Gwen remained calm. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Gwen was shocked when, instead of disapproval, kindness spread across Queen Tanya’s expression. “I feel I should thank you for being a companion to Prince Kalan.” The queen gave her son a loving smile. “I realized I have not seen my son so content in too long. If you are the reason behind his happiness, then I should not begrudge you both your friendship.”
Gwen fought to not drop her jaw in surprise.
Kalan did not. “That is quite a change of tune, Mother,” he remarked, disbelief lacing his tone.
“Yes, well I would do anything to see you happy, Kalan.”
Gwen remained silent, unsure of what a proper response would be.
“If you all would excuse me,” Queen Tanya continued barely a moment later. “I have business to attend to. I hope you enjoy yourselves while in Eirie, though please take care for your safety, Kalan.”
“Of course.”
The queen glided away regally, leaving the three fae gawking at her retreating figure.
“That was unexpected,” Ronan commented, retaking Gwen’s arm and walking away from the stairway entry.
“Very.” Kalan agreed, casting a concern glance Gwen’s way.
She did her best to give a reassuring smile, unsure if she succeeded. Gwen could not explain why, but their interaction with the queen left her unsettled. She did not doubt the queen wished for her son’s happiness, but Gwen could not shake the feeling of unease that settled following the conversation. She noted that while the queen said she should not begrudge their relationship, she did not say she did not.
Stop overanalyzing, Gwen scolded herself. You’re being paranoid.
Ronan escorted her through a solid door and into their rooms. Kalan followed behind.
The space was smaller than their palace accommodations, which was to be expected. The main room consisting of Ronan’s bed, armoire, dressing table, and three doors extending off of it. The room was decorated in blues and grays; not quite the scheme of Winter Court, but close enough.
“Our clothing should already be here,” Ronan informed her, gesturing to the left door across from them. “Penny is waiting for you.”
“What for?” She questioned, glancing between the two fae.
“We have an opening dinner with the Summer Court Royals and a few of their trusted confidants within the hour,” Kalan informed her. “You and Ronan are to attend.”
Gwen froze, eyes darting to Kalan. He couldn’t be serious. He was. “I need to speak with you.”
Kalan nodded, looking perplexed, turning and silently asking Ronan to leave them. Gwen wasn’t sure if the guard did not notice her change of behavior, or if he was just polite enough to ignore it.
“What’s wrong, Gwen?” Kalan asked after Ronan closed the door.
“I can’t go to a small dinner with the Summer Royals,” Gwen whispered fervently, not wanting Penny to overhear from the adjacent room. “A crowded ball is one thing, but an intimate meal? The king and queen will recognize me.”
Kalan frowned. “The dinner will not be that small. There will be at least fifty fae in attendance. I will instruct Ronan to keep attention off of you.”
“Why don’t I simply stay out of sight here?” She asked, thinking Kalan was being pretty optimistic in thinking her maternal grandparents would not recognize her even out of fifty fae.
The prince sighed. “My mother insists on Ronan’s attendance to act as an undercover bodyguard for me. Since he must join the meal, I assumed you would as well.”
Gwen shook her head. “If I go with you and Ronan, there is no way I will not be noticed. You will have to converse with the Summer Royals at some point, and then they might notice me if Ronan and I are trailing you all evening. I’ll stay here.”
“I’d hate to leave you unprotected.” Kalan’s expression turned worried.
Gwen softened, knowing his insistence stemmed from concern for her. “So assign me a guard,” she suggested. “How about Sir Torin?”
Gwen visibly flinched at Kalan’s answering growl. His face grew hard.
“What did I say?” She asked, confused to the core by the reaction. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want you around Sir Torin.”
Eyes wide, Gwen asked. “Why not?”
“Because he has feelings for you and you are mine.”
Gwen frowned. “He does not. Torin is a friend.”
“He asked Ronan to court you.” Kalan’s tone was hard.
The information surprised Gwen. “He did? I had no idea.”
Kalan nodded sternly. “Yes. The very same day you agreed to be mine.”
