Still looking down, Wendy murmured, “I am honored by your offer… but I cannot accept. I hope you understand.”
The Winter Fae was in front of her in an instant. Gently, he used his index finger to tilt her chin up. “Then please let me enjoy this one last moment with you.” Before she could think, his soft lips descended and captured hers in a soft kiss.
Wendy could have pulled away, but she did not. A part of her ached at the sweetness of his action, hopelessly wishing that she might feel for him the way he did for her. But love could not be forced.
As she ended the kiss, Wendy found herself saying a small prayer to Fate that this male before her would find his happiness. It seemed to have eluded him for so long, she knew he feared never finding it.
A rustling of leaves caused both fae to step back to put space between them, just in case the noise indicated the presence of another.
“I suppose this is farewell, Princess Gwendolyn,” the fae said solemnly. “Until next time.” He turned on his heel and strode away, looking every bit the powerful male he was.
She curtsied to his retreating figure as she whispered, “Until next time.”
Chapter 30
Eilian scanned the crowd from his spot in the shadows, searching for Gwen. It had been a good while since he had her in his sights, and panic was beginning to seep in. This setting was too similar to the situation he imagined was the night of Wendy’s death. The Summer Fae was about thirty seconds from stepping out of his hidden location to find her, when he saw Prince Kalan escorting his friend back into the ballroom from the patio entrance.
The relief felt was immense. He knew that of all fae in the room, the prince was one of the few he could trust with Gwen’s safety. It did not take an expert to know that Kalan was falling fast for the girl. The prince practically never took his eyes off of her.
Eilian also knew that a relationship between the two younger fae was nothing short of impossible, but found he could not begrudge them their feelings. He was sure he looked at Wendy the same way Kalan looked at her daughter.
With those observations in mind, Eilian found himself surprised to notice the tense expressions shared by the pair as they entered the crowded room. Each looked as if their backs were tied to a rod, and their lips were pressed in firm straight lines. What could have happened?
Before there was much time to think, Eilian stiffened as he watched King Kheelen approach the couple. Words were briefly exchanged before the prince relinquished his hold on Gwen and watched as his father led her to the dance floor.
Eilian was baffled. What would possess the king to share his first dance with Gwen? Or at least Eilian believed it to be his first dance. The Summer Fae did not think the stoic king had left his position on the raised dais throughout the evening.
As Eilian continued to observe his friend be led around by one of the most powerful Winter Fae, he was hit with a sense of déjà vu. A vision of Wendy spinning around in her ivory gown materialized before him, sending his heart fluttering. He had to physically shake his head in order for the image of Gwen to reappear.
In an attempt to distract himself, Eilian shot a quick glance to where the prince was standing. He looked so forlorn that the Summer Fae could not help but feel sorry for him. Kalan must have felt his gaze, because he looked up and his face flickered with surprise. The prince glanced around him before making his way over to Eilian.
“Your Highness.” Eilian bowed when the prince reached him. “How are you enjoying the festivities?” The Summer Fae positioned his back to face the room. If anyone looked their direction, they would see the prince speaking with a typical Summer Fae.
Kalan shrugged, a dimness in his eyes. “I am surprised to see you here, Eilian. Does Gwen know you are here?”
He nodded. “Yes, I spoke with her prior to my brother leading her out onto the dance floor. It was brilliant of you to divert the attention from her. I greatly appreciated it.”
“Yes, well…” The prince stared longingly at the beauty in his father’s arms. “I think I would do just about anything for Gwen.”
Eilian smiled knowingly. “I cannot help but to notice you seem down, Your Highness. Would you like to talk about it?”
The responding look from the prince stunned Eilian. He could not recall ever seeing such a forlorn expression.
The prince ran a hand nervously through his hair. “Its just…” he paused, trying to select the right words. “Screw it. I need to tell someone.
“I am in love with Gwen, Eilian. It’s not a crush, a fascination, or whatever anyone may think. I legitimately love her. But things seem to keep driving us apart.”
“What things?” Eilian was curious as to what could stop such a fervent young male from getting his way in anything. Then again… this was Gwen they were talking about. He knew the depth of her stubbornness.
“My prophecy.” The prince said the two words with such disdain.
“Prophecy?”
Kalan gave him a quizzical look. “Have you not heard of it?”
Eilian shook his head. “Human Realm for 25 years, remember?”
The prince looked surprised at his lack of knowledge, but filled him in without further questions.
“That’s a tough break,” Eilian admitted once the prince finished describing his prophecy. “Lifemates are quite rare and should not be taken lightly. The only others I know of are the Summer King and Queen.”
Kalan nodded. “I know. I planned on speaking with them about it tonight if given the chance. But I am at a complete loss, Eilian. Everything about Gwen feels so right; I can’t imagine feeling this way about anyone else. I love her so much that I even experience Wrath on her behalf…”
Eilian froze as the prince continued speaking. Wrath? The prince experiences Wrath over Gwen?
That was not usual. Not in the slightest. Especially for a fated male like Kalan.
What is going on? A scary thought crept into his mind. It couldn’t be…
“Prince Kalan,” Eilian asked, interrupting whatever the younger fae had been saying. “When is your day of birth, again?”
