Leif came through my balcony door and set down the tray he was carrying before joining me at the balustrade. Far below, the lake was a mirror in the morning light and birdsong rang through the lush green trees. I glanced up, catching his faraway expression. ‘Penny for your thoughts?’
‘Another of your strange Earth sayings, Marla?’
‘Dad’s actually. It’s what he would say if he caught you with that dreamy look on your face.’ I went to the tray and removed the cover from one of the plates. ‘You remembered my favourite.’
He tapped his temple. ‘Everything important locked away forever.’ He flashed a grin, and my insides turned to liquid. The way his dark eyes glittered, the way his lips curved up at one corner, so enticing and kissable—the way he made them look all mine. But they weren’t all mine and I had to get a grip.
‘So, what’s the plan for today?’ I asked as I sat down and hurriedly began piling syrupy berries on to a forkful of pancake.
He took a seat on the other side of the table and lifted the lid off his breakfast. ‘We eat, we get ready, then we have our first allegiance ceremony right here in Castle region. After that we fly to the farthest regions of the kingdom and work our way back.’ He watched me shovel food into my mouth, a smile creeping across his lips, before picking up his own fork. ‘Thank you for agreeing to come with me.’
‘No problem,’ I said, doing my best to ignore the melting feeling all his talk of togetherness was giving me. It had been so long since I’d spent time with him. ‘But you said you’d tell me what you hear about me?’
Leif held a hand up, and when he’d finished what he’d just put in his mouth, said, ‘I hear you are kind and encouraging and helpful in every way—which is nothing I didn’t already know.’ He loaded his fork with more pancake. ‘And that you always take your time. I am told you make sure each faery is improving and if they’re not, you find some other way to offer hope. Hmmm, what else?’
‘That’s enough, you’re making me blush.’
He lifted his fork to his mouth, but drew it away again. ‘I am also told you seek advice openly and never forget to credit the giver. Did you know the Fae on your care teams consider it a great honour to work with you?’
‘How do you hear all this?’ I said, trying to sound unaffected.
‘Because I ask, Marla, how else?’
And now there were wildfires burning beneath my skin. I shoved more breakfast into my mouth.
We finished eating and, after arranging to meet in the conservatory when the daystone was full red, Leif left me alone, pausing at the balcony door to tell me he’d left a dress on my bed. I went inside to see. Pale pink against my cream bedcover, it was gently ruched at the waist. I brought it to my face, fabric soft as feathers against my cheek, a layer of silk beneath.
‘It is beautiful, is it not?’ the maid Seraya said.
I turned to see her arranging flowers on my dressing table, the stylist, Fenwy, waiting beside her with a basket in her arms. ‘It’s perfect.’
‘Our King-to-be knows his betrothed well.’ Seraya exchanged a smile with Fenwy.
‘I’m going to have a shower,’ I told them.
When I returned, Seraya helped me lift the dress over my head, brushing out the fabric with her fingers. I stood on my toes and peered in the mirror, turning from side to side. The skirt fell low at the back and gathered softly at my feet, and the bodice, a tiny garden of crochet flowers, was held in place with narrow straps that curved around my shoulders and under my arms, leaving my back and sides bare.
‘You look beautiful, Princess,’ Fenwy said, splashing tonic into her hands before sinking her fingers into my hair.
‘Never more so,’ Seraya agreed, arranging pots of sparkles and gloss alongside the brushes and vials of fragranced oils.
Together they worked their magic quickly—styling hair, highlighting cheekbones, painting images on my arms and cheeks and dabbing fragrance on wrists and elbows.
When they were finished, they stood back and admired. ‘Fit for a king,’ Seraya said.
‘Our new king,’ Fenwy added.
I left them and went to meet Leif, a single thought in my head. If only.
Chapter Twenty-three
Leif’s face popped up from behind a water feature when I arrived in the conservatory. I clasped a hand to my heart. ‘Are you trying to kill me?’
He apologised as he shot a look over my shoulder.
I frowned. ‘What is it?’
