The Iron Fae: A Sexy Paranormal Romance Fae Series (The Twisted Crown Book 2)

by A. K. Koonce

  “But, like, I don’t feel like a queen.”

  “You weren’t raised,” he pauses, “with the idea that you’re to be looked up to.” His words are sluggish, and said with every effort to produce a coherent thought. “So I could see how… odd it would be to all of a sudden be getting pushed into leadership.”

  “It’s not that.” My head lulls to the side. I could take a nap right now. Maybe I will. I’m sure Kai would like a nap.

  “No?”

  Both brows rise as I try to remember where this conversation was going and what exactly I had said. My thoughts echo a jumble of our dialogue back to myself.

  “…no.” I clear my throat. “Aren’t I supposed to be powerful? My dad was Fae, yet I’m so… so…so very human.”

  “You’re high right now.” Kai laughs.

  I can’t help but chuckle too. “So are you.”

  Our laughs settle comfortably between us. So much so I consider my nap again. But a nagging need still whispers back to me.

  “Kai, I have a necklace.”

  “Mmm, did Violet pick it out for you? You didn’t really seem like the excessive jewelry type so I didn’t bother asking for an arrangement for you.”

  “No. I brought it with me from the Shadow Court.”

  The prince shifts. My eyelids flutter open to find him watching me with mild interest. The pink in the whites of his eyes has faded but not by much.

  “Is it from Lincoln?”

  “Ah, Lincoln doesn’t seem like the romantic gesture type.”

  Kai scratches at his head, letting his arm fall with a loud thump against the arm of his chair. “You’d be surprised. Though it’d be awfully daring of him to give someone like you a gift like that.”

  Maybe I want Lincoln to be daring like that. Maybe I want there to be a little spark of fire in his veins that fights for me. For us.

  “It’s from my aunt, Jase’s mother.” Even with the effects of the calming drugs I feel my pulse pick up at the thought of it. Without the Reminints I imagine I’d be light headed or sick to my stomach with anxiety. Lincoln told me not to tell a soul, not to let anyone get their hands on it. “I think, I think it contains my powers.” I finally admit.

  “Oh.”

  “Lincoln said so.”

  “Lincoln is… smart enough to know so.” Kai folds his hands into his lap, his attention never falling away from me.

  “Do you know how I can get my powers? How can I become like you?”

  “Yes, um, items like that.” He chews on his lip. “That’s a good question.” Kai shakes his head. “Um, you need a powerful seer to help you unlock them. I can pull some strings for you.”

  “You’re doing me all the favors today, huh?” I give him a faint smile.

  “Well, it’s the least I could do for my royal guest.” He nods his head.

  “Do you feel like you could fall asleep right now?” I yawn, stretching my arms above my head, careful to watch my chest so that my boobs don’t lift right out of the gown. Strips of fabric have fallen off my thighs, leaving my legs exposed.

  “I’m on my way off the Remininats, I don’t think I could nap now if I wanted.”

  “How sad,” I practically purr. Kai had put my worries to ease so quickly. The prince is nothing if not accommodating and gentlemanly.

  Just as I let my eyes close once more the door bursts open with a gush of air. Rowan cocks his head looking from me to his brother, a large bundle of flowers, perfectly arranged, clutched between both hands. Kai looks from me to his sibling, pursing his lips.

  “Rowan, hi.” I wave.

  “I’m not high. You are.” Rowan accuses.

  I start to feign offense, my hand rising to touch my collar bone. As I frown, my lips fight the urge to point upward and a sputtering laugh rolls out of me. “I’m sorry. I got distracted.”

  Kai stands, straightening his clothes and walks with a confidence only the heir to the throne could possess. He leans forward, pushing his nose into the bouquet and breathes them in.

  “For me.” Kai starts to take the flowers.

  “No, actu—”

  “For me.” He says more firmly, scooping them out of Rowan’s hands and clutching them close to his chest.

  Rowan’s gaze is wide with anger. He recovers quickly, forcing his hands into his jacket and leaning against the door frame. “Guess I’ll have to pick you another one, love.”

