It’s making me nervous.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask for the tenth time.
He nods as we waltz, but it’s almost like he’s not completely here with me. He’s distracted.
Turning his head, he listens to the crowd around us as we finish the last dance of the evening. The tip of his ear twitches. Normally, that’d be adorable, but I’m concerned about how weird he’s being.
When he rejoined me by the food earlier, he told me he wouldn’t be leaving my side again. I didn’t realize he meant that literally. He even followed me to the bathroom when I had to pee. Yeah, okay, so he couldn’t see me, but he obviously heard the tinkle. We’re not at that comfort level yet. I wanted to die of embarrassment.
The music comes to an end, and the swaying bodies on the dance floor stop to clap for the musicians.
… hideous.
Yes, tragic.
She must have cast a spell on him.
As much as I’ve tried to tune out the snide comments, I can’t. They’re not even trying to be quiet about it. Maybe that’s why Kirian’s in such a bad mood. His people are acting like obnoxious children.
At least Kirian’s family has been nice. Whenever he’s gotten pulled into ‘kingdom talk’ with his father or other council members, Zella’s drawn me into conversations filled with pleasantries about the food, saving me from standing there all silent and awkward.
If there’s one subject I can discuss for long periods of time, it’s dessert. Apparently, the butterscotch pudding is a recipe Kirian insisted the cooks create when he was fourteen. I couldn’t help smiling when she told me that. He must’ve done it after the first pudding cups we shared together.
Even Gia’s been making an effort to be kind—or at least repay her debt. She let me drink juice from her favorite enchanted goblet. It was a birthday gift from the same wizard who gave Kirian his portals. All I had to do was think about the flavor I wanted while holding it, and the liquid inside would match whatever I wanted to taste.
If it weren’t for all the judgmental fae surrounding us, tonight would’ve been one of the best nights of my life.
In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have cooked up a room as beautiful as this one.
It’s light, airy, and dripping with elegance. The second-story balcony goes all the way around the oval shape. Round pillars made from marble with gold swirls hold it up. There are three chandeliers overhead, and the stardust lights flicker through hundreds of dangling crystals.
There’s a mural on the ceiling, and it reminds me of the Sistine Chapel. Except this scene depicts a bloody battle. I see Kirian among the animated soldiers, axe in hand, his hair flying wildly around his handsome face.
Windows line the entire perimeter of the second level. Down here on the first floor, French doors are open to the night. We haven’t gone out there, but I spied a balcony overlooking a garden.
I want to see it.
I’m about to ask Kirian if I can go take a look when he turns away from me and holds a silencing hand up to the crowd of still-gawking fae. A pair of girls about my age giggle behind their hands as they stare at my face.
Shifting closer to Kirian, I let my gaze fall to the floor.
I wonder if their assessment of my physical appearance is making him have second thoughts. If I were a king, I’d value the opinion of my subjects.
Kirian’s warm fingers trail down my spine before his palm flattens over my bare skin. A sudden hot flash ripples through my body, while goose bumps spread over my arms.
One thing I didn’t notice about the dress when it was on the hanger is how low it dips in the back. All the fae dresses are designed this way, and it’s not just a fashion statement. It’s for wings. Wings I don’t have. At least the skin on my back is something to be proud of. It’s smooth, creamy, and unblemished. Not even one mole.
“Thank you all for coming tonight.” Kirian’s booming voice echoes off the walls. “I expect I can count on your allegiance to Quinn. An enemy of hers is an enemy of mine, and my enemies won’t live to regret their betrayal. It’s been a long time since we’ve held a public execution here, but you all know the punishment for treason.”
His stern warning earns worried expressions and obligated murmurs of loyalty.
Well, I guess we’re not ending the evening on a happy note.
Without another word, Kirian takes my hand and walks me to one of the exits. I’m not sure if I should wave or bow or say goodbye, but I don’t get the chance before we’re walking down a stone hallway.
This castle is like a maze. There are so many doors, staircases, and secret rooms. It makes me feel disoriented.
It doesn’t help that it’s always nighttime here. I have no idea what time it is or how many hours have passed since Kirian dragged me through the portal.
However, I do know that I’m tired.
I yawn, and Kirian gives my hand a squeeze.
“These events can be draining. Fortunately, they don’t happen very often.” He seems a little more at ease now, but there’s still a stiffness in his shoulders.
“Now that we’re alone, are you going to tell me who put the stick up your ass?”
The corner of his mouth twitches. “I just want you to be safe.”
“Am I not safe?”
“I want everyone to respect you,” he says, avoiding my question. “Or else.”
“Or else,” I mutter deeply, mocking him. At least it gets his lips to tilt up a little more. “Seriously, though. What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this before.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know.” We climb the stairs to his wing of the castle. “All, king-mode.”
Shrugging, he sends me a forced grin. “That’s because I am in king mode.”
I shake my head. Obviously, he’s not going to give me a straight answer. Whatever. I’m too exhausted to pry it out of him.
“So, Damon knows a witch,” I say. “That’s good news, right?”
Kirian hums, seeming distracted again, and a bad feeling comes over me. Maybe he learned something about his mate?