‘I am watched and whispered about everywhere I go.’ He stepped out from behind the plants, dazzling me completely. He wore cobalt blue and a golden crown encrusted with diamonds and sapphires. His body had been painted—shades of blue and green and gold, vibrant against his brown skin.
I let my breath go in a sigh, relieved his mind was elsewhere. ‘You are about to become King.’
‘But I’ve always been safe from stares and whispers around my home.’
‘Poor introverted you,’ I said, unable to stop my smile. ‘But don’t worry, it won’t last. I never see your father harassed at home.’
‘You make fun of me, but come see.’ He took my hand and led me to the wide arched doors leading to the courtyard where King Telophy had sworn allegiance to me. All through the garden, down by the lake, up and down the river, filling the trees and the sky, everywhere faeries waited, thousands and thousands of faeries, eyes trained towards the castle.
Leif stared out at the multitudes. ‘I feel so inadequate—I haven’t done enough to prepare.’
Keeping his hand, I led him back inside, pulled him down on a seat for two hidden among the green. ‘Do you really think you would have been born to be King and not possess the resources to go with it?’
‘I’m not ready.’ His voice was more unsure than I’d ever heard it.
‘You’ve been ready since the day you became immortal.’ I thought of my father, the words he’d spoken to me. ‘All you need to do is step into it.’
‘You truly believe so?’
‘I do, and Leif, everyone loves you. They’re drawn to you like … I don’t know, like butterflies to sugar. You’re like some kind of faery bait.’
He enclosed my hand in his. ‘But twenty-one is too young.’
My fingers smouldered, every nerve alive and pulsing under his strong grip. ‘Your age is a bonus.’ He went to speak but I carried on. ‘I don’t mean to put your grandfathers down, or your father—they love their subjects and there’s nothing more important than that. But they set themselves apart—no, above. And you don’t do that. I’ve seen you with your subjects-to-be, and … you’re one of them.’
He seemed lost for words, before at last he murmured, ‘Thank you, Marla.’ I got the feeling he had more to add, but he only stood, bringing me with him. ‘Are you ready?’ he asked.
‘To go outside?’
‘To share allegiance with me?’ His voice was silk and a shiver surged in my heart, rushed through my blood. How would it feel to be allegiant to him? Would it make me love him even more? And what about him? How would he feel? In the months since he’d woken, he hadn’t given me a hint that he was even slightly affected by our betrothal connection. Would sharing allegiance with me reawaken some of those feelings in him? Another thought occurred to me—was I the first?
His next words answered my last question at least. ‘Make me King, Marla.’ He reached for my free hand and took it in his.
I looked up into his eyes. ‘Work your magic, Leif.’
He released my hands and brought me gently into his arms. He was trembling. ‘Do you mind? I only get to do this once … I want to do it right.’
Did I mind being in his arms, his body next to mine? ‘No, I don’t mind.’ Of course I don’t mind. I wove my arms around him, hands pressed to the hard muscle of his back.
He brought me closer still. My legs shook, my heart raced, his lips were on my hair. I felt like I would dissolve, like his fingers would leave scorch marks on my skin.
‘I of
fer you allegiance, Marla.’ Whispered words just for me, warm breath in my ear, goosebumps rising on my skin. ‘I would love and protect and honour you … Do you accept me as your king?’
A pause, the only sound our two hearts beating as one.
‘Yes,’ I said, and a long sigh escaped him. ‘And in return you have my love and trust and reverence.’
As the words left my mouth that tugging feeling started in my fingers and toes, working its way up, gently at first—a soft tingling—but soon gathering strength, singing and surging through my limbs. Into my belly, collecting in my chest—wild and looking for release, making me shiver and shudder. My lips parted as the essence rose up my throat. I would have fallen at his feet if my betrothed hadn’t held me fast in one strong arm. I would have given my allegiance to him in the same way I had his father. Instead, his free hand cupped my chin and tipped it up, and bending to meet me, he opened his mouth, held it millimetres from mine and took what was now his.