  “Another one for me, you mean.” Kai raises his eyebrows.

  “No, not you.” Rowan says, confusion tinting his words.

  I purse my lips at Kai’s attempt at avoiding any uncomfortableness from Rowan’s brash behavior.

  “For me.” He repeats once more. Kai digs his face into the petals, smelling their scent with great dramatics.

  I cover my burning cheeks, trying to keep from giggling. But the drugs have done me no favors in being polite.

  “Hurry off now,” Kai urges his brother out the door. Rowan steps back, still scowling. The prince closes the door, with Rowan on the other side turning back to me. “After all this... you’re going to owe me.”

  Then we both dissolve into a fit of laughter.

  Six

  Vote Briar Anders

  Lunch passes with little to no notice of Kai and I. At some point his work began again and I curl into his chair, just watching. Occasionally, he looks up to catch my gaze and flash me a fleeting smile.

  I lose track of time, sitting in an upright fetal position just admiring my friend. When dinner comes around, he gently shakes my shoulders, pulling me from the nap I’d eventually fallen into. Kai helps hold me upright even now. Waking up from a drugged sleep is hard.

  One arm is looped around my waist. He’s holding me firmly but also allowing as much distance between as the position will allow.

  “By the time we reach the dining hall, you’ll feel fine. It just takes a minute to re-adjust. You were sleeping rather heavy.”

  I scrunch my nose. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m fine.” Carefully, I push off of him and teeter on my heels.

  “You sure?”

  Finding my balance, I smile. “Of course. I’ve got this.”

  He shrugs, clasping both hands behind his back as he watches me. Honestly, I think I’m doing rather well. My heels click with a steady rhythm as we move together toward the dining room. Rowan’s scowling face comes to mind.

  “I hope Rowan isn’t too bothered by us earlier.”

  “He’s a grown ass man, he’ll be fine. Don’t worry about him.”

  “Okay.” It’s all I can do to nod because asking me not to worry is like asking the sun not to shine.

  “So, not to sound like I’m prying.” The Prince doesn’t bother to smother the look of smugness as he practically skips forward. “but… is your apathy toward Rowan because you have interest elsewhere.”

  I scoff, cover my face with my hand. “Kai, now we sound like a couple of gossiping hens.”

  “What’s wrong with that? I like talking with you. Gossip with me a little, Briar.”

  They all know it. I reassure myself. Your attraction to Lincoln hasn’t been hidden well. Might as well confess it.

  “I just don’t want to lead him on, that’s all.” I try to say.

  Kai rolls his eyes. “You’re not fooling anyone.”

  “No?”

  “No. I can tell you miss the half breed. It’s a shame, because you could do better, you know?”

  “Better than Lincoln?” I wish he were kidding, though I know he very much is not. “I’m half breed too, you know?”

  “But you’re a true royal one. A king’s first born like myself. That’s the difference” Kai brushes it off. “In a world where you were not a rightful Queen, I think Lincoln and you would likely be very nice together. Make beautiful babies.”

  I smile despite how much my stomach twists in silence.

  The Prince continues, “You’ll need a royal husband.”

  “Like you?” I deadpan.

  Kai shifts,
pointing his gaze off toward the ground. The door to the dining room is propped open, Rowan and Violet already in conversation as their voices drift to us. The smell of seasoned turkey greets me and my stomach twists with hunger.

  “Yes but no. There are other courts to choose from. But I would be honored if you had any interest in me.”

  “Kai Ziko, are you blushing?” I laugh.

  His eyes flair but more so as if he is addressing an internal dialogue rather than our conversation. His steps slow as we reach the dining hall.

  “My parents have wanted to extend our reign and uniting two Courts would do just that. It’s just a thought. Obviously, this isn’t romantic.” He raises his eyebrows as if to say, ‘unless you want it to be’.

  I swat at him. If I’d met Kai first would I still have fallen for Lincoln? Kai’s patient and kind, but our relationship feels far too much like the stereotypical gay best friend scenario. Without the gay part, kind of.

  “What about Jase? Are you guys… together?”

