The closest he came to revealing his suggestion was when he gave Eilian the defalutar potion–a gift Aeron still couldn’t believe the powerful Winter Fae gave him. But after seeing the fear in his twin’s eyes when Aeron mentioned the child, he knew he could not push the matter. He had taken enough from his brother. He couldn’t take the girl. He couldn’t take his child.
Though, as Duke Aeron watched Lady Gwenevere disappear into a popular shop, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had been wrong somehow. Though her complexion spoke of Winter Court, her likeness to Wendy would be obvious to anyone who looked close enough.
The seriousness of his implicating thoughts were not lost on him. Knowing he would never again do anything to willingly hurt his brother, Aeron decided to proceed with caution. He would figure out the truth regarding Lady Gwenevere. If his worst fears were realized, he would be sure to protect the young lady.
He owed that much to Eilian.
***
“Are you sure everything is well, Miss Gwen?” Penny asked as the pair continued to stroll through the rows of items in their third shop of the day. “You have seemed on edge all afternoon. Is this about Duke Aeron?”
Placing the elegant, abstract, ice sculpture back on the shelf, Gwen shook her head. “No. It is not about the duke.” That was obviously the truth. While still nervous regarding the duke and if he had recognized her in any way, he was not the reason for her melancholy disposition.
Picking up a carving of a long-necked swan, Gwen let out a sigh. No. Her mood was due to her replaying the scene she found in the palace garden repeatedly throughout the day.
Gwen knew she was being ridiculous. After the incident with Bradley, Gwen swore to herself she would not pursue dating for the foreseeable future. She needed to focus on school and her future career. Of course, that all seemed to take a pause when the truth of her ancestry popped out of nowhere. Still, she needed to get a grip. Grown women didn’t act so distraught over learning their crush had other love interests. Especially when said crush was a royal prince of the Winter Court in the Fae Realm. Ridiculous.
“Might I ask what or who it is about, Miss Gwen?” Penny asked, surprising Gwen. It was definitely out of the timid maid’s character to be so persistent.
She thought about diverting the question, but paused. Gwen realized that of those surrounding her at Winter Court, Penny was the only female companion she had. The only Fae she could discuss such matters with and not feel silly. She missed Kate and Sara terribly.
With a tightness in her heart, Gwen realized she desperately needed to confide in someone. What she was experiencing was frightening and just the thought that speaking of it could help was motivation enough. She could only hope that Penny would not reveal her words to anyone else. Glancing around, Gwen noticed they were alone in the store. Torin and the employee stood outside the building, discussing something that had them both preoccupied.
“Would you promise to keep what I am about to say to yourself?” Gwen asked, looking imploringly at the young fae. “It’s pretty embarrassing.”
She was gifted with a shy grin. “I would be honored to be in your confidence, Miss Gwen. Anything you say will stay with me. I promise.”
That was all the encouragement she needed. In a hurried fashion, Gwen released all her confusing emotions and thoughts concerning Kalan. She told Penny a modified version of meeting the prince. She told him how she had not realized how serious her feelings for him were until she saw him with another Fae. She told her how much it hurt to realize she had been wrong in thinking he might have feelings for her as well. Gwen chose to leave out the physical pain aspect of her story, frightened someone might overhear her pathetic admission.
“Oh no, Miss Gwen,” Penny interrupted the rant following the last reveal. “You are wrong. It is very evident to me that the prince holds you in high regard.”
“High regard does not equal romantic feelings,” she countered, keeping her voice low.
Penny shook her head emphatically. “You are wrong. Everyone sees it. I heard from Queen Tanya’s personal maids how nervous she is regarding her son’s intentions towards you.”
That information shocked her. “Why would his mother be nervous? Is it because I’m a lesser noble?” Gwen had no way of knowing if that was indeed true, but it was the ruse that she and Ronan played at, so she had to keep it going.
“No, Miss. In fact, I believe the queen would be especially pleased if her son ended up with any kind of noble lady.”
