Gwen looked skeptical. “And your mother?”
That was a good question. Queen Tanya seemed to accept Kalan’s relationship with Gwen the previous day, so it appeared they did not need to inform the queen in order to avoid upsetting her.
Unlike the king, however, Kalan knew his mother would not be able to keep their discovery a secret. Queen Tanya was too eager for her son to bond with a lifemate to respect that Gwen and Kalan might not want to take such a step in the near future.
Who was Kalan kidding? He would without a doubt take such a step. He never felt so sure of anything as he did that Gwen was his destiny. But the prince did not delude himself into thinking Gwen would be as impulsive. She had a different upbringing, and had her life planned out in the Human Realm. The prince knew he would have to be patient and understanding as he and Gwen decided on the best course to proceed with their lives together. All that mattered was Gwen promised to be his. He would wait for as long as necessary to ensure Gwen’s complete and total happiness.
“We will not tell my mother at this time. She seems cordial enough with our relationship lately.”
Gwen nodded after a moment of thought. “Alright. Let’s tell your father.”
Smiling, Kalan grabbed his love’s hand and escorted her through the hall to his father’s rooms. They were admitted quickly, and led by one of the king’s attendants to his father’s temporary study. King Kheelen never stopped working, not even in Eirie, away from Winter Court.
Kalan stopped short, Gwen with him, as the prince took note of the other fae in the room.
Duke Aeron sat in front of his father, discussing official matters, when he saw the couple’s entrance. The Summer Fae stood and bowed respectfully. “Prince Kalan. Lady Gwenevere, I did not expect to see you again this evening.”
“Nor did I,” King Kheelen announced from behind his large marble desk. He stood and fixed a stern look on his son. “I believe I only requested your presence, Kalan.”
Not to be deterred, Kalan gave Gwen’s hand a gentle squeeze for strength. “I have some news for you, Father. Might we speak alone?”
“I believe I made my thoughts quite clear, Lady Gwenevere,” the king turned his attention to the girl. “During our dance.”
Kalan frowned. “Yes well,” he began, trying to push through his father’s hard demeanor. “What we need to tell you deals with that. In fact, it should render your previous sentiments unnecessary.”
“I doubt that.” King Kheelen’s eyes hardened even further.
“Might we speak alone?”
Duke Aeron made to leave, but was stopped by the king’s voice. “No. You shall say what you like, but I have business with the duke. I will not dismiss him and delay our work. Please be brief in what you need to say, Kalan.”
The prince hesitated, glancing warily at the duke. This was not something he wished to share with a high ranking Summer noble. It would defeat the purpose of keeping Gwen safe.
Kalan was surprised when he felt a faint tug on his arm. He looked at Gwen, eyebrows raised.
“Duke Aeron knows,” Gwen supplied, looking the picture of calm. “You can speak in front of him.”
It only took a moment for Kalan to realize Gwen referred to her dual court heritage. He would need to hear that story later.
Reassured, the prince announced the news. “Father,” he began, chest raised in pride and happiness. “I am pleased to inform you I have found my lifemate. Only this evening, Gwen and I realized we are compatible mates according to my prophecy. We may rest assured that all requirements of our relationship have been filled.”
Kalan did not expect much of a reaction, simply an acknowledgement. Perhaps a small congratulations, but even that would be considered uncharacteristically expressive by the king.
Which was why the prince was floored when the king bolted up from his chair, his face devoid of all color. He looked positively ill.
“That’s impossible.” King Kheelen choked the words out with force.
“I assure you,” Kalan informed him calmly, though confused. “It is not.”
From the side, Duke Aeron let out a quiet, “congratulations.” The sentiment was drowned out by the king’s next words.
“I do not care what you think. It is impossible. This girl cannot be your mate.”
Kalan felt Gwen stiffen beside him. He narrowed his eyes at his father. “Lady Gwenevere is my lifemate. I have no doubt.”
The king’s eyes were crazed as he glanced between the couple, his expression one of pain and disbelief. “You don’t understand. You two can’t be together.”
“Why?” Gwen’s feminine voice brought each male’s focus to her. Kalan thought she looked serene, though her tight grip on his hand spoke otherwise.
King Kheelen stared into the girls eyes. “Because I know. I know who your parents are.”
No one moved.
From the corner of his eye, Kalan watched Duke Aeron’s fearful expression as he observed the scene. Perhaps the prince had an ally in the room with him? Did the duke share his twin’s protective instinct over Gwen? He hoped so.
“I know her of her parents as well, Father.” Kalan was proud of the strength in his voice. “And let me inform you, now. Her background does not alarm me one bit.”
“You could not possibly know of her parents,” the king countered. “Or else you would not be indulging in this relationship.”
Kalan narrowed his eyes. “Nothing would keep me from Gwen.”
The king laughed, though it was not in amusement. The noise actually caused Kalan to cringe. It sounded deranged.
“Your arrogance does you no credit, Son. You are so confident, yet you do not know the truth. You shall be singing a different tune once you do.”
Duke Aeron cleared his throat. “Perhaps it is best I leave?”
“No,” the king’s voice boomed, effectively freezing the duke where he stood. “You and your brother have a part in this as well.”