  “Please, after you.” He gestures for me to enter before him. “I’m not sure I would label it as officially together. Though I’d be inclined to invite him to stay at the castle much under the ruse you’re playing.”

  The flash of the image of Jase goofily grinning in the handcuffs on the headboard of the bed comes to mind. I push the image off quickly wishing it had never come to mind.

  “I’m sure he’d like that very much.” I encourage. “But only if you promise not to break his heart.”

  “I’m a Prince, I can make no such promises.” He winks, pulling out a chair for me to sit. His words don’t settle well with me. He’s playing the part of my friends’ boyfriend who all too quickly gives me bad vibes. But I just can’t help but like him because he is just so damn charming. Is it possible that Kai is too polite? Is that even a thing?

  “I wouldn’t sit there if I were you.” Rowan wags a finger as I lower into my seat.

  I still hover, just above the cushioned bottom. “Why not?”

  “The King and Queen are joining us for dinner.” Violet beams. She taps her long nails on the table’s edge, looking eagerly between Kai and I. I wonder why she doesn’t address them as Mother or Father.

  “Well, shit,” Kai sighs. “Come now.” He hurriedly waves.

  “This will be fun to watch.” Rowan smirks from across the table.

  Will it? A nervous energy builds inside of me only released in sweat that pools in my palms. I step around the chair allowing Kai to push it back in. He moves to his own seat, planting himself in it then points to his lap.

  “Seriously?” I stare down at him.

  “Oh, it’s about to get really touchy feely and all sorts of creepy up in here.” Violet leans forward.

  “In front of your parents even?” My throat is itchy and dry. There’s always a choice though, and I could choose not to. The consequences of that could be worse than what I’m prepared for.

  It’s only for a little bit, Briar. Kai is going to help you release your powers and after that you won’t have to play this part anymore.

  “Especially in front of our parents,” Rowan answers.

  “Fuck,” I huff, lowering myself to perch on Kai’s leg.

  “I’m going to, uh, have to touch you.” He crinkles his nose.

  “Like, sexually?” The squeak in my voice is unattractive and makes it clear how utterly painful this plan of theirs really is.

  “Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking. Just like… touch you.” His hands skim up my thighs. A long trail of goosebumps follows the caress.

  I swallow, hard. My body responds with an unrequested urge, a wetness slick between my legs.

  “Is that—” He starts to ask as we hear the approach of the King and Queen down the hall. Kai tilts his head up trying to talk over my shoulder. In a hushed voice he talks only to me. “It’s going to be okay.”

  I’d heard those words too many times to count. This time I’m demanding more of myself. Play the part. Play the part, Briar. Be the fucking human that’s come because you’re infatuated with Kai. With magic. With the Fae.

  I give him the slightest bob of my head, the smallest form of acknowledgment, before I lean into him. Kai’s breathing hitches.

  “I’m just saying, is all...” The king says as they round the corner.

  “And I’ll take that into consideration but there just isn’t any reason—” The Queen stops, meeting my gaze with a frown. “Who is this?”

  “Mother,” Kai draws a hand up my arm. “This is Briar Anders. Isn’t she pretty?” He tilts his face against my arm, inhaling loudly.

  I smile, bringing my hand up to cup his face, then play through a few loose strands of hair. Her attention only narrows.

  “Human.” She spits. “Why did you bring it here? Why is it at my dinner table?”

  She talks as if I’m a dog. Still, I try to look off into the distance and ignore her confrontation. Focusing solely on the smell that surrounds Kai. His sweet scent, always laced with a hint of Reminints.

  Kai grabs my thighs. It’s much more possessive than the gentle touch he’d given me before. His fingers dig into my skin, almost painfully, as he drags them up my legs, finally hovering at my inner thigh.

  “I was bored and took a little trip to the Mortal Realm to remind me why what I do is so great. I found this little thing and she’s very much impressed with us. Very playful too.” He lifts one hand, grabs my face, and pinches my cheeks together. It takes all of me not to pull away. Pleasantly, I laugh at the gesture.

  “Of course she is, son. She’s a mortal.” His father’s lips are pursed. Did they tell the king of their plans for me in this court?

