.
“Wait… Before you leave, I wish you would lie to me once again. Please, Lara.” Her breath catches. Then silence while she considers my meaning. “I don’t… I don’t want you even a little,” she says as I dip my head and taste the salty skin of her neck.
“I don’t want you at all. I never will.” I kiss her throat, the corner of her lips. My blood simmers, but without pain. My chest no longer aches. Who knew a human’s kisses could hold such power?
“Ever… please let me go now.” It’s the last thing I want, but her words are a spell. My hands drop to my thighs, and I step backward. “Good...
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As my foot lands on the first step, I remember what I asked her to do. It was a simple request—I wanted her to lie to me. Which means—perhaps she doesn’t hate me after all.
Kian glances in my direction, laughing. “Oh look. We have captured the attention of your human pet. I see now why you were so distracted. Is this the reason you insisted we train here today?”
“What did you do today in the forest?” Ever’s voice is low,
“Nothing that would be of interest to you. I took food to the moss elves. That’s all.”
“Please, Ever,” says Kian. “Get the bedding of this strange little thing over and done with. The tension revolts me.” Ever’s head jerks toward his friend. “She is not a thing.”
Thanks for drenching the whole kingdom in your bad mood this morning, Prince of Never.”
Finding no such locks, I ask, “Where is Kian?” “Oh,” trills the imp, all seven colors of the rainbow flickering over her spiked wings, hence her name. “He left nearly an hour ago. He went to speak to the human girl.”
The air is mine, and the wasp is too. I will find her easily. Palms up and fingers splayed, I breathe deeply, pivoting slowly until I have her exact location. There. She’s close.
“Prince Never, we meet on yet another flight of stairs. Should I be worried this time?”
“I ran into your evil friend, Kian, in the kitchens and admitted my terrible state of boredom. He said he’d teach me a game to relieve it.”
“Ah, you speak of hnefatafl. Bearded Norsemen guests brought it to our lands many years ago. You are right, we do favor it. And I am the best player in the kingdom.”
“You seem friendlier than usual.” She laughs. “Are you drunk?” “Yes. Somewhat.” Which means, yes, quite drunk.
“Do not play games with Kian. He is a danger to you.” “And you’re not?” “I cannot say for certain.”
The feathers trimming her otherwise plain dress come into focus. I can hardly believe what I see—the downy contour feathers of the órga falcons. My falco...
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Who gave it to her? I tug her draping sleeve. “Where did you get this?” “From Raff. Isn’t it beautiful?”