Suddenly, I’m not so tired anymore. The energy I need to interrogate him comes pouring in.
“Well?” I prod. “What did Damon say?”
“He’s willing to take us to see the witch.”
“And?”
“We leave tomorrow.”
“That soon? Wow.”
I should be glad.
I’m not.
Earlier, when I forced Kirian into that promise, I didn’t consider one awful possibility: he might find his true mate and then I’d be stuck here for a year watching them together.
I honestly don’t think I could handle that.
“We should get some sleep,” Kirian says, stopping in front of his bedroom. “We’ll start planning the trip in the morning.” He points to a room down the hall. “The guest suite has been prepared for you, but I’d prefer it if you slept in my room.”
I’m torn. How many times have I begged Kirian to stay the night with me in my treehouse? A lot. I would’ve given anything to have a sleepover with the big hunky fae.
But things are different now. We’ve kissed. Feelings and truths are out in the open.
If we’re in the same bed, I’m not sure I can resist mauling him. I might not even do it on purpose. It might happen in my sleep.
And then the curse would be permanent for sure, all because I couldn’t keep my lips to myself.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I want to question him more. I want him to tell me there’s a zero percent chance he’ll be matched with his mate when we go see the witch.
But he seems determined to keep the information to himself. We’ve played this game before. No matter how much I pester him, he’ll give me half-truths and riddles until I give up.
“I’ll take the guest suite.” My reply is quiet and sad.
Kirian frowns. “Are you sure?”
No. “Yes.”
&nbs
p; Displeased, he purses his lips and raises an eyebrow.
Gah, he’s so cute when he doesn’t get his way.
“All right.” Cupping my face, he leans down, like he’s going to kiss me. But he stops halfway and straightens. “Torius will be standing guard outside your door, so don’t be surprised if you find him there in the morning.”
“Is that necessary?” Just as I ask, I see the tattooed fae approaching us. He’s got at least three swords strapped to his belt, and the hilt of a dagger is sticking out of his right boot.
“Just a precaution,” Kirian tells me, escorting me to the suite.
Although it’s only one room with an attached bathroom, the décor is similar to Kirian’s room. Even the bed looks the same.
Walking around to each lantern, Kirian turns a knob at the bottom to dim the light. I stand in the middle of the room, watching his prowling movements. His tailored pants fit his behind perfectly. With each stride, his glutes flex and shift under the blue material.
When he’s done, he comes over to me. “You’ll need help getting out of your dress.”
“Is your mom coming up?”
“No.” His fingers spasm at his sides.
Oh. So he plans to undo the trillion buttons down my backside himself. Swallowing, I turn around.
Kirian gently sweeps my hair to the side, draping it over my shoulder. His callouses scrape over my skin as he finds the first pearl mid-back. It easily slides through the loop, then he moves down to the next one.
Cool air wafts over my exposed spine as the material slowly parts. With every inch, my insides burn a little hotter. My lower belly clenches. Wetness pools in my center.
Everything is quiet, except for our breathing.
My lungs suck in air with shallow puffs, and my breasts strain against the low-cut top with every inhale. Heaving bosoms, anyone?
This is the sexiest moment of my life.
Unfortunately, it’s over too soon.
Kirian makes it down to the last button. It’s just above my butt crack, and I swear his touch lingers there longer than necessary.
Holding the dress to my chest, I pivot toward him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Pressing his nose to the top of my head, he murmurs, “Goodnight, young one.”
“Goodnight.” I grip his forearm, and I’m so close to begging him to take me back to his bed with him.
But I don’t.
Instead, I watch him leave.
As he shuts the door, I hear him exchange a few terse words with my “precaution.”
And all I can think is… a precaution for what?
Quinn
I hate being alone here. It’s dark and unfamiliar.
As I stare up at the dark canopy, I think about the predicament I’m in. I’m engaged. Sort of. But probably not for long, thanks to my meddling.
At least the bed is comfortable. The mattress must be made with the golden goose feathers, because it conforms to my backside in the most perfect way. It’s like being on a cloud.
Maybe the feathers are enchanted, lulling me into a false sense of security.
Although my eyes sting with threatening tears, it doesn’t take me long to fall asleep. Thoughts of snooty nobles and Kirian’s fated mate slip away as my lids droop.
In my dream, I’m flying. I have wings of my own and Kirian’s by my side. We laugh as we soar over the palace together. The night sky above us shines bright with the three moons and thousands of twinkling stars. I’ve never been happier.
But now I’m waking up. It takes me a second to figure out why—I’m cold.
The nightgown that was hanging up for me in the bathroom is long and old-fashioned, but the material is light. Not enough to keep me warm in a drafty room.
When I open my eyes, I reach for the covers to pull them up.
But my heart nearly stops when I see a shadow looming over me.
It’s not the canopy. There’s a distinct outline of wings, long hair, and the glint of something metal.
Something sharp.
I scream. Crab-walking backward, my shoulders hit the solid wooden headboard.
Within a split second, Torius bursts in, a lantern in one hand and a long sword in the other.
I’m still screaming, but when I look back at where the dark figure was, there’s nothing.
