Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1)

by Samantha Britt

  Gwen turned her attention to the fae at her side. “I am immortal, Ian. I will stop aging once I turn twenty five. Eventually, I am either going to have to glamour myself all of the time as years pass and never completely open up to anyone about who/what I am, or I will have to continually move because all my friends are inevitably going to die and notice if I never age.” She had to swallow before saying the last part.

  “I know I am going to need to keep my secret forever, and I have accepted that. But I want to know that there is a place for me in the Fae Realm, even if I only go there occasionally. I can live in the Human Realm the rest of the time.”

  Her eyes turned gentle as she gazed at the Summer Fae. “I love you, Ian, but you cannot be my only friend for my entire immortal life.”

  Kalan remained silent, observing the conversation and Eilian’s reactions. It was clear from his expression just how much he adored Gwen and cared about her safety. Though, after hearing Gwen’s words, it was also clear that the Summer Fae greatly cared about her happiness. The prince knew her words made an impact when Eilian leaned over and gripped Gwen in a tight embrace.

  “You have to be more careful. You know how much you mean to me. It would destroy me if anything happened to you.”

  “Nothing will happen to me,” Gwen vowed, fiercely returning the hug. “I will not make the same mistake twice.”

  The two remained in each other’s arms for a few minutes at least. Kalan did not dare disturb them, knowing that it was a miracle Gwen had been able to convince Eilian to let her return to Winter Court.

  “So now what?” Gwen asked as she pulled away from the embrace, glancing between the two males.

  “Well,” Eilian started, standing from his seat. “I need to run to HEB and pick up some hair dye. Which color do you use?”

  Gwen laughed, effectively lifting all lingering tension from the room. “L’Oréal, Jet Black.”

  Her friend nodded, grabbing his keys and wallet from the table beside the entryway. “Don’t go anywhere,” he commanded before leaving the apartment, giving Kalan a stern look as well as Gwen promised not to.

  Once alone, the pair sat in an awkward silence, both trying to think of something to say.

  “Thank you, again,” Gwen finally managed, not meeting Kalan’s gaze. “I know that I have the potential to complicate your life. I appreciate being given the chance to prove I am not the doom of all Fae. I hope keeping my secret won’t be too much of a problem for you.”

  “I would do anything for you.” Kalan’s ardent words had Gwen looking up in surprise.

  “You shouldn’t have to,” she countered softly, unhinged by his impassioned statement.

  “But I want to.” Kalan stood and slowly walked to stand in front of her on the couch. “Everything I said in the gardens holds true, Gwen. I care for you. I want to be with you. I want to be there for you should you ever need anything.”

  His words were true. Kalan did not believe he would ever stop wanting Gwen, no matter what complications she might bring to his life. It seemed crazy, even to him, but it was just the way it was.

  Gwen smiled, standing so her body was mere inches from his. “Ditto.”

  Kalan quirked an eyebrow at the odd word, causing Gwen to laugh. She wrapped her arms around his neck, Kalan followed with his around her waist. He linked his fingers at the small of her back.

  “I feel the same,” she explained, running her fingers across his hairline. “I don’t understand how I could feel so strongly after knowing you for such a small amount of time. There is just something about you.” Kalan’s smile grew as Gwen blushed.

  Lowering his head, Kalan whispered against her lips. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  Gwen raised her toes to close the distance between them, pressing her soft mouth against his waiting lips, sending him spiraling on a whirlwind of sensations. Kalan’s skin tingled where she touched him, her small frame fitting against his perfectly. Nothing ever felt more right.

  “I wish you didn’t have to dye your hair,” Kalan mumbled against her throat as he placed reverent kisses along the column.

  “Why?” She asked, breathlessly, heating Kalan’s blood.

  “Because your blonde hair is gorgeous. I could look at it all day.”

  Kalan could feel her smile against his ear as she whispered, “I hope you’ll still think I’m pretty with my black hair.”

  Tightening his hold on her waist, but leaning back, Kalan stared deep into her eyes to show her the sincerity with which he spoke his next words. “Gwen, you are the most beautiful fae I have ever laid eyes on. It wouldn’t matter what hair color, eye color, clothes, or any superficial feature you might have; I would be completely taken with you.”