“My brother?”
“Eilian.”
Duke Aeron’s form grew protective. “What of Eilian?”
“Has he not raised this girl from her infancy?” The king gestured to Gwen, eliciting a gasp from the female.
“Relax, Gwen,” King Kheelen’s voice turned surprisingly soft when addressing her. It unsettled the prince. “No harm will come to him, or you, if I can help it.”
“Why?” Her whisper could only be heard by those of superior hearing.
Looking down, the king appeared as if he might not respond. Then, with sudden determination, his father rose to his full height.
Meeting Gwen’s face, he spoke. “I will not harm someone who has protected someone dear to me, as Eilian the Summer Fae has.”
“I don’t understand.”
Kalan would never be able to describe the disbelief, pain, or awe he felt at his father’s next words.
“I would not harm him because he protected you, Gwenevere Longe. He protected my daughter.”
Chapter 34
The world stilled, dimming as Gwen processed the news. She vaguely heard the exclamations of disbelief and anger from the males in the room as her head whirled.
King Kheelen was her father? Kalan’s father… was her father?
No. It was impossible. She was Kalan’s lifemate! Wasn’t she?
This can’t be happening. Following her last thought, Gwen felt the darkness edge into her vision. Unconsciousness greeted her eagerly.
Chapter 35
Gwen came to lying on a cloth couch in the king’s study.
Her stomach untightened, only slightly, when she realized the fae running soothing fingers through her hair was Ian. She sat up and latched on to him, willing the memories from before to stay away. Unfortunately, they came back in vivid detail.
Releasing her friend, she sat back and turned dull eyes to Ian, the one fae she knew she could trust – or use to. She wasn’t sure what to think anymore.
“Did you know?” Her voice barely a whisp
er.
He returned her forlorn stare. “No, Gwennie. I swear. I had no idea.”
Her eyes traveled around the room and landed on the male who just revealed himself as her father. King Kheelen’s familiar blue eyes held her gaze. Gwen hated that she could not stop seeing a resemblance between them, now that she knew…
His hopeful expression when he looked back at her was like a knife to the stomach. Here he was revealing himself as her father, seeming happy to have found her, and Gwen’s heart was being torn apart.
Gwen turned slowly, wary of what she would see when she finally observed Kalan.
His expression was blank. No thoughts or emotions readable through the impassiveness. He did not look at her. His focus switching from Ian to King Kheelen.
“How can you be sure?” Kalan asked his father, continuing a conversation she had missed while unconscious. His voice was also impassive, despite the fact that the king just revealed he had an illegitimate daughter, a daughter whom he was romantically involved with. The prince’s lack of emotion scarier than any reaction Gwen could have imagined. “How do you know the princess did not have other affairs with Winter nobles?”
Gwen barely heard the growl the insult elicited from Ian. The king held up a placating hand to the Summer Fae.
“Princess Gwendolyn, whatever you might think of her, was not of a scandalous nature. Our brief relationship was her exception. She disappeared shortly after it began, and I did not see her again until the following Winter Solstice Ball.”
King Kheelen tilted his head to Ian. “I believe she was with you during that gap of time.”
Ian nodded. “With Gwen.”
All of the male’s attention returned to her. Even Kalan, though it appeared reluctant.
“But her birthday, Father. My pull to her. She has to be my prophesied mate. We…” The prince’s pause betrayed the desperate emotions his tone lacked. “We can’t be siblings.”
King Kheelen’s posture softened, but his words were firm. “You are siblings. I cannot explain the coincidences in a satisfactory manner to you, but I trust Fate will work all this out for the best.”
Gwen wanted to crumble, but resisted, refusing to appear weaker than her fainting spell already made her. Her resolve was made that much harder when Kalan suddenly turned on his heel and purposefully exited the room. He did not spare her a single glance.
Gwen did not have time to feel the pang of his loss before the males started another discussion.
“… she is not safe here,” Ian’s voice drew her back. “If anyone figures out her parentage, she will be in grave danger. Let me take her back to the Human Realm. She can continue with her life as if nothing has happened.”
King Kheelen shook his head emphatically. “Impossible. She will be safer at Winter Court. No one knows about her except for me. And I did not intend to say anything, but Kalan’s improper relationship with her demanded it. I could not keep silent.”
“But someone might suspect,” Aeron interrupted. He was still present. “A dual-court fae will not be safe at Winter Court. We should take her to Summer Court.”
“And why would Summer Court be safer?” Ian asked with annoyance. “They are as afraid of the prophecy as Winter Fae.”
Aeron’s face grew somber. “Brother, you do not know the extent of the grief King Cai and Queen Orla, not to mention the entire Summer Court, felt with the death of Wendy. Their Graces would protect Princess Gwenevere with everything. No harm would befall her at Summer Court.”
The fae continued arguing, completely forgetting Gwen’s presence.
After minutes of listening to them talk about her as if she was not even there, Gwen couldn’t take it anymore.
Closing her eyes, Gwen pulled in all the energy around her. Any thread, any speck of magic, she drew and let it seep into her very being. Slowing her heart rate, Gwen focused her mind on the place she most wanted to escape to.
