It was during their socially acceptable conversation that Gwen noticed they were only one of two couples dancing. All other fae stood on the edge of the dance floor, watching.
Her heart gave a small flip as she saw Kalan was a member of the other duo. He was dancing with a beautiful Summer Fae in a deep blue dress. Gwen stared as the lady laughed, her smile eliciting an equally bright one from the prince as he joined her.
“Ah, I see you’ve finally noticed.” Duke Aeron bent his head and whispered in her ear. “Prince Kalan took up Lady Ely almost as soon as we began dancing.”
“How coincidental that he had the same idea as you.”
The duke chuckled, giving his head a small shake at her response. “I do not believe it was a coincidence.”
Gwen frowned, but quickly erased the expression in case someone mistook it as a scandalous inter-court disagreement. “What do you mean?”
Aeron’s chuckle increased. “I mean, that your prince asked Lady Ely to dance in order to keep focus off of only you. In fact, most fae’s attention has switched from us to His Highness and his partner, leaving you almost completely out of the spotlight.
“While I am upset that my ambassadorial repertoire might not have increased as much as desired due to the prince’s action, I’d wager he did it in order to protect you. Leading me to believe that Prince Kalan knows of your unique ancestry.”
Even though it was not a question, Gwen answered. “Yes. Prince Kalan knows everything.”
The duke gave a low whistle. “You two must be serious.”
Gwen did not miss the warmth leave Aeron’s eyes as he spoke the words. We are friends,” she clarified, aware of how unconvincing she sounded.
“But not just friends.”
Gwen ignored Aeron’s knowing looks and continued to sneak glances at Kalan and Lady Ely. This was the first time she got a good look at him. She had been too busy hiding and staying busy to really take in his appearance.
Kalan was wearing a dark blue tuxedo, matching his father’s and mother’s dark blue attire. His hair was artfully messy, a faint 5 o’clock shadow covering his jaw line. Gwen felt the familiar tightening of her stomach as she watched him glide across the floor. He was the most handsome guy in the room.
“Might I request that you stop gawking at your prince like a school girl?” Aeron requested firmly, but not without humor.
“He is not my prince.” She responded with a blush, hoping Aeron was right and all attention had been diverted to Kalan.
“Ah, I think the prince would beg to differ.” Aeron gave a pointed look over her shoulder. When he spun Gwen in a half-turn she was met by piercing blue eyes, eagerly trying to catch her attention.
Kalan mouthed the words, “Later,” before breaking their look and returning his focus to the lovely Summer Fae in his arms. Gwen’s breath caught and her heart soared at the simple exchange she just shared. Damn it, she thought, exasperated. So much for being able to resist him.
Gwen’s blush deepened as she forced her eyes up to the duke’s, his knowing expression revealing he saw the encounter and her reaction.
“Oh hush,” she told him.
“I did not say a thing, Lady Gwenevere. Not a thing.”
Chapter 29
Cold dread flowed through Kalan’s veins as he watched the Summer Ambassador lead Gwen out to the dance floor. He knew there was a risk of the male figuring out Gwen’s parentage any moment, but that was low on Kalan’s list of present fears. The more pressing issue at hand was containing any suspicious questions like those of Lord Leo. He needed to act. And fast.
Kalan found himself dancing with the Summer Fae before he fully realized what happened. His instincts to protect Gwen seemed to guide him to the successful distraction. With the approving look he received from his father on the dais, the prince felt immense relief with his action.
When the number ended, Kalan regally bowed to his dance partner before taking her slender arm and walking over to the other couple on the floor. He fought to keep his composure when all Kalan wanted to do was swiftly whisk Gwen away from the crowd and drown her in kisses.
“Duke Aeron,” the prince donned his political smile. “Might I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the success of this gathering? I am aware of the time and effort you have spent to make it come to pass, and it is truly magnificent. Well done.”
“Thank you, Prince Kalan,” the duke responded. “I must admit, I am honored to have even a small part in reuniting our courts and encouraging inter-court relations once again.”