“What then?” She asked, confused to the core. The queen couldn’t have a personal dislike of her. Their interactions did not extend further than introductions and pleasantries.
Penny gave her a dubious look. “Surely you know of the prophecy?”
Gwen stared. The only prophecy she was aware of dealt with discouraging inter-court relationships. But the way Penny asked the question led her to believe it was a piece of information about Kalan, and something she should clearly know.
Gwen realized she had a choice to make. She could either fake knowledge, or she could continue to confide in her maid. With a strong desire to figure out as much as she could from her young friend, she chose the latter.
“Penny,” she paused, taking a preparatory breath. “I cannot tell you why, but you must know that I was raised in such a way that most Court knowledge was kept from me. I am pretty ignorant of most things other Fae are aware of. So, no… I don’t know of the prophecy.”
Instead of looking astonished, understanding filled Penny’s eyes. Gwen sighed in relief.
“The prophecy,” Penny began in a kind voice, “was spoken about Prince Kalan following his birth. It states that he has one specific chosen mate. A lifemate. She will be a Winter Fae born on the same day as he, and she will bring strength and prosperity to his reign of Winter Court.”
Gwen’s eyes widened. “You mean he is going to have an arranged marriage? Was the fae I saw him with her? Is she his fiancé?” She fired off the questions, fueled by astonishment.
“She might be a prospective mate. Queen Tanya finds all qualifying Winter Fae and arranges an introduction with the prince. It is her hope that Prince Kalan chooses a mate soon to secure his safety.”
“Safety from wh–,” Gwen stopped herself as Penny’s words sank in. Kalan’s wife was born the same day as him? Gwen’s cheek flushed as she suddenly understood the reason the prince asked her birthday the first night they met. Was he interested in her romantically then? Or did he always ask any young woman that question to see if she might be the one?
“When is the prince’s birthday, Penny?” Gwen asked quietly, not sure if she was able to hide the glimmer of hope from her voice.
“October 7th.”
Two months too early. Gwen released her breath. The prince was apparently destined to be with another Winter Fae.
Gwen stilled.
A Winter Fae…
Gwen kicked herself for being so stupid. It did not matter what silly notions or feelings she had regarding the prince, or even some silly prophecy dictating his future relationships. He was a prince for goodness sake, and he was destined to be with a Winter Fae; something she was not.
Steeling herself with the new information and new resolve, Gwen managed a soft smile to Penny. “Thank you for telling me. Believe it or not, knowing that makes me feel better.”
Penny lowered her eyes shyly. “I hope that is true.”
“It is.”
Complete truth.
Chapter 21
“Lady Gwen,” a voice from behind broke her out of her musings. She was in one of the Winter palace’s art rooms the following day, looking at the various elaborate ice sculptures surrounding her. Penny had been kind enough to recommend the room to her when she saw how infatuated Gwen was with the pieces she saw in the shops.
Gwen turned and managed to appear calm as she encountered the owner of the voice. “Prince Kalan.”
The handsome fae broke into a warm and charming grin. Gwen willed
her heart to not flutter in response. “I have been looking for you since yesterday. Ronan said you saw me in the garden.”
It was not a conversation she wanted to have, but she did not know how to avoid his statement. “We did.”
“It’s my understanding,” he continued, approaching her slowly. “That you might feel neglected given my frequent absences from your company.”
She stiffened, wondering if her conversation with Penny could have already been leaked. “Who told you that?”
“Ronan.” Gwen relaxed, knowing that Penny would have never confided in her guard. She seemed terrified of him.
“I appreciate both his and your concern, but I assure you, I am alright. I understand you are needed to handle all this Winter/Summer Court stuff. I couldn’t expect to keep you to myself.”
Seeming taken aback by her cold tone, Kalan raised an eyebrow. “I wish you would expect it.”
“Why?”
“Because I enjoy spending time with you. I had hoped you felt the same.”