“Milady?” Torius briefly glances at me before scanning the room with his light-green eyes.
“I—I thought I saw something. I’m sorry.” Hugging my knees to my chest, I try to calm my racing heart.
I’m shaken up, panting. I can’t seem to get enough air.
Kirian comes barreling in next, his white pants hung loosely on his hips like he just tugged them on and didn’t have time to tie the drawstring. His wings are out, and he’s carrying his axe. He almost runs into Torius, who jumps out of the way, just in time to miss a blade to the face.
“What happened?” Kirian demands. “Quinn!”
“I’m right here.” My voice trembles. I want to go to him, but I’m too scared to move.
He staggers over to the bed and gropes around until his hand lands on my ankle. “Are you hurt?”
Man, he must be more terrified than I am. Kirian’s always so aware of his surroundings. He doesn’t trip or bump into people. He never has trouble finding me.
I cover his fingers with mine. “I’m okay. I just woke up and I could’ve sworn I saw…”
“Saw what?” he presses.
“There was someone standing over me with a sword or a knife. At least, I thought there was, but no one’s here. Maybe it was just a nightmare.”
Kirian growls, deep and menacing. “You’re not wrong. Someone used magic.” He sniffs the air. “I smell a portal.”
The blood drains from my face. “Someone really was here?”
Instead of answering me, Kirian pushes away from the bed to pace the room.
“They came into my castle and tried to hurt my mate,” he mutters, his voice gravelly with emotion. “Mine.”
“What did he look like, my queen?” Torius looks even more intimidating with the light from the lantern casting shadows over his face.
“A faerie?” That’s not very helpful. “All I saw was wings and hair. I’m not even sure if it was a man or a woman.”
“Your Majesty.” Torius turns his attention to the king. “Should I order a search of the palace?”
In answer, Kirian lets out a rageful, animalistic roar.
Holy shit, it’s loud.
I’m reminded again that he isn’t human. No one I’ve ever known could make that kind of sound. The deafening noise shakes the bed, and dust crumbles off the stone walls. A glass vase falls from the mantel over the fireplace. The distinct shatter of glass joins Kirian’s ungodly howl.
It hurts my head. Covering my ears, I tip over on the mattress and curl into the fetal position.
As I hear a few more muffled shouts, the light fades away when Torius quickly leaves the room.
I don’t like the darkness.
I squeeze my eyes shut, because maybe I can pretend all this didn’t happen. Maybe it was just a bad dream.
“Quinn. Quinn, love. I’m sorry.” Kirian’s soft pleas are barely audible, so I take my hands away from my head and open my eyes. He’s kneeling on the bed next to me, and I’ve never seen him look so remorseful. “Please don’t be scared of me.”
“I’m not scared of you. I’m just… scared.”
He pets my head, running his hands over my face like he’s done so many times before. “I never should’ve left you alone.”
Something he said a few seconds ago sticks out in my mind. “Did you call me love?”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“I like it.”
“Then I’ll do it more often.” Scooping his arms under me, he picks me up, cradling my body against his. “Come on. You’re sleeping in my bed from now on.”
This time I don’t argue.
Kirian
My impulsi
ve decision to bring Quinn into my life will have consequences. As it is, damage has already been done. I hate how scared she was last night. The fact that she was in danger for even a second is unacceptable. In hindsight, it would’ve been better to order her to sleep with me instead of giving her a choice.
No one can protect her like I can, so she’ll stay with me always. I’m not unhappy about that. Keeping her close will be a benefit to our unfortunate predicament.
Even with the unknown hanging over my head, I still don’t regret pulling her through the portal.
Because she’s here with me, in my bed. It’s a hell of a lot better than waking up alone.
Making a noise, she jerks as if she’s having a bad dream. Her sleep has been fretful, and I tighten my arms around her body, hoping she can feel that I’m here.
I could almost be content to just hold her like this.
If I didn’t know what it was like to kiss her, maybe it would be enough. But it’s not. My need for her has multiplied since yesterday.
Her nightgown has ridden up, exposing her smooth legs and her cotton panties. My hard cock presses against her back, and when she squirms, I groan.
She wakes with a start.
“Shh. You’re safe,” I tell her, and she relaxes, her warm body melting into mine.
Her softness is intriguing. My hand splays out on her hip, and I move it up, tracing the dip of her waist. The curve of her ass molds perfectly to my crotch. That sweet scent she carries is so strong it feels like it’s imbedded in my pores.
I love it.
I love her.
“What’s that light coming through the window?” Quinn rolls onto her back and turns her face to me.
“Dawn,” I reply.
“The sun?” Sitting up, she throws the covers off and leaps out of bed. “I thought you said you don’t get daylight here.”
“We don’t.” I smile at her excitement. Pushing up on an elbow, I explain, “The sun won’t actually rise. Two suns orbit the Day Realm. Twice a day, they cross paths on the eastern border. The merging is so bright, the light travels all the way over Dawn and Dusk to here.”
“Dawn and Dusk… Can you tell me more about it?”
“I’ve been there many times, but I’ve only seen it once.”
The Fae King's Curse Page 9