The male turned his head to give Gwen a pointed glance. “Especially since I now have the opportunity to encounter such lovely and charming Winter Fae.”
Kalan’s cold dread turned to icy anger. Before he had the chance to respond, which would have no doubt elicited another war between the two courts, as he would have killed the duke, the Summer Fae’s voice rose to fill the room.
“Lords and Ladies of the Summer and Winter Court,” Duke Aeron began, turning his body to the crowd, taking the attached Gwen with him. “Let us all follow the example of His Highness, Prince Kalan of the Winter Court, and embrace the true meaning behind this evening. Which is, of course, rekindling the cooperative management of the Human Realm through peaceful and mutual beneficial relationships and negotiations.”
The crowd responded with encouraging applause, and a few Summer males even stepped forward and requested various Winter females to dance. Not to be outdone, Winter males performed the same action for Summer ladies.
Prince Kalan observed the scene with mild surprise. He did not expect others to take to reestablishing inter-court interactions so easily. Then again, most of the fae in the room would have remembered a time when such a gathering was common, unlike Kalan.
As the prince relinquished his hold on Lady Ely for a requesting dance partner, Kalan observed Duke Aeron as he spoke with another Summer noble. More accurately, he watched as the Summer noble gestured to Gwen, seeming to ask for a dance.
Kalan was at her side in the blink of an eye. “Lady Gwenevere,” he greeted, cutting the male off. “I have been looking for you all evening. Would you do me the honor of joining me for a turn about the room?”
Gwen visibly started at his sudden appearance at her side, and met his eyes with a strangely hesitant expression.
“Prince Kalan,” Duke Aeron interjected. “I do believe Lady Gwenevere was just about to accept Lord Rane’s offer to share a dance. Perhaps your walk could wait?” The prince could not miss the amused tone with which the duke spoke.
Kalan was ready to argue but was saved the chore by Lord Rane, himself. “Do not be absurd, Duke Aeron,” the kind looking male responded. “It is my dance with Lady Gwenevere that must wait, not His Highness. It is an honor to meet you, Prince Kalan.” The Summer Fae bowed; Kalan returned the greeting and sentiment.
It might have taken longer than he would have liked, but Kalan finally had the moment he had been yearning for all evening as he gently placed Gwen’s delicate hand in the crook of his elbow. He sighed in contentment as the pair began walking around the decorated room.
“You look lovely this evening, Lady Gwenevere.” Kalan wished to say so much more, but the surrounding ears prevented him from unleashing his full devotion upon the beauty beside him.
“Thank you, Your Highness. You look handsome, as well.” The words would have warmed Kalan if not for the uncomfortable expression on her face.
Could Gwen be nervous with the attention they were receiving? Is that why she seemed to actively avoid him? Feeling like a complete idiot, Kalan decided to change their course and head outside.
“Where are we going?” Gwen asked nervously as they neared tall, window paned, patio doors.
“The Citadel gardens.”
“You sure do like to take me to gardens.”
The prince stopped walking, surprised at her words. “I apologize,” Kalan felt silly. “I was under the impression that you enjoyed seeing Fae Realm g
ardens. You always seemed so intrigued at Winter Court. Would you like to walk somewhere else?”
Kalan watched as Gwen’s face turned repentant. “No, I am sorry, that was rude. I actually would like to see the gardens.”
Uncertain if the statement was sincere, but not knowing what else to do, Kalan continued to lead them out onto the patio. The couple descended the stone stairs in silence, the music and hum of voices from the ball room fading a little with each step.
“The beginning of the garden is actually a maze,” Kalan supplied as they approached the tall green hedges. “I haven’t much practice with it, but I’m sure it cannot be too tricky to maneuver through.
Gwen nodded, remaining silent.
Kalan wanted nothing more than to ask Gwen what seemed to trouble her, but he did not know how to do it. The prince had never felt so confused and unsure of himself in his entire life. He could not imagine what might have occurred to cause Gwen to behave so strangely.