  Servants usher themselves forward, pulling out seats for both the King and Queen. The Queen, with her black curls and pale toned skin, tosses her hair over her shoulder. She reminds me instantly of Lincoln. Their faces mirror one another. Though tall iron spikes rise off her scalp in thin, delicate pieces that interlock into her crown. One eye is the treasure color I’m fond of, the other totally grey. She looks anything but nice.

  Holding her hands properly at her waist, she sits down careful not to wrinkle her deep violet gown that clings onto her curves. She allows her other children the smallest of glances.

  The king holds a heavy stare with each one of them, a silent plea for answers and a vicious command to keep my title unknown, pushing his white blonde braid behind his back as he sits. The metal bands on his wrists clatter against his seat as he relaxes. Both Rowan and Violet have straightened in their chairs and their expressions have been wiped clean to indifference.

  Kai’s breath is hot on my skin. “It’s all for good fun, Mother.”

  “Well, I’d hope so. She shouldn’t even be eating with us.” She hisses, unashamed that I can clearly hear everything she’s saying.

  I pout slightly, squirming in his lap. “I don’t want to leave you.” If she wants to treat me like a dog, I guess I can play the puppy.

  “Would it serve you better if I took her to eat in her room?” Eat clearly doesn’t mean eat, with the way he says it. Kai tilts his head into me.

  “That would be rude.” King Dravid says plainly, pushing back the black collared coat he wears.

  “But I’m supposed to be subjected to eating with Kai’s pet?” The Queen seethes.

  Wow, this woman really is a piece of work.

  I take a long slow breath, trying to focus on keeping my own emotions under control. My knuckles turn white as I fist my hands and Kai tenses as I lean into him stiffly.

  “Just pretend she isn’t there, dear.” The king reaches for Queen Avaleen’s hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze.

  Kai slips a hand up to my waist, holding me steady, as I try to turn my gaze from the Queen and the King, with their demeaning view of humans and half-breeds. I focus my eyes on the dimly lit sconces or try to admire the velvet-like wallpapers. His hands are warm even through the materials of my dress, not like there truly is much. />
  “And how am I to be sure that this isn’t that Mortal Queen Cordelia has lost her rocker over?”

  Every heartbeat stops. Kai, Rowan, Violet, and I make no obvious moves or changes to our expressions but I can feel it as much as they can. A seed of worry lives in all of them.

  Rowan spurts out a laugh, quickly followed by Violet’s short chortle.

  “The who now?” Kai leans forward, tilting me with his body.

  A new sheen of sweat clings to me. All I can do is pray Avaleen can’t smell my fear in the air.

  “Mortal. Queen.” Her lips press in a firm line as her children poke fun at her idea. The laughter quickly dies.

  “No Queen, but I bet she would love that.” Kai draws a hand down my cheek, forcing my gaze to him. His intense gaze focuses on me with a plea to play along. “Isn’t that right, Cupcake?”

  My tongue feels too heavy for words. My mouth too dry.

  “Can’t I just marry you and become a queen?” I whisper back.

  “For the love of all things good,” The Queen drops her hands dramatically into her lap. “Now she really thinks she can marry you?”

  I channel my measly acting skills into confusion then sadness. “What does she mean?”

  “Nothing, nothing.” Kai brushes it off. “Mother quit trying to ruin my fun.”

  Avaleen opens her mouth to speak, but the doors to the kitchen quickly open and a slew of servants scuttle around us dropping fresh plates and large glasses of wine in front of us. Some sort of chicken, maybe? Broccoli and a cheesy pasta.

  Dinner continues with many side-eyed glances. I try to eat in the perched position on Kai’s lap. My plate sits next to Kai’s in the same space as we shared currently. The moment I make a move to go back to a single seat, Kai clamps a hand on my waist and whispers, “Why would you want to be anywhere else, Cupcake?”

  So I eat with my elbows oddly high so I continuously get in Kai’s way or hit him accidentally. My back aches as I have to hunch to cut apart my food. Kai snaps his fingers and a servant rushes forward and cuts his plate for him. What is he a child? I shift and remember his other hand on my waist.