Slowly, her childhood home materialized before her. Gwen barely registered Ian cry her name before she leaned her tired body against the living room’s window sill. Placing her forehead against the glass, she sighed as the cool surface soothed her hot skin.
What a mess, she thought, replaying the images for the night. Gwen allowed herself to mourn the feelings she held for Kalan. She thought of his handsome face. His patience when teaching her to use her powers.
He’s my brother…
Gwen’s stomach twisted.
“Gwenevere.” The soothing voice interrupted her thoughts. Whirling around, she met the hesitant gaze of King Kheelen.
“It seems you have just proven yourself my daughter,” the king stated, distracting her from her surprise at his presence.
“What do you mean?”
He smiled. It was meant to be comforting, but Gwen refused to feel it. “You just fazed from within the Winter lodgings in Eirie of your own accord. A feat only Winter royals can accomplish.”
“Oh.” Gwen muttered, remembering Ronan explaining the safety measure Winter Court had. She supposed Eirie would have similar safety spell measures in place. She hated the confirmation of her sibling status to Kalan. “Where’s Ian?”
“He will be joining us shortly.”
“I want to stay here,” she blurted after prolonged silence. “In the Human Realm. I want my life to go back to the way it was.”
His answering expression told her how impossible her desire was. “You are not safe here.”
“I was safe enough before,” she argued weakly.
“Things are different now.”
“You don’t have to tell me that,” she practically yelled. “I am perfectly aware of how different things are. I don’t care. I have a life here. A good one. I want to stay.”
King Kheelen’s expression was thoughtful as he whispered. “You really do look so much like your mother.”
Tears pricked at her eyes. “Please,” she whimpered. “Let me have my normal life back.” She needed to forget. Forget she was fae. Forget she fell in love with her half-brother. She needed to forget it all.
Gwen did not believe her plea would work; she even felt foolish for how whiny she sounded. When the king nodded in agreement, Gwen gaped in surprise.
“I can stay?” She asked, not daring to reveal her hopefulness.
“Yes. Unless I feel you might be in danger.”
Anger simmered. “I don’t understand how you can go from not knowing I exist to attempting to act like the ‘Dad of the Year’. You can’t possibly care this much.”
“Believe what you will, but I do, in fact, care about you this much.” He sounded sincere.
“You don’t know me.” Gwen would not allow King Kheelen in. She could not.
“No,” the king challenged. “You don’t know me.”
“I have a good picture,” Gwen remarked, judgingly. “Powerful old king seduces young princess from rival court. Said king conceives children with both his wife and mistress. Does Queen Tanya know, by the way? Or have you never admitted your affair? Or should I say, affairs? I bet there were tons.”
“Enough.” A frigid blast of Winter air swirled through the room before the king regained control.
Gwen glared, refusing to be intimidated.
“No, to answer your question. The queen does not know. And no to your second one as well. Your mother was the only one.”
“Why her?” She asked, disgusted with the unfaithful fae in front of her.
“Because I loved her.”
Gwen scoffed. “Nice try, padre. You had to have chosen to put yourself in a situation to fall in love with her.”
“Did you and Kalan choose?”
Gwen crossed her arms, refusing to take the bait.
“I do not expect you to believe me, but I had no ill intentions when I first began interacting with Princess Gwendolyn. She was a smart, kind, and beautiful fae. Before I knew what happened, I had fallen for her. I would have given up everything for her, but she wouldn’t have me.”
“You ha
d a wife!”
“A wife who despises me,” the king pointed out, shocking Gwen into silence. “There is no affection between us, there is barely respect. We were chosen to rule, and since neither of us had a romantic interest in anyone, we decided to mate and pass on our bloodlines together. It was not long before I felt we made a mistake. Nothing I did made Tanya happy, not until I gave her a son.”
“You were sleeping with two fae at once.” The knowledge disturbed Gwen immensely.
The king said nothing. He knew his actions were inexcusable. His expression remained calm and attempting to soothe her.
“So, what do you want from me?” Gwen asked, feeling too tired to continue fighting. “Are you expecting for us to be one big, happy, dysfunctional family now?”
“I just want you safe.”
Gwen sat on the floor, drained. “How do I do that?”
“If you insist on staying in the Human Realm, I will bring you more defalutar potion. I believe I can secure it from the same Wise One as last time.”
“Last time? I thought Aeron gave Ian the potion.”
“Where do you think he got it from?”
“You’re saying you knew about me?”
“I suspected.”
Gwen shook her head, the onslaught of information beginning to overpower her. She could ask in depth questions later. Now, she just wanted to be alone.
“If I take the potion, you will let me live my life?”
“Yes, you have my word.”
“Thank you.” A tear leaked out of the corner of her eye.
“I would do anything for you.”
Gwen did not respond to his heartfelt statement.
***
Ian arrived moments later, took in Gwen’s slumped state, and immediately appeared at her side. He cradled her in his arms. Gwen couldn’t control her sobs as her best friend whispered soothing words over her dark head.
Everything will be alright, she tried to convince herself Ian’s words were true. I can get through this. I will get through this.
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 28