Gwen held up her hands, uncomfortable with his twice spoken possessive words. “We’re dating, Kalan,” she reminded him. “Not married. I don’t appreciate you acting like you own me.”
“Yes,” Kalan grounded out. “We are ‘dating’. So you are mine. Sir Torin has no claim to you.”
“Listen to yourself!” Gwen exclaimed in disbelief. “’Claim’? That’s an insane word to use when mentioning that someone just likes me. Get a grip, Kalan.”
Unable to stand still with the obvious emotions coursing through his body, the prince began to pace the room, not looking at Gwen. “You don’t understand. Fae don’t share romantic companions. We are monogamous. Once we agreed to be together, that was it. Until you say otherwise, you are mine.”
“That is some caveman bullshit,” Gwen challenged, unable to think of any other words to describe how insane Kalan’s statements were. “You don’t own me. I can speak and spend time with anyone I want, and you will have to get used to it.”
She turned to stomp away to her room when she was grabbed from behind. Kalan swung her into his frigid arms and walked to the bed. Gwen gasped at his cold touch, remembering a similar feeling in Ronan’s study at Winter Court. She hadn’t felt the cold feeling since, nor had they discussed it. Both simply too caught up in their new romance to remember to address what happened to them the day she unleashed her Summer Powers.
“Kalan,” she whispered in an attempted soothing manner while shifting to escape his hold. “What are you doing?”
“Never leaving your side,” he responded passionately, though anger continued to escape in his voice. “I won’t let anyone take you from me.”
“No one is taking me away,” she informed him in frustration. “Don’t be stupid.”
Kalan did not relent. “I can’t lose you. I won’t lose you.” The unhealthy words terrified Gwen. Kalan was always so composed. She had no idea what possessed him, but she knew it was not the real Kalan. She needed to help him.
The prince laid her on the bed, promptly lying next to her, desperately clinging around her torso.
In an attempt to console him, Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close despite the frigid temperature of the skin pressed against her body. “I’m right here.” She whispered in his ear. “I’m right here, Kalan.”
Kalan buried his head into her neck with a shudder. “You’re mine.”
Gwen gently stroked his back, unable to give him comfort by repeating the possessive words. What the hell is going on?
“Miss Gwen?” Penny’s small voice penetrated to heavy fog. Gwen peeked around Kalan’s shoulder, seeing the young fae standing in the left door frame. She returned her focus to Kalan, meeting his eyes. They seemed clearer.
“Penny is here,” she informed him calmly. “She and I are going to have dinner here. Assign a random guard to the door for protection if it will make you feel better.”
Kalan stared into her eyes for a long moment, before lowering his head. His kiss was passionate and timid at the same time. Gwen relaxed slightly as she realized he snapped out of whatever state he had been in.
Without a word, Kalan rolled off of her and exited the room, leaving Gwen with a blushing and speechless Penny. How was she going to explain this?
“So…,” Gwen sat up, running a hand through her hair. “The prince
and I are together.”
Penny hesitated before meeting her gaze. “I see.”
“No one but Ronan knows,” she continued. “Though, I believe Queen Tanya suspects.”
“I see.”
Gwen stood from the bed, smoothing out her rumbled dress. “Please don’t tell anyone, Penny. Kalan and I wish to keep our relationship private for now.”
Gwen cringed as Penny gasped at her familiar use of the prince’s name.
“Please, Penny. I know it’s an improper relationship, but it just happened.”
“No, Miss,” Penny finally spoke. “I don’t believe it to be improper. I’m just… surprised, that’s all.”
Gwen smiled gratefully. “I did not think you would be that surprised,” she attempted a joke. “You did say you thought the prince held me in ‘high regard’, I believe.”
Penny gave a small smile. “I’m not surprised by the relationship,” she admitted. “Just by the Wrath I saw. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Wrath?” Gwen questioned, unfamiliar with the context with which Penny used the word. Sure, Kalan looked upset, but she wouldn’t go so far as to say he had wrath.