“I do enjoy your company,” she allowed, “But it would be foolish to expect it knowing what I know about you.” Gwen cringed at the words the moment they were out.
Kalan straightened his back, surprise flooding his features as he met her gaze. “What do you mean?” He asked in a measured tone. “‘Knowing what you know’?”
“It’s nothing,” she waved her hand dismissively, “Forget it.”
“I definitely will not forget it,” he countered, crossing his arm across his chest. “Please explain your meaning.”
Gwen bit her lip as she thought of a way out of the horrible situation. She should have controlled herself. She met his eyes hesitantly and was stunned to see his heated focus on her mouth. She took an involuntary step back.
Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the admission. “I know about the prophecy. Your prophecy… I know you are seeing many prospective brides per your mother’s request. Knowing that, I could not logically expect you spend much free time teaching me or showing me around Winter Court.” Gwen cringed, feeling as if she rambled.
“I am not seeing any prospective mates at the moment.”
“I saw you,” she challenged, a small amount of irritation rising with his denial. “In the garden.”
Kalan shook his head. “You saw me turning down my mother’s latest prospective bride, Hera. She is a kind fae. I did not want to hurt her with my rejection.”
Gwen grew still as a statue while she processed his words. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. “How many other brides are running around the palace?” She hated that she asked the question, immediately feeling petty.
“None.”
“Why?”
His stance softened, giving her a sheepish expression. “I do not know what you have heard, but I am not actively seeking my lifemate. Any female brought before me is summoned by my mother.”
“You don’t want to find your lifemate?” She questioned, lessoning the tension in her own posture.
He chuckled, the sound sent butterflies soaring in her stomach. “Of course I do,” he answered, a twinkle in his eye. “But I am still young. I am in no rush.”
She nodded. “Sounds reasonable.”
His humor faded a bit as he regarded her. “It can be lonely, though. Only being free to court females who meet my prophecy’s criteria. Every encounter has such high expectations. It is hard to relax and simply enjoy another’s company. I’m always tense.”
Gwen tilted her head as she returned his gaze. “You don’t seem tense to me.”
He smiled. “You appear to be one of my exceptions. It is why I am adamant to become greater friends with you.”
She couldn’t stop the blush from covering her cheeks. Was he flirting with her? She shook the thought away, knowing that indulging in them would be silly with the facts at hand.
However, she did give him a gracious smile. “I’m not sure your prospective ‘mates’ will appreciate our friendship. Your mother sure doesn’t.”
He visibly flinched. “My mother…,” he began but Gwen held up her hand.
“That was immature of me to say. I know your mother only wants what is best for you.”
He nodded. “Yes, but that does not mean we cannot be friends.”
Her look was skeptical. “She is the queen. She may remove me from Court anytime she wants if she believes I will interfere with finding your lifemate.”
Kalan’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Then you must not interfere with such things. I am only insistent on a friendship. Are you implying you want more?”
Amused by his flirtatious challenge, Gwen was tempted to keep it going, but the wise part of her knew she should not. Instead, she simply nodded and gave him a platonic grin. “Only friendship. No one should stand in the way of a prophecy.”
Did she imagine it, or did a flash of disappointment cross his eyes?
Before she could question it, he extended his arm to her. She took it out of habit. It seemed she was always being escorted this way throughout the palace. “Indeed they should not.”
Gwen vaguely acknowledged the familiar pain in her body lessen with his touch.
As Kalan began leading her to the next sculpture, Gwen’s curiosity compelled her to ask questions that had plagued her through the previous night. “So, friend,” she emphasized the word humorously, hoping to dissipate any lingering awkwardness between them. “How will you know when you find your lifemate? Will there be fireworks or some cool fae magic that will let you know you found her?”
The prince chuckled, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. “I am unsure. Every fae I’ve spoken with describes an undeniable pull towards the fae they learn to be their lifemate. A subconscious feeling they can’t shake no matter how hard they try.”