But I wasn’t close enough. Tightening my arms around him, I went up on my toes, my lips touching his as the exchange went on—connected for the first time in forever, that strand of me going into him. When it was done, I pressed my forehead to his chest and let him take my weight. And then he was pouring his essence into me. I lifted my face to see. He was lit up like an angel, brilliant white light coming from every part of him. Beautiful, fizzing love penetrated my skin, making me cry out—coming out of him and into me, tying us together in a new bond. I clung to him, our souls joined in a completely different way. And then he was releasing me. I dropped to my knees and looked up at him. He was radiant, his face filled with wonder.
‘I am King.’ His voice was heavy with disbelief. ‘I can feel it.’
I could feel it too, but I couldn’t respond, I was too busy biting my tongue to stop myself confessing just how much he was to me. My King, my love, my soul.
He reached a hand to me and I let him bring me to my feet. Together we went outside and, filled with new strength and resolve, Leif began the process of making the kingdom his.
Afterwards, we flew to Leif’s balcony, just like we had in the old days. He threw his crown on the dresser and fell on to his bed with a long and happy sigh. Feeling awkward, I told him he should get some sleep before nightfall. The Shadow Fae wouldn’t wait for a new king to become accustomed to his position. Tonight they’d be out sating their cravings as usual. Which was why, as they’d become allegiant to him, Leif had made the guards his own. He’d given each of them telepathy with him so they’d be ready to respond to their new king’s directions when he heard the calls of his captured subjects.
As I slipped by him on my way out, he caught my wrist. ‘Thank you for being part of today, Marla.’
His fingers were warm and strong. ‘I’m glad you asked me.’
‘I couldn’t have done it without you.’
I looked down into his dark eyes. ‘I think you could.’
‘It wouldn’t have been the same.’ He let go of my wrist and turned on to his side, propped up on one elbow. ‘I am King, Marla, tied to my father no longer.’
It was the thing I was most grateful for. Leif had made the vow that had virtually made him his father’s servant for my sake—so that I would be allowed to live in the kingdom of my birth. I sat on the edge of his bed. ‘Was it so bad, Leif?’
He shrugged. ‘We all must answer to someone.’
‘Not you. Not anymore.’
‘That’s not true. I must answer to my subjects, my grandfathers, and …’
I waited but he closed his mouth so I said, ‘It’s not the same.’
‘Look what happened to Mirren when he didn’t answer to those he should have.’
‘He has a kingdom again, doesn’t he?’ I couldn’t quite keep the resentment from my voice.
Leif studied me before speaking. ‘We’re friends are we not, Marla, despite everything?’
Friends—we should have been so much more. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
‘Good, because I will need help, people I can trust. Which is why I want you to consider being part of my Most High.’
‘Me? You’re not serious.’
‘I am, yes.’ His voice was cool and calm.
‘But what will people say? I’ve been here for what, five minutes?’
‘You can tell me either yes or no, Marla.’ Just don’t doubt my judgement is what his expression seemed to add—or perhaps it was don’t doubt your own.
‘But what would my role be? I’ve learned some things, but …’
‘Advisor is all. I value your opinion.’
Advisor. I knew so little about the politics and organisation of Faera. Not only that, but we would be in such close contact. I’d have to watch his life with Haigen unfold. I started to shake my head when a voice in my mind stopped me. You’re stronger than that.
Hilary. My decision was made. ‘If you want me, Leif, I’ll do it.’
His response was a smile. It was all there was time for, as we were interrupted by a knock on the door. We both turned towards it as he called out, ‘Come.’
Haigen walked in, little green skirt swishing around her thighs. She shot a noxious look in my direction before smiling at Leif. She leaned down and hugged him, one bare foot popping up behind her. A spark seared at the corner of my eye and he was pulling her down. My mouth went dry as his long fingers sank into her hair before their lips connected, my stomach boiling with nausea as I strained to see if what I was witnessing was true. I scrubbed at my eyes, blinked and tried again. There was nothing to tell me it wasn’t really happening, except that there was no way Leif would be so insensitive as to do that in front of me. Cursing the dark magic, I left them alone.