“The prince was in Wrath,” Penny offered, looking at Gwen as if expecting her to figure out what she was talking about. When Penny saw the continued confusion, she explained, no doubt remembering Gwen’s admission that she knew little of Fae ways.
“Wrath is a rare state of extreme emotional turmoil. It can happen when a Fae, or someone they love, is hurt, angry, or upset. Though, most fae only experience Wrath when their mate is involved, making them extremely protective and quick to anger.”
“I’ve only heard about it in stories though,” Penny added, head tilted in thought. “Who knows what’s really true.”
Gwen’s head whirled. She knew she wasn’t Kalan’s mate, so that was not the reason for his reaction towards Sir Torin liking her. Could it be that the prince’s feelings for her ran so deep that they could trigger Wrath when challenged? Gwen found herself feeling horrified as well as flattered by the revelation.
She gulped, sitting heavily on the mattress. “Kalan went in Wrath over me?”
Penny sat beside her. “Are you sure you cannot be his mate?” She asked, not attempting to hide her hopefulness.
“I’m sure.” The words hurt.
“Then the prince must really love you to have such a reaction,” Penny offered in comfort, but Gwen felt tears gather in her eyes.
What were they doing?
What was she doing?
Kalan was not her future. He could not be her future. She had a life in the Human Realm she planned on returning to, and Kalan had a life as the future king of Winter Court.
Gwen placed her head in her hands as she felt logic and reason return. She’d been willingly naïve in believing a relationship with Kalan would not be disastrous. She’d been selfish in giving in to her attraction and not considering how detrimental they could be to each other.
After realizing the depths of his feelings he had to have in order to go into Wrath, there was no way she could continue dating him in good conscious.
Gwen could not keep bringing Kalan pain, even if the culmination of it would not be experienced until they were forced to split.
Gwen loved him too much to do that.
Chapter 27
Penny completed twisting and pinning Gwen’s hair up into a loose, yet secure, arrangement at the crown of her head. The long black strands were curled and placed elegantly around the initial bun, leaving Gwen’s neck exposed to the room’s cool air.
“You look beautiful Gwen,” Penny informed her as she sat at the dressing mirror in the Eirie bedchamber. Gwen managed a small smile, noting her friend finally dropped the use of a title.
“Thank you, Penny. You’re an artist.”
It was the night of the Summer Solstice Ball, and Gwen could think of nothing she would rather do than skip the event all together. She doubted she would be able to avoid Kalan all evening.
After her revelation the previous night, Gwen resigned herself to remain in her bedroom the following day, asking Penny to inform both Ronan and Kalan that she felt unwell and did not want any visitors, or to attend any opening events in celebration of the solstice. Each time her maid delivered her rejection to the males, she would return with a worried and speculative expression. Penny did not know why Gwen was hiding out, and was still timid enough to not ask.
Luckily for Gwen, there seemed to be much occurring to keep the two fae busy and not persistent in questioning her absence. Unfortunately for Gwen, she could think of no way to escape the evening’s festivities.
Gwen rose from the chair and dutifully stepped into the gown Penny lowered to the floor. With great care, her friend slipped the lavender satin fabric up her slim hips and quickly fastened the line of pearl buttons reaching to her lower back.
Gone was the dress full of heavy skirts. Instead she not stood in an elegant, floor length gown; her arms covered by delicate lace sleeves reaching from her sweetheart neck line, over her shoulders, to her wrists. The lace above her chest opened in a v, accentuating her collarbones and slim neck. Ronan informed her the dress was done in the Summer Court fashion: light material and flowing lines.
Penny fluttered around her, flaring out and smoothing the dress in various places. Gwen chose not to comment on her friend’s nervous behavior.
A knock sounded at the door. Penny ceased her ministrations.
Ronan appeared in the doorway wearing a tan colored tuxedo, pale blue tie, and brown dress shoes. His appearance reminded Gwen of groomsmen attire she had seen in numerous photos for summer weddings.
“You look beautiful Gwen. I trust you are feeling better.” The look on Ronan’s face did not hide his skepticism.
