Mother pulled him aside. “Why are you watching Lana like that?”
He lifted a shoulder, hoping Isa hadn’t noticed. “She’s hiding something. I’m starting to wonder if it has something to do with why she won’t give Lonny a chance.”
“I can look into it.” Morrigan hugged her son, then slipped toward the crowd. “I’ll get myself to the castle, Toryn.”
“See you then.”
Isa turned back with wide eyes. “What?”
“She had something to attend to.” He had to wonder if Morrigan did something to block Isadora from catching the conversation.
She handed him another Love. “Well, what are we going to do?”
Toryn nodded to the stage. “Listen to some music.”
Her face lit up as she looked up at the stage to watch the guys of Lunar Storm take their places. Which meant Nights Embrace would likely follow. Hopefully Toryn’s band Revolt would too. “Does that mean Nights Embrace is playing?”
“They are.”
“And Revolt?”
His eyes danced with light. “We might play a couple songs, but it’s our party and I have every intention of spending as much of it with you as possible.”
“Love you, Toryn.”
“Love you too, Princess.”
* * * *
“You want me to what?” Zoe asked as quietly as she could manage in a booth in the back of Shenanigans.
Brent’s blue eyes swept through the building and landed on her again. She felt the presence of an entity wrap around the booth as he leaned forward. “Keep an eye on everything while in Faery. There’s a story there. I want you to write it. Something big is coming. Everything is about to change. I need you to gather the news.”
She held up a hand. “I’m a guest at the wedding. I don’t want to alienate Kellan or me.”
Brent smirked. “I’m not asking you to go all journalist on them. I’m asking you to do what you do best. Keep your eyes open and take it all in. The world should know. Things in Faery are about to flip sideways. Some Fae would consider going back under the right circumstances. They might find now a good time. Others may think it’s the wrong time. They should be aware of what’s happening. I’m not asking you to dig for answers. The story will present itself.”
“I hope you’re right. You usually are, but I’m not willing to wreck Kellan’s alliance with Reance and Aeryana.”
Sighing, Brent lifted a shoulder. “Got news for you. No one in Faery is fully innocent. Nothing is cut and dry. Things aren’t always what they seem. But the wedding sets many things in motion, and the Fae have a right to know.”
Kellan slipped into the seat beside her. “Why so serious?”
Brent looked him in the eye. “I asked Zoe to keep her eyes open so she can write a story when it presents itself.”
Kellan looked at her and back at Brent. “As long as you aren’t expecting her to interview people and dig where she shouldn’t.”
“She won’t have to.”
Smiling, Kellan turned to Zoe. “Then what’s the problem?”
“Don’t want to be the reason anyone stops trusting you,” she said quietly.
“Everyone will see everything you do. Only report what’s happening in the open. The rest will come out when it needs to.”
“All right. I make no guarantees, but I’ll let you know what I find.”
“That’s all I ask.” He glanced through the crowd. “Now, I should go find my date.” Then he slipped into the crowd.
Zoe shook her head. “He’s resisting someone right in front of him.”
Kellan leaned closer, his eyes narrowed. “Who?”
She giggled. “Not me, silly. Amelia.” She nodded toward the bar where a petite redhead watched Brent with a pout as he took a statuesque brunette into his arms.
“Is she even old enough to be here?”
Zoe smirked. “Barely. Turned twenty-one last week.”
“Wow. Um, Brent’s over a hundred, right?”
She shrugged. “She’s old enough.”
He rolled his eyes. “But isn’t she human?”
“She is. Doesn’t mean she has to stay human.”
He glanced at Amelia and shrugged. “Suppose not. Now, let’s dance.”
Grinning, she nodded.
* * * *
Isa smiled as Roxy made her way to her. “Hey, Roxy. Thank you for performing tonight.” She was the lead singer of Nights Embrace. Isa had history with Mike, her brother. And for the longest time, while she and Mike were still fuck-buddies, Roxy hated her. At least it felt that way.
“I’m happy to. It’s good to be singing again. And congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”
Isa grinned. “Thanks. How’s being a mom?”
“Awesome. Teagan is adorable and growing so damned fast. Trevor is amazing. God, I don’t know how I got so damned lucky.”
“Don’t question it. You two are perfect. And I’m glad Mike finally found his other half.”
“And you finally admitted who yours was.”
She glanced down. “Yeah. Never thought we’d be where we are.” Man, was that an understatement? “At least we’re all with who we’re meant for.”
Roxy smiled. “Indeed.” She nodded to the stage. “Looks like your fiancé is getting anxious to have you in the front row. You better get going.” She squeezed Isa’s arm.
“Thanks again.”
“Anytime, Isa. You’ve been good to Mike, even if I didn’t get it.”
“He’ll always be a friend.” Isa made her way through the crowd.
Sammy put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “There you are. Congratulations, Isa.”
“Thank you, Sammy. How are you?”