  Gwen’s blush turned to a deep maroon. “Ditto,” she murmured before pulling his head back down to kiss him with a passion that pierced his soul. A sense of rightness he refused to ever let go of settled on him.

  Chapter 25

  “Have I ever mentioned that I am not an avid hiker?” Gwen asked, breathing heavily as she worked to climb the snow covered slope in her heavy snow boots. While Gwen was in good physical shape, the steep incline, accompanied by the frigid air, seemed to steal the breath from right out of her lungs. She felt like she never worked out a day in her life as a line of perspiration slid down her back through the light green, Omni-Heat, athletic shirt. Gwen bunched up its long sleeves, exposing her heated forearms to the winter temperature.

  “Why couldn’t we just faze there?”

  Kalan peered at her over his shoulder with a grin. “You would miss all this beautiful Winter nature if we just fazed there. Don’t worry, it’s not that much further. The view from the Avalon Mountain is the best in all Winter Court. It’ll be worth it.”

  “Not if I die before we get there.”

  Kalan laughed at her mumble. “Want to take a break?”

  “No.” Gwen persevered, glancing at her surroundings for distraction. The sun peeked through the grey clouds, highlighting the scenery with a warm glow. The path in front of them was surprisingly devoid of ice, the thin layer of snow only mildly slowing down her pace behind Kalan.

  Gwen let her eyes travel to the prince’s backside, admiring the strength of his legs through the tight navy pants tucked into calf-length winter boots. He climbed with a pack full of their picnic food, seeming unaffected by the extra weight. Gwen supposed she shouldn’t be surprised. She had felt the muscles in Kalan’s arms when he held her. He was obviously in great shape.

  Much to the relief of Gwen’s lungs and leg muscles, Kalan finally stopped walking after reaching a small outcropping at the top of their last slope. Boulders of varying sizes bordered the flat surface with the center appearing to have been cleared prior to their arrival. The space was even devoid of snow, leaving behind white grass. Kalan withdrew a tarp from his bag and spread it on the ground. He followed it with a thick, blue, fleece blanket. Gwen’s heart warmed as she realized how much Kalan planned for their outing.

  Ever since he learned of her true heritage, the prince held true to his word and kept her secret to himself. He did not even confide in Ronan, which surprised Gwen immensely. Kalan also continued to pursue her romantically. He managed to visit with Gwen multiple times a day over the past week, content with doing the most mundane things as long as he was in her presence. His devotion was flattering, but also frightening. Gwen felt her already scary deep feelings for the prince grow with every encounter. Try as she might to reason how unhealthy her emotions were, Gwen could not shake them, nor did she truly want to. Everything about her and Kalan just felt right.

  Not to mention, Kalan’s renewed attendance for her lessons seemed to lend Gwen extra motivation to accomplish and master, what Kalan and Ronan described as, the most difficult of Winter ability tasks. She managed to reduce the temperatures of larger areas of air to subzero values, call forth snow and hail from crisp clouds, and wither live plants in the palace gardens: one of the main locations the couple chose t
o spend their time. Gwen also utilized her Summer abilities to regrow the subjects of her lessons after they concluded, something which always had Kalan staring in fascination.

  Gwen watched as Kalan set up their picnic, continuously removing wrapped containers and dishes. His pack must have been heavier than she originally thought.

  “I can’t believe you did all this for me. You have to be busy with preparations to travel to Eirie tonight.”

  Stretching out his hand, Kalan shook his head with a shy smile. “Nope, I took care of everything. I’m all yours for the day.”

  She beamed, loving his words. “Lucky me!” Taking his hand and stepping around his arrangement, Gwen settled down on the blanket, crossing her legs. Kalan joined her, his knees barely brushing hers.

  “What would you like first? Chips and salsa? Beef Tacos? Or Cheese Enchiladas?” Kalan opened corresponding containers during his inquiry.

  “Mexican food?” Gwen laughed in surprise. “How’d your chef make this? I didn’t think Winter Court had the ingredients.”