Seeming unaffected by the interruption, Kalan answered sadly, “October 7th.”
The blood drained from Eilian’s face. It can’t be…
Fortunately for the Summer Fae, Kalan was too caught up in his inner turmoil to notice Eilian’s sudden change of expression and demeanor. Eilian needed to think. Alone.
“I am sorry you are having such a difficult time, Your Highness. Perhaps you should go discuss lifemate matters with King Cai and Queen Orla. It might bring you comfort.”
Kalan gave a distracted nod of agreement, his eyes continued to follow Gwen, even when he excused himself and began walking towards the Summer Royals.
Eilian rubbed his face with his hands, mind whirling with what to do with the information at hand. Things just couldn’t be simple…
***
“It seems Prince Kalan is quite taken with you,” King Kheelen spoke matter-of-factly as they joined the group of dancing couples. Gwen noticed the quick movement of those around them, everyone stepping back to give them a five foot radius.
“He has been a valuable friend for me during my stay at Winter Court.”
The king smirked down at her. Gwen had to fight the urge to fidget beneath his stare. “My wife seems convinced the relationship you two share is not just friendship.”
Gwen said nothing, which spoke volumes.
“I must admit to you dear, I share my wife’s concerns.” The king’s words were chilled. “Perhaps it would be better if you and my son cease any romantic notions between the two of you, before things get out of hand.”
Too late for that, Gwen thought bitterly. “Prince Kalan and I are not romantically involved.” Anymore.
King Kheelen looked surprised, though not displeased, Gwen noted. “I imagine this is a recent development?”
Gwen didn’t know why, but she felt compelled to answer him, even if it was short. “Yes.”
“I must say,” the king grinned. “That makes this encounter much more pleasant. Tell me, how have you liked Winter Court? Planning on staying with us for a while?”
Gwen shook her head as she turned with his lead. “I have enjoyed my time there, but I do not believe I shall be returning to Winter Court following this ball.”
“Really?” Thick eyebrows rose in question.
“Really.”
“Well, that is a shame,” King Kheelen supplied sincerely. “I was hoping to have the opportunity to know you better. You seem quite lovely.”
Gwen did not feel as if the king was hitting on her, but his words certainly sounded like it. She did not know how to respond.
Lucky for her, the king did not seem to require a response. Instead, the couple finished their dance, Gwen dipped into a low curtsy, King Kheelen bowed and then walked away.
That was strange. Gwen noted as she watched the king leave. She did not have much time to think on it further before she was approached by a waiting Summer noble for yet another in a seemingly endless amount of dances.
Chapter 31
“Good evening, Your Majesties.” Kalan bowed low at the front of the dais before looking up into the kind faces of the Summer Royals. He had been formally introduced to the royal couple the previous evening, and had a pleasant conversation with them both. Kalan hoped that now that they were in a crowded establishment with plenty of distractions about, he could ask them about their bond. Maybe it would help him feel even the smallest bit better.
“Prince Kalan,” Queen Orla’s musical voice greeted. “What a pleasure to see you again. Please, join us.” Kalan obliged and had to fight the pang of sadness he felt upon looking at the queen’s beautiful smile. It matched Gwen’s perfectly.
“Your Highness,” King Cai stated, extending his hand. “Well done taking the floor with young Lady Ely earlier. Great display of friendship between our courts.”
Kalan nodded his head. “Thank you.”
“And how are you enjoying the evening?” Queen Orla asked, giving off a sincere and welcoming aura. “I hope you have managed to have some fun.”
Kalan could not fight the grimace as he thought of his conversation with Gwen. The monarchs noticed.
“Oh my,” the queen observed. “I believe that must be a no.”
Kalan offered her a small smile. “To be honest, I have not had the best time and I am wondering if speaking with Your Majesties might help me.”
Both the king and queen looked surprised. “By all means,” King Cai gestured for the prince to speak. “How can we help you?”
Kalan took a deep breath before proceeding. “I am sure you are aware that I have a lifemate prophecy spoken over me when I was born. I was wondering if you might be willing to speak with me about Queen Orla’s and your subsequent bonding. If it’s not too personal, of course.” The prince added the last sentence after realizing his questions might be considered improper.
The king and queen shared a knowing look, and each gave him a warm smile. “Of course we can discuss our prophecies, Prince Kalan,” Queen Orla answered kindly. “I can only imagine how curious you are. I know I was when I was waiting to find my lifemate.”
King Cai laughed. “I don’t recall you being curious at all. If I remember correctly, you had no idea what was happening between us when we first met.”
“Yes, well, perhaps I was not very curious. My parents did not emphasize a need to fulfill my prophecy as soon as possible. They let me lead a perfectly ordinary existence when it came to dating and the like.” Queen Orla gave the admission with a thoughtful expression.
Kalan frowned. If only his mother had the same parenting technique. The pressure from Queen Tanya definitely added complications to his life. Most significantly: he and Gwen’s relationship.
“What did happen when you first met?” Kalan asked, eager to learn any piece of information regarding the fulfillment of prophecies.