He nodded. “Good. Some party. I think I may have found someone who likes my sexy legs.” The satyr who was glamoured to look human, winked and slipped into the crowd.
Shaking her head, she watched him walk over to someone she didn’t recognize, but that didn’t mean much.
Isa turned to meet Toryn’s gaze. He grinned down at her and launched into his song.
Wasn’t supposed to fall for you
Our gazes met, I was lost
Everything changed for you
Never thought I wanted forever
Never needed true love’s kiss
I fell harder every moment
One look, I was yours
You captured my heart
Captured my soul
Twisted Bonds bind us closer
I feared the secrets I kept
You washed out the past
Restored my faith in everything
Without you I’m nothing
Without you I’ll slip away
Never letting go
One look, I was yours
You captured my heart
Captured my soul
Twisted Bonds bind us closer
With every secret revealed
Your trust grew stronger
You fell into me, holding me tight
Letting me guide you into light
Your love gripped me
Pulling me deeper into love
One look, I was yours
You captured my heart
Captured my soul
Twisted Bonds bind us closer
Don’t let me go
Don’t stop holding on
Need you by my side
Love me always
Hard as I love you
Twisted Bonds bind us
One look, I was yours
You captured my heart
Captured my soul
Twisted Bonds bind us closer
* * * *
Toryn sang the last line, and Isa dispersed into air and reformed in front of him, taking his face in her hands her mouth collided with his.
When she finally broke away, her eyes danced with light. “Love you, Toryn, more than any
thing in any world.”
“You are my life, Princess.”
“We should go home, so I can show you how much I love that song.”
He took another kiss. “Let’s say goodbye, then you can take me home.”
He lifted her off her feet, then hopped over the barrier and into the crowd. Setting her down, he pulled her close. “Can’t wait to be your husband, Isa.”
“Mmm, can’t wait to be your wife.”
Chapter 9
Too damned early, but Aeryana insisted they come at six. She had promised Isa a tour of the castle.
And okay, she was one part excited, but another part terrified.
“You ready, Princess?” Toryn asked.
Not in a million years. “Sure.”
All their friends and family who were going to the wedding stood in Shenanigans. Kellan could have taken some of them, but he’d never stepped into the Air Kingdom. And Aeryana wanted them to enter into a specific room only Reance knew.
Reance took her hands and smiled. “Still mad?”
Isa shook her head. “No. I get it. But why am I opening the portal, and not you?”
“Because your mother and I want you to know you’re welcome there anytime you want to come. And opening the portal yourself will tie you to the castle in a way I can’t do for you.”
She nodded slowly. “All right.” Touching his head, she reached for the memory.
The gorgeous room filled her head. Fluffy white furniture, crystal tables, open skies beyond the windows. She opened the portal
“You first,” Reance said.
Toryn took her hand, and they stepped through together. Then Reance. The rest followed. Once Kellan was through, she closed the portal.
Aeryana stepped into the room. “Ah, so good to see you, Isadora. Please, let me show you the castle. My assistant can show the rest around. Toryn, you’re welcome to join us.”
Thank God for small favors. If Toryn didn’t come with her, she’d probably take a portal out of the castle. Or refuse to go with her mother and cling to her mate.
Man, why am I so nervous now? Probably because it was the first time in the castle that she could remember.
She wasn’t looking forward to the two hours of getting ready without Toryn by her side. Why couldn’t they just get dressed in the same room?
Scotty leaned close. “Relax. It’s a beautiful castle. Enjoy the sights.”
She dipped her head. Easier said than done. She’d try, though, for her parents’ sake.
Aeryana stepped out of the room with Reance by her side. Isadora followed.
Toryn slipped his fingers through hers. “The views truly are amazing.”
Isadora smiled over at Toryn. His warmth trailed through her, chasing away some of the fear that everything was about to come crashing down.
Aeryana led them through corridors, telling her about every room, nook, and cranny. Then she led them into the royal wing where she and Reance resided.
She had never felt so out of place roaming the majestic halls. Then Aeryana pulled her down a glass corridor that connected to another tower. “This is where you and Toryn will stay. The whole tower is yours.”
“Mother, this is too much,” Isa protested, but instantly knew it wouldn’t change anything.
Toryn squeezed her hand.
Turning to Isa, Aeryana shrugged. “You’re in my home, and unfortunately I don’t have accommodations you are used to, but Reance helped me find ways to bring some of your world here.”
Isa managed a smile. “I’m sorry. It’s beautiful, and I appreciate everything you’ve done. I can’t help feeling like I’ll never fit in here.”
“You are a princess, Isadora. You don’t have to fit in. Faery can adapt.”
Not from what I’ve seen. She bit her tongue.
Toryn pulled her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
“I’m sure you two could use a little time alone,” Reance stated. “We’ll be back in an hour. Isa will go with Aeryana. I’ll stay with you, Toryn.”
“Of course,” Toryn replied.
Isa nodded. “Thank you.”
Aeryana smiled and walked down the hall with Reance.