  “We don’t. I went to the human realm and picked it up.” A light pink color warmed Kalan’s cheeks. “I, uh… I heard you tell Ronan you were craving Mexican food the other day and thought you might like it. I asked Eilian what your favorite items were.”

  Gwen stared at him, astonished. She couldn’t remember anyone going so out of their way for her. Kalan was so sweet. Without thinking, she leaned over and lightly pressed her lips to his. “Thank you,” she whispered, pulling back. “This is wonderful.”

  His blush deepened. “Anytime.” Clearing his throat, he added, “What would you recommend we eat first?”

  “Definitely chips and salsa.” The pair began dipping their tortilla chips and fell into a relaxed conversation as they enjoyed their picnic.

  Kalan finished sharing an amusing story of him learning archery as a child, and the fury his mother released on him when she heard he made a bet that another boy could not shoot a cup off of his head. The prince laughed loudly as he relayed the scolding Ronan received for letting Kalan position himself as a target, even though the guard arrived in time to stop the impending arrow.

  “Boys…” Gwen chuckled in disbelief. “Completely reckless... Your poor mother.”

  “Yes, well,” Kalan subdued his enjoyment. “Though that was an occasion where my mother had cause to worry, I am afraid she has a history of overreacting at even the slightest indication of danger. It has caused much strain in our relationship, I’m afraid.”

  “Have you tried talking with her about it?”

  “Many times,” Kalan answered. “But there’s no hope. She’s always been overprotective. She constantly fears retaliation from the Summer Court for– ”

  The prince’s face paled, immediately stopping himself from finishing his sentence.

  Gwen sighed and gave him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Kalan. She might have been my mom, but it’s hard to grieve someone you never really knew. Queen Tanya was afraid someone might try to hurt you after Princess Gwendolyn was killed? That’s why she is overprotective?”

  Kalan nodded, warily. “It’s why she is so insistent on finding my lifemate. She believes my bonding will make me invincible. I think she is putting too much trust in the interpretation of my prophecy.”

  Gwen tried to ignore the familiar ache she felt when thinking of Kalan’s prophecy. It was impossible to not be saddened by the knowledge that your boyfriend, whom you are crazy about, is destined to be with another. She hid her reaction, but not before he noticed.

  “Gwen,” Kalan set down his taco, grabbing her hand as he turned his body to face her. “I’ve told you, there is no knowing what the prophecy means with absolute certainty. Popular interpretations have been found to be incorrect for multiple prophecies in the past.”

  “It seems pretty clear,” Gwen countered, though not angrily. Despite Ronan’s attempts to dissuade her, the guard recently retrieved a copy of Kalan’s prophecy for her to read. The wording seemed clear enough regarding the qualifications of the prince’s future mate, and there was no way Gwen could figure her way into fitting it.

  Not that she was sure she wanted to marry Kalan, Gwen quickly reminded herself. She and Kalan had not known each other long enough to be entertaining the thought of such a commitment. Still, it was disheartening to know that there was no hope for them at all, even though Kalan would disagree with her.

  The prince’s lips turned down.

  “Hey,” she interrupted his melancholy with a peck. “Don’t forget we have right now. I don’t know about you, but I plan on enjoying being with you for as long as I can, come what may.”

  “Come what may.” He affirmed, using his free hand to scoop the back of her neck, bringing her mouth to his.

  The kiss was sweet. Pure. Full of affection. Gwen soaked it in, relishing in the sensations only Kalan seemed able to give her.

  With a swiftness she did not know herself to be capable of, Gwen maneuvered herself above Kalan, straddling his hips as she deepened their kiss. The prince responded immediately, running his hands up and down her back. Her blood heated when Kalan slipped one hand under her shirt, fingers lightly tracing her spine down her pants’ waistline.

  Gwen tangled her fingers in his thick, soft hair, moaning as she thrust her tongue into the small opening of his lips, loving the taste of him.

  Kalan stiffened. In an instant, Gwen was swung onto her back, Kalan hovering over her, releasing her mouth as he began placing fiery kisses on her neck. Warmth gathered low in her belly.