Maybe something happened with Duke Aeron to upset her? But if that were the case, it would not explain the avoidance she implemented earlier in the evening. What could it be?
Tired of the paranoid and hectic thoughts running through his head, the prince finally found his voice. “Are you going to tell me what is bothering you, Gwen?”
“What makes you think something is bothering me?”
“That did not answer my question.”
She paused. Kalan could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to find a way around answering that was not a lie.
Gwen sighed in defeat. “I would rather not tell you what is bothering me, Kalan.”
“Was it something I did?” Kalan asked as he gently tugged her right to avoid a branch sticking out of the left hedge.
“Um… not…” Gwen trailed off, unable to formulate a response.
Kalan tensed, knowing now that he had to have done something. So much for his Duke Aeron theory.
The prince gave her a few moments to see if Gwen would say something. When she didn’t, he quietly pleaded. “Please tell me, Gwen. I promise to not be upset or overreact or whatever it is that prevents you from just telling me.”
“Alright,” Gwen conceded. Their pace slowed as they continued to make turns in the maze. Kalan lost track of their movements, too focused on the impending conversation to care if they found themselves lost in the hedges. “It’s something Penny said to me yesterday.”
Kalan racked his brain. What could the maid have said? Then, something clicked.
“Following our discussion about the dinner?” That was a mild way to put what transpired between them and Kalan knew it. Gwen’s face revealed she did too.
“Yes,” she answered. “More specifically, she said something regarding your reaction.”
“Which was?” Kalan braced himself.
Gwen let out a long breath, the wait agonizing for the prince. “Penny mentioned the concept of Wrath. She used that word to describe your behavior after I suggested Sir Torin as a guard.”
Kalan stopped walking, registering Gwen’s words. Wrath…
Why had he not realized it? Though Wrath was rarely seen, it was a subject commonly known by all fae. When he thought about it, the prince realized that was precisely what transpired every time he experienced any kind of jealousy with regards to Gwen. It was somewhat of a relief to know that Kalan was not suffering from a character flaw like an unruly temper, but rather a trait imbedded in all fae which was elicited with regards to those one loves. Typically a mate…
Oh. Kalan understood. He looked at Gwen’s sad frown and knew exactly what bothered her. Penny informed her that Wrath was usually associated with fae mates, if at all. No doubt, Gwen was confused and saddened to know Kalan felt Wrath for her even though he had a lifemate somewhere else.
“Gwen…” He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know how to console her.
“It’s alright, Kalan. Truly.” Gwen straightened her spine as she stepped away from his side to face him, looking brave and beautiful in the moonlight as she met his eyes. “You have to admit, though, that this really complicates things. Beyond our normal level of complication. It seems like we have an impediment at every turn of our relationship. Your prophecy, my blood, your mother, and now this trait that is supposed to be reserved for your lifemate. It’s too much, Kalan. What is it going to take for us to realize being together is not meant to be?”
Kalan closed his eyes at the words that sent daggers through his heart.
“Gwen…” He whispered again. “I can’t help the Wrath.”
“I know that,” she assured him softly. “I do not blame you for anything. I don’t blame us for having feelings for each other. But I will blame us if we continue to do this... If we continue with this relationship when we know it will bring us and others nothing but pain and confusion.”
Kalan reached a shaky hand out and grabbed one of hers, clutching it in both of his against his chest, pleading to Fate that their conversation was not going the way he feared it was.
“Please… let us talk about this. Do not end this without giving me a chance to at least try and convince you.” Kalan could feel an eerie depression settling, no doubt a reaction associated with Wrath and his extreme emotions when it came to the object of his affection.
Gwen’s watery eyes met his own. “You will succeed if I let you, and I can’t let that happen.”
“Please.”