Wait, what’s wrong? he called after me.
I couldn’t tell him the truth—the dark magic wouldn’t allow it; the words were as stopped up in my mind just as surely as they were my mouth. I’m fine, Leif, just tired.
You grew pale and ran … just like the morning I woke up.
I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?
A pause. The throne room—when the daystones are orange. There was an edge to his voice. I could hear it even though he spoke directly to my mind. He thought I was jealous, or lacking trust— something. But there was nothing I could do.
It was no surprise Leif had chosen Haigen and her father to be among his Most High. Aside from his parents, there were no other faeries he loved more. They looked like exotic twins, noble in blue, the same deep shade as their eyes. A fog of sweet spice fragrance clung to the air around them, Haigen’s favourite, following her like a devoted puppy—warning me she was near. Nian inclined his head as I joined them. Haigen ignored me. But I didn’t care because Jack was standing next to her. I took the empty space beside him. ‘What are you doing here?’
Haigen gave me a look as Jack held his hands up and wriggled his fingers. ‘Surprise.’
I lowered my voice to a whisper as Haigen’s brother Rowan slipped in beside Jack. ‘Leif never said—’
‘What, that he couldn’t rule the kingdom without me?’
The sound of hinges groaning and heavy doors parting behind us stole my response. I looked over my shoulder and drew a rapid breath. Leif, tall and splendid and magical—like a king from some ancient fairytale.
He strode down the centre of the room, sentries lined up either side. His long legs were clad in tights the green of moss, and he wore an oak-brown cape lined in burnt orange. It flowed out behind him, a flash of gold leaf at the hem, the clasp at his throat bearing the emblem given to him at birth. And on his dark and windswept hair sat a multi-peaked crown I hadn’t seen before— gold and adorned with gemstones in autumn colours. He climbed the stairs to the dais, his parents close behind.
There’d been changes since the last time I was in this room. Two of the three thrones had been removed. Leif took the remaining one—the one that used to be his father’s. High backed and crafted from rich, dark wood, it was heavily engraved and jewel en
crusted. Beneath him, his parents stood to one side, his mother clutching tightly to her husband’s arm. They looked so remote.
As the leader of the Most High, Nian was the first to be called forward. He dropped to his knees and listened to Leif’s words. As he lowered his body to the ground, I wondered how it felt for him to be prostrate before his new king, a faery he’d known since infancy, to see so much power in the hands of the one he’d carried on his shoulders, taught to make first a flute and then a blade. Leif released a haze of soft and shimmery light into the man he’d considered a father. It fell over Nian’s body like mist and he sighed as he received it.
When my turn came, I went to my knees before my new King. He was even more impossibly stunning up close. How had I missed this yesterday—this magnificence that seemed to have seeped under his skin? Had something happened overnight? The power in him was like a soundless hum in the air. I knew he’d only need to will it and he could set the room ablaze. Shivers raced through my blood.
His lips wore a faint smile when he spoke. ‘Marla, owner of my confidence and trusted of my heart, most valued are you in my kingdom and respected is your council. I welcome you to my Most High.’ With the hint of a nod from him, I lowered myself to the ground, the willa cool under my hands and forehead. His power came into me in a gentle wave—not a new connection, but a gift, the shivery light bonding with my soul, filling me with love and sending me soaring. I was one with the stars and the sun and eternity, one with all of life. And then the sensation was fading.
I looked up to my king, his eyes warm and dark. He waited for me to speak, that barely-there smile still hovering on his lips. I stood. ‘I am most honoured, My King, and at your service.’
He placed a gold band on my head, and directly to my mind told me, Thank you.
Leif left us, and with the other new members of the Most High, I went out into the garden, the soft drone of insects and the murmur of running water soothing. I felt drowsy in the sun’s lazy beams and closed my eyes, lifting my face to the sky.
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