“Sounds like a fairytale.” Her eyes trailed to the ceiling, taking in the magnificence of the Winter art displayed across the high beams.
“I suppose it does.”
A comfortable silence drifted down as the pair continued their stroll through even more equally fascinating rooms, few words exchanged as Kalan allowed Gwen to soak in the works of art around her. Gwen was relieved that all seemed well between them.
“I hope you are enjoying yourself here at Court.” Kalan’s voice reverberated down the marble hallway as they walked back to the palace courtyard.
“I am. It’s an interesting world. Though, I wake up every morning thinking I travelled to another time instead of another realm.”
The prince laughed. “Is the Fae Realm not what you anticipated? Not enough magical displays to remind you that you are in an enchanted land?”
She returned his good humor. “Not nearly enough. Everyone looks and acts just like people back home.”
She gave him a dramatic assessment, pursing her lips as if in deep thought while her eyes trailed over him. “If it weren’t for the ears and glow around you, I would say you look perfectly human.”
Kalan’s lips turned up in mischief. “Here,” he said, removing her hand from his elbow and clasping it in his hand instead. “I have just the thing.”
With an eager stride, Kalan proceeded to lead Gwen out of the South Wing and straight through the courtyard. He moved so fast Gwen found herself practically jogging to keep up with his lengthy steps. A self-conscious blush rose to her cheeks as she noticed the stares their rapid progress through the space elicited. Gwen wondered if Kalan noticed how crowded the area was. She doubted it, believing he would not be making such a spectacle of them if he did.
“Where are we going?” She asked, slightly breathless. “And what’s with the rush?” She tried tugging on his hand to slow them down, only to have her palm squeezed tighter as Kalan continued his pace.
He shot a quick smile over his shoulder. Gwen nearly tripped as she registered the bright expression; his blue eyes glittered with excitement.
“You’ll see,” was all he offered before turning back around. Gwen’s stomach flipped, warmth sud
denly radiating from where their skin connected.
The walk seemed to take forever, nervousness only slightly alleviated once they reached the North Wing. While they were now out of sight of the courtyard’s occupants, Gwen and her hurried escort still found the attention of the occasional fae dispersed throughout the main building. Finally, Kalan led Gwen through the Great Hall and towards the palace gardens.
Gwen’s curiosity was peaked. Why would he be eager to rush here given the misunderstanding from yesterday?
Greenery and floral arrangements were passed without a second glance as Kalan maneuvered through the gardens; his destination was a specific one.
The pair walked beneath a trellis of approximately fifty feet in length. The white and blue vines intertwined across the structure from every angle, reducing the amount of natural light penetrating through. It gave the walkway an almost tunnel-like feel.
“Are we almost there?” Gwen whispered the question, realizing how quiet their surroundings were. She couldn’t be sure due to the numerous twists and turns taken as they walked, but Gwen believed Kalan led her no less than a half mile away from the garden doors. She learned from Ronan how large the royal family’s garden was, but it was quite a different thing to experience.
As they neared the end of the natural tunnel, Kalan suddenly halted, almost causing Gwen to run into his broad back. She opened her mouth to tease him about his behavior when she was silenced as he whirled around with the same excited smile from earlier, dropping his hold on her hand in the process. Gwen’s eyes widened in surprise.
Before she could speak, he beat her to it. “Close your eyes.”
They narrowed in suspicion. “Why?”
“Because I have a surprise,” he stated plainly, though the light didn’t leave his expression. “Now, close your eyes.”
With one more hesitant glance, Gwen complied, exhaling a small breath as she let her eyelids fall. Her heartbeat picked up as Kalan wrapped both of his strong hands around her palms, still facing her. He began walking backwards, gently pulling Gwen along with him.
They walked about ten feet when a soft glow rose behind Gwen’s eyes. She guessed they were no longer under the cover of the trellis. A cool breeze wafted across her cheeks, cooler than the air she typically encountered around the palace.
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