“Much. Thank you.” She turned from his inquisitive eyes. “Am I ready to leave, Penny?”
The younger fae nodded and dipped into a curtsy before scurrying from the room, still shy in the guard’s presence.
“The prince wanted me to extend his apologies for not being at liberty to escort you tonight. He said to tell you he would seek you out as soon as he can.”
Gwen tipped her head in acknowledgment, thankful she would not see Kalan until they were in a crowded room. Their conversation would have to remain polite and distant in such a setting. Thank goodness.
***
“Looking for someone, Son?” King Kheelen’s deep voice drew Kalan’s attention from the ballroom. Kalan stood on one of two raised daises in the room with his parents, scanning the crowd for Gwen and Ronan. The Summer Royals occupied the other dais located directly across the room.
The ballroom was magnificently decorated, with half sporting Winter décor and the other Summer, though both blended seamlessly giving the feel of one cohesive theme. The pale blues and creams and vibrant greens and yellows expertly arranged.
“Yes, Father,” the prince answered. “Lord Ronan and his niece.”
“Ah yes,” the king smiled. “The infamous Lady Gwenevere, correct?”
“That’s right.” Kalan did his best to hide the surprise he felt at his father’s light expression and recognition of Gwen. The prince had not managed an introduction of Gwen to his father, no doubt leaving his mother as the fae responsible for making her identity known to the king. Kalan shot a quick glance to the queen. She stood expressionless at the back corner of the stage, eyes warily observing her surroundings. It seemed the ball put the king in good spirits, while only putting his mother more on edge than usual; which was very on edge indeed.
Before more could be said, Lord Leo approached the ivory dais with a low bow. “Your Majesties. Your Highness.” King Kheelen gestured for his secretary to join the royal family on the stage.
“How are you finding the ball, Your Majesty?” Lord Leo stood to the king’s right side, the three males speaking to one another while also looking out at the crowd.
“Very fine,” King Kheelen responded. “Though, I fear our
prince here will not feel the same until we find his lady friend for him. Lord Leo, would you help us find Lady Gwenevere amongst this large gathering?” Both older fae gave Kalan an amused chuckle.
“Of course, King Kheelen.”
The prince shook his head at his father’s uncharacteristic teasing and joined the males in finding Gwen from their raised position. Within moments, Lord Leo clapped in triumph.
“I believe I see the lady over by the orchestra. Is that not her with Lord Ronan?”
The prince’s eyes quickly focused on the mentioned area, and his heart jumped at the sight.
Gwen stood in a circle of Winter Fae, positively radiant in her pale purple gown. The shape of the dress flowed around her perfectly, the lace adding a feminine and glamorous touch to her appearance. Kalan found himself breathless as he watched her smile brightly at Ronan, turning her head to the fae, giving the prince a glorious view of her slender neck.
“My, my…,” King Kheelen observed. “She is a pretty one, Son.”
Kalan could only nod. His gaze riveted on Gwen.
“I believe she looks familiar,” Lord Leo commented, squinting his eyes in thought.
“Yes,” Kalan replied. “You met her once in the Great Hall.” The prince tried to forget the rapture with which the male had looked at Gwen on that occasion.
Lord Leo shook his head. “That’s not it. I mean, I remember meeting her at Winter Court, but I feel as if she looks like someone I use to know.”
Within an instant, Lord Leo’s eyes widened, as if he recognized the familiarity. Kalan stiffened, unnerved by the look of awe and confusion on the male’s face. “It can’t be…”
“She does not look familiar,” King Kheelen’s steel tone brought both fae’s attention to him. The king’s expression was hard, his gaze still locked on Gwen. “Other than looking like most Winter Fae.”
Lord Leo swallowed, his eyes darting from the king to where Gwen stood. He obviously wanted to comment on the situation, but clearly understood his king’s stone expression. Kalan had no knowledge as to why his father’s demeanor changed so suddenly, but was grateful if it meant Lord Leo did not persist on his recognition.
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 23