“Ah,” Queen Orla tapped her lips, giving her husband an amused grin. “I suppose you could say our first encounter, or I suppose it was actually a small part of our first encounter, was volatile.”
“Volatile?”
The couple laughed. “Yes,” King Cai confirmed. “It was volatile because I first met Orla when she was being courted by another noble. Duke Aeron’s father, in fact. I nearly tackled the male to the ground when I saw him kiss her.”
“It was quite the scene,” Queen Orla commented, not attempting to hide her amusement. “Cai and I had only been introduced and shared one dance, but we could tell we were drawn to one another. It was not until later that we realized his response was a result of being lifemates.”
Prince Kalan felt confused. “King Cai experienced Wrath prior to falling in love with you, Queen Orla?”
King Cai puffed out his chest, feigning outrage. “I was in love with her!”
The queen smiled at her husband’s statement before addressing Kalan’s question. “It was a mild show of Wrath, but yes. Cai experienced Wrath after spending very little time with me, and only in reaction to quite an intimate display. As we grew to know each other better, it became nearly impossible for Cai to handle another man talking to me, let alone touching me, until we officially bonded.”
“Then the Wrath ended after the bonding?”
Queen Orla grinned. “Absolutely not. It simply became easier for him to control.”
“I still hate seeing other males fawn over you,” King Cai muttered, though not without amusement.
Kalan joined in with the couple as they laughed. The prince enjoyed how carefree and kind the Summer Royals turned out to be. They made the discussion easy and entertaining.
“Was King Cai the only one to experience Wrath?” Kalan asked after their laughter subsided.
“No, I too felt it at moments. I believe I was better able to subdue it. My understanding is Wrath tends to affect the male counterparts of a couple, especially a lifemate couple, more so than the females.”
Kalan nodded, supposing the information shouldn’t be surprising. Males were often considered the somewhat more hot-blooded of the two genders.
“How did you ultimately realize you met your lifemate, Queen Orla?”
Her face turned wistful. “You know. I don’t remember the exact moment. I believe I suspected, but having no one to confirm my suspicions, I did not act on anything. Cai and I did not cross paths often after our first introduction, and when we did the conversation always seemed limited as I was needed to perform various duties and kept busy. I believe it was almost a year later before Cai and I spent a significant amount of time together. Within six months we knew we were destined and got married. Our bonding was…”
“The best day of our lives.” King Cai finished his wife’s trailing explanation, taking her hand and placing a devoting kiss to the back of her hand. “Nothing ever felt so right.”
Not wishing to appear intrusive, Kalan turned his eyes to the crowd, and immediately zeroed in on Gwen.
Damn it, Kalan cursed to himself as he observed Sir Torin smile adoringly at Gwen. The prince clenched his fists and tried to force the anger for the guard out of his body.
“Is something the matter?” Queen Orla asked with concern, taking in the prince’s rigid stance.
Kalan managed a tight nod, but could not turn away from the irritating scene as he thought of the various locations he could station the irritating guard to keep him from Gwen.
Curious, King Cai stepped beside Kalan and attempted to follow his gaze. The king let out an amused chuckle. “I see.”
“What, Dear?” The queen stepped next to her husband. “What do you see?”
“I believe the prince might have found his lifemate.”
Even through his haze of anger the words registered with the prince. They were painful to hear because as much as he wished them to be true, they were not.
“Indeed?” The queen’s happy voice reached him. “Congratulations, Prince Kalan. Who is she?”
>
“That pretty fae we saw Duke Aeron dancing with, I believe,” the king supplied. “Quite a beauty, that one.”
“Oh yes. She is stunning. What is her name, Prince Kalan?”
It took every ounce of strength for Kalan to turn his back to Gwen and Sir Torin. He let out a long, calming breath before addressing the monarchs.
“Her name is Lady Gwenevere, and she is actually not my lifemate.”
“No?” King Cai looked skeptical. “I could have sworn you were experiencing Wrath. I could feel the power emanating from you.”
The admission surprised Kalan. Other fae can feel his Wrath? Perhaps only the strongest.
Kalan shrugged when he noticed the monarchs waiting for a response. “Yes, it tends to happen where she is concerned. But my prophecy states my lifemate would be born on the same day as me. Lady Gwen was not.”
“How unfortunate.” Queen Orla’s eyes were sympathetic.
“And unusual,” the king added. “Wrath is rare. How fascinating that you should experience it over someone who is not your lifemate. Seems counterproductive to the prophecy, no?”
Kalan nodded. “It is nothing short of confusing.”
“Tell me,” Queen Orla began, looking contemplative. “Do you feel a pull to Lady Gwenevere? Almost from the moment of seeing her for the first time.”
The memory of Gwen moments before she dropped her beverage flashed across his mind. Kalan smiled. “Yes.”
The king and queen exchanged meaningful looks.
King Cai cleared his throat. “A pull and Wrath?” He shook his head in disbelief. “It seems impossible that she is not your lifemate. It’s too coincidental.”
Kalan looked down. “I wish she was my lifemate. I would bond with her in a moment.” It did not escape the prince’s mind how strange it felt to be speaking to the royals about their granddaughter’s romantic life with them having no idea.
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 26