  Gwen squirmed, wanting to feel the length of his body against hers. Kalan growled.

  “You are going to kill me,” he groaned, moving his attention down and nipping her collarbone.

  Fingers still in Kalan’s hair, Gwen tightened her hold, not able to get enough of him. She raised his head to lock eyes. Before she could attack his lips again, Kalan’s eyes widened.

  “Gwen!” Kalan exclaimed. “We need to stop.”

  She moaned and instead of complying, wrapped her slender legs around his hips, bringing him closer. She slipped her arms under his arm pits, bending them so her hands were pressed on the back of his shoulders. She pulled him towards her, angling her head so she could kiss the sensitive skin below his chin.

  “Gwen,” Kalan panted, obviously effected by her actions. “Trust me. I want nothing more than to continue this, but we have to stop. Your eyes. They’re green.”

  She didn’t hear him, focusing all her attention on the faint stubble she felt as her lips traveled along his sexy jawline. Hadn’t she admired the feature the moment she saw him? It was glorious to feel the masterpiece below her lips.

  “Gwen!” Kalan shouted a moment before Gwen felt a zap of Winter Power travel through her body. She jerked, trying to burrow herself into the ground and away from the cold.

  Now released, Kalan withdrew his spike of power and jumped off of her.

  Breathing heavily, he apologized. “I’m sorry for shocking you, Gwen. But we had to stop. You’re eyes are green.”

  Seduced haze lifting, Kalan’s words registered. “What?” Gwen sat upright. “Still?” She questioned, looking at Kalan for him to take in her eyes.

  He nodded, looking grim. “Yes, but it looks like its fading.”

  Gwen sighed, covering her face as she tried to control her breathing.

  Kalan and Gwen shared countless kisses the past week, with some becoming just as powerful as the one just experienced. Gwen forced herself to contain control of her Summer Powers, which always seemed to want to rise when she was in Kalan’s arms, but the prince refused to test the extent of her control the moment he noticed a green tint rise in her eyes.

  “How about now?” Moments later, Gwen raised her gaze to Kalan. He smiled in relief.

  “Perfectly blue.” Sitting beside her, Kalan pulled Gwen into his lap, turning so her back faced him. He swept her midnight hair to the side, placing one timid kiss on her neck.

  “I�
�ll learn to control it,” Gwen tried to assure him, relaxing into his embrace. “Promise.”

  She felt Kalan nod. “I believe you will.

  “Until, then,” he continued, “We should probably be careful to not show such… ah… affection in public. We don’t want anyone to see you if you accidently lose hold of your Summer Powers.”

  “I just don’t understand why it happens,” Gwen mumbled, gazing out over the rock outcropping. The palace and few choice buildings the only ones visible from their distance. “You manage to keep control of Winter Powers when we kiss.”

  Kalan shrugged. “I’ve spent years learning discipline. You just began.”

  “But I’m powerful,” she refuted, “You’ve seen it. I have incredible control when using my abilities on my surroundings. It doesn’t make sense.”

  Kalan grinned into her hair. “Maybe it’s me? Maybe there is something about me that makes you completely lose yourself when I’m near you. Maybe you can’t resist my charms?”

  Gwen chuckled, his humor warming her soul. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Her laughing increased. “Well I have no evidence to disprove your theory, so I will allow it until otherwise.”

  “Perfect.” Kalan tightened his arms around her. Gwen snuggled into him. She loved the feel of his body against hers.

  “Should we finish our picnic and then head back?” Gwen asked, sounding reluctant to do so. “I imagine we will be missed soon.”

  Sighing, Kalan released his hold. She crawled out of his lap, and retrieved her abandoned plate of tacos.

  The pair finished their picnic at a leisurely pace, neither eager to end their time together, though they knew it necessary. Gwen and the prince agreed to keep their blossoming relationship from all fae, except Ronan. Neither one wished for gossip to spread and bring unwanted attention to Gwen and her past. They also desired to keep their relationship from his mother, at least until they came up with a way of breaking the news to her that would not bring forth her ire. Gwen sometimes doubted they would ever be able to accomplish such a feat.