Toryn pulled her into the bedroom and locked the door.
“Only an hour to make love to you,” Toryn purred as he walked into her and backed her against the wall where his lips covered hers.
She took his passion, slipping her fingers into his silky raven hair while sucking his tongue.
He growled low in his throat and banded an arm around her waist as he swept her off her feet and carried her to another room. “We have a bath waiting.”
“A bath?”
He set her on her feet and pulled the dress over her head. Her hands went to his pants, sliding the golden zipper down the black satin pants.
She fucking loved those pants.
Before she could act on the craving to wrap her mouth around his dick, he whipped his shirt off and stepped back to rid himself of the rest of his clothes.
A smirk twisted her lips as she dropped her undergarments and moved past Toryn, stepping into the heated water. “Now this feels amazing. Who would’ve thought the queen of the Air Kingdom would have such amazing bathtubs.” The damned thing was big enough to be a pool.
Toryn pressed in behind her, skating his hands around her waist as he nibbled up her neck. “You are the most beautiful creature I have ever set eyes on, Isa.”
“I’ve said the same about you many times,” she murmured.
“I could use more than an hour to worship you.”
“We’ll have all night.”
He tipped his head to the side with a frown.
“Oh, don’t tell me the reception goes all night.”
“The Fae know how to party. Especially at a royal wedding. Though we’ll be expected to sneak off from time to time.”
“Good, because if I don’t get to make love to you once we’re official, I’m not sure I want to stay.”
He laughed. “We’re official as it gets. The bond binds us more fully than the ceremony ever could.”
She turned in his arms. “Maybe, but I grew up believing I’d marry the man of my dreams if I ever met him. Then I met you and spent years thinking I couldn’t have you. Now, I want to prove to everyone in every world you belong to me and only me.”
“I haven’t wondered about who I belong to since I met you. My heart was yours, no matter how I tried to ignore it.”
She sucked his bottom lip before kissing him deep. His hands drifted down to her thighs, lifting as he sank to his knees. Guiding hands moved her so her slick heat glided over his cock.
“Just an hour,” he whispered, pinning her against the wall of the tub. He slid into her, finding her end. His magic flowed over her as hers danced along his skin.
Their mouths collided as pleasure built. He held her hips as he thrust over and over. Her magic spilled, sending the sloshing water swirling up in a whirlpool that rose to the ceiling.
He grunted. “You’re close.”
“Always for you.” She came around him, and he lifted her onto the edge of the tub, slipping from her pulsing core.
He licked through her dripping pussy and made love to her with his mouth. She couldn’t hold back as he pushed her closer to the top.
Her hands landed on the marble behind her as a cry of ecstasy escaped her lips. As she came down, he teased her clit, sending her right back up the climb. Then he plunged his tongue in and out of her until her hips rocked with his rhythm. Climax washed over her but before she finished he rose up and filled her with his cock.
She clung to his back as he fucked her. Leaning on her hands, she lifted her hips, undulating with him, taking him deeper. His cock jerked.
“Come for me,” she cried.
He did, pulling her with him as he took her mouth once more. He pumped into her twice more, their magic melding as the water eased back i
nto the tub.
Their chests heaved together as they calmed.
“My knight.”
“My princess.”
* * * *
In her mother’s room, Isa stepped into the dress.
“What’s that?” Aeryana asked, looking at her thigh.
She smiled. “A tattoo. I’ve seen Fae with far more ink than I have.”
“Never noticed that before.”
“It’s new.” She considered telling her mother about the blades, but decided against it.
Aeryana looked into her eyes. “I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you hate the idea of being a princess so much?”
“This is all you ever knew. I grew up bouncing from one home to the next, trying to find my place. I did, in Seattle, at my bar. I feel at home there. Here—I don’t know that I’ll ever belong.” Isa pulled the dress into place and turned. “Please, zip me.”
Her mother moved behind her, fastening the gown. A shudder traveled down her spine as the dress formed to her body.
“I forget how much you have had to endure and how much you missed out on.” Aeryana gently turned her. “Canton is a brilliant designer, but I prefer his hands not to be on me. I assumed you would appreciate avoiding his touch.”
“Why employ him if he disgusts you?” Isa asked.
Aeryana smiled sadly. “He is the best at what he does.”
“Or maybe you haven’t given the right people a chance to show you what they can do. Perhaps it’s time to find someone even more talented.”
Her eyes lit up. “You may be right. However, I’ll have to find him an appropriate assignment, because Canton has been the royal designer for centuries.”
“Then I’m sure there are many people who would hire him.” Isa shrugged. “Perhaps someone who likes the way he works.”
“Again, a wonderful idea. Besides, I know how you would have handled his wandering hands.” She touched Isa’s face. “Reance has shown me plenty. My warrior princess. I know what the tattoo covers. Blades finer than any Fae weapon.”
“Dad said you’ve battled.”
She nodded. “I can hold my own. Though you’ve far surpassed my abilities.”
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