For a moment, Kalan thought Gwen might change her mind. As he said his last pleading word, the prince saw her close and then open her eyes, and he swore he could see his love for her reflected back to him. He was just about to lean down for a kiss when quite voices reached them from over the hedges. Gwen’s vulnerable expression disappeared.
“No.”
Kalan squeezed his eyes shut briefly to draw strength before he fazed them back to the beginning of the maze, no longer desiring to stroll the romantic gardens with the girl who effectively destroyed his soul.
***
24 years ago…
Wendy sat on the pristine marble ledge lining the Eirie gardens. She managed to escape the intricate maze relatively easily and found herself relaxing as she listened to the quite bubbling of a nearby fountain, lost in her thoughts and replaying her decisions over the last few months.
“What have I done?” Wendy asked aloud, resting her head in her gloved hands. She knew she’d been lonely, knew that the attentions of the fae in her thoughts were genuine and kind, but how could she have let it happen? How could she lie with a fae whom was not only not her mate, but also a Winter Fae?
Now I have a bigger problem. No… Wendy stopped her negative thought as she instinctively placed a palm over her still flat stomach.
You’re not a problem, she assured the baby growing inside of her. I’m the problem. Not you.
A twig snapping brought Wendy to her feet, consciously removing her hand from her middle.
“Wendy?” A familiar voice asked as the fae stepped out of the hedges. “I’ve been looking for you. What are you doing out here?”
Her heart raced as the male of her thoughts approached her. The father of her unborn child.
“I needed some air,” she supplied breathlessly. “It was rather stuffy inside.” It was true, but not the complete truth. Wendy was not a fan of the nausea her pregnancy was starting to cause at the most inopportune times. She was fortunate enough to escape another populated inter-court dinner unseen, otherwise she might have been sick all over the citadel’s formal dining room. Though, apparently she was not unseen…
“Should you be out here?” She asked as the Winter Fae closed the distance and stood within two feet of her. “Won’t you be missed?”
“No more than you, I bet,” he answered with his charming smile. It still surprised Wendy how a fae who seemed so aloof could actually be one of the most kindhearted individuals she ever met. It was his lovely personality that manage to unknowingly snag Wendy’s affections.
Wend
y sighed as she took in his handsome form. Though he was all things good and proper, she knew the fae before her did not hold her heart. Despite her actions in recent months that might indicate otherwise, Wendy knew she would only ever love Eilian. That knowledge was yet another reason her current condition caused her so much pain. She never imagined herself having a child with anyone but Eilian.
“Are you certain you are well? You look pale.”
Wendy did her best to wave away his concerns. “I will be. I just needed some time alone.”
“Do you wish for me to leave?” The sad tone was not missed.
Wendy nodded. “I think that would be best.”
Reluctantly, the fae turned to go, but stopped and faced her once more. “Wendy… please reconsider my offer. I know you said no, and I apologize for bringing it up again, but I sincerely wish to be with you. I believe that I am in love with you.”
Wendy lowered her eyes to the soft grass beneath her feet as she remember the Winter Fae’s impassioned proposition nearly one month ago. They ran into each other at yet another meeting, though this one took place at Summer Court. The princess had not expected to have time to speak with the male, but was surprised at the resourcefulness he utilized to make a conversation happen. They were in the palace library when he made his proposal.
Not a marriage proposal, though he expressed the sentiment that he desired to offer such a thing, given time. But a simple romantic request. The Winter Fae wanted to court her. Publically. He knew there would be backlash from both Courts, but felt it was time for the courts to stop segregating relationships due to a prophecy which he felt was biased in its purpose. It was a thought Eilian once shared with her, giving her a strange comfort.
Despite the sweetness of the request, Wendy could not get past the sheer enormity of such an action. She could not imagine either of them risking their positions in such a way. Not to mention the fact that she was not in love with the fae. She decided the best course was for her to end their romantic relationship. Wendy knew she would have made the same decision even if she knew of the child at the time. There was no way she was going to reveal this child’s existence to anyone in the Fae Realm. Not even the father.
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 25