Gwen saw the hopefulness in the lord’s expression and shot an earnest look to her friend. She willed him to accept the invitation. Ian hesitated, his body stiff as he considered his father’s request.
Ultimately, it was King Cai who broke the silence. “Of course,” he said supportively, gently taking his wife’s hand. “Please, stay and have your reunion on the patio. The rest of us shall retire indoors.”
Without waiting for anyone’s response, the king and queen left. Duke Aeron made to follow, still holding Gwen’s arm in his. With a quick and encouraging glance to her friend, Gwen complied and left Ian with his parents.
Chapter 7
Ian watched as Gwen and his brother followed Their Majesties inside the palace. He tried to give his friend a confident look as she met his eyes, but he doubted it was convincing. Gwen knew him too well.
Ian was a bundle of nerves at the prospect of being left alone to speak with his parents. It was a situation he avoided for so long, he had not expected it to ever happen. He probably should have considered the possibility now that he was back at Summer Court, but he had been too preoccupied worrying over Gwen and her safety to worry about anything else.
“You are looking well, Eilian.” Ian turned from the entryway and met his mother’s watery gaze. “It is so wonderful to see you.”
Ian managed a small smile. “Thank you, Mother. I trust all is well in Summertide?”
Lord Orin answered for his wife. “Yes. Your brother manages the estate’s affairs rather successfully.”
Lady Nance gave her husband a reproachful look, but Ian was not bothered by his father’s words. When Aeron voiced to their family he desired the noble title, Lord Orin attempted to create a good-willed competition between his sons. The old duke wished to see which son deserved the duchy more. The older fae was nothing short of surprised when Ian essentially conceded the title and the family’s holdings to his younger brother. The older twin left the Fae Realm without as much as an explanation to either of his parents. It was not until about three years after Wendy’s death when Ian truly felt remorse for leaving his parents without a proper farewell.
He and Gwen were spending a weekend afternoon at a children’s museum, and the toddler was busy playing with monarch butterflies in the newly constructed exhibit. Not a particular fan of insects, Ian remained on the outside of the netted enclosure and watched Gwen enjoy the exhibit. A loud crash to his right caused Ian to turn and momentarily take his eyes off Gwen. When he realized it was only a child knocking down a set of wooden blocks, Ian returned his attention to Gwen.
Ian could still feel the debilitating panic he felt when he realized he could not see the child. The male ran into the butterfly-infested room shouting Gwen’s name.
When the little girl emerged from a particularly dense swarm of orange and black insects, Ian nearly collapsed in relief. He bent down and immediately brought her into a tight embrace. Gwen was oblivious to Ian’s fear and simply wrapped her little arms around his neck in return. Moments later, she was eagerly pushing away to go back to enjoying the butterflies fluttering around her. Ian released her, but remained at her side the rest of the time.
As Ian carried Gwen out of the museum later that day, he remembered looking down and watching her as she napped on his shoulder. He could not help but relive the terror he felt when he did not know where she was, and he knew he would do anything to never feel that fear again. By all accounts, Gwen was his daughter. There was nothing more frightening for a parent than to not know where your child was; to not know if your child was safe.
Guilt bloomed as Ian considered how his parents must have felt following his departure. Ian had been too wrapped up in his own disappointment and sadness to consider the pain he must have caused them. Looking into his mother’s emotion-filled expression, Ian felt the urge to apologize.
Just as he was opening his mouth to speak, his father interrupted. “We are very proud of you, Eilian.”
Ian’s eyebrow rose in question. “For?”
“For keeping our princess safe in the Human Realm all these years,” his father answered with sincerity. “You have done your court a great service.”
“I did not do it for Summer Court.” Ian watched his father’s shoulders immediately stiffen in response to his curt answer. Ian did not regret his words. He did not choose to raise and protect Gwen out of loyalty to Summer Court. He did it for Wendy… and for Gwen.
“She seems to be a lovely girl,” Lady Nance offered kindly, attempting to break the tension building between father and son.
“She is,” Ian’s eyes shone with pride. “Gwen is intelligent and kind. She reminds me very much of her mother.”
“She certainly looks like Gwendolyn,” Lady Nance smiled. “Quite a beauty.”
“Indeed,” his father added, placing a hand on Ian’s shoulder. “She is very beautiful. Forgive me if this is intrusive, but is there a romantic relationship between the two of you?”
The disgust Ian felt was immediate. He shrugged off his father’s hand and leveled a stony glare his direction. “Absolutely not. I practically raised her.”
Lord Orin tilted his head to the side, seeming to not notice how upset his question made his son. “That is surprising. I would imagine her resemblance to Wendy might make her appealing to you.”
“Orin!” Ian’s mother exclaimed. She knew her husband’s words were distasteful and out of line.
“I am merely making an observation,” his father stated, undaunted by the discouraging expressions of both fae in front of him. “We all knew of your love for Gwendolyn.”
Memories of his childhood flooded into Ian’s mind. Lord Orin was never cruel, but nor was he kind. Ian’s father said what he thought, when he thought it. It did not matter if the words might cause harm or discomfort.
Ian’s father never shied away from addressing his oldest son’s infatuation with Wendy. He would often encourage Ian to make his interests known to the princess, with the hopes his son might become the next king of Summer Court. As a result of many similar discussions and encounters, Ian learned to emotionally distance himself from his father. He did not despise the male, but he did not feel close to him beyond what was required by biological nature.
Lady Nance turned worried eyes to her son. They pleaded with him to remain calm in spite of his father’s poor behavior. It was not the first time his mother gave him the expression.
Ian’s eyes softened. He reigned in the negative words threatening to spill out and instead said, “Gwenevere is like a sister or daughter to me. Nothing more.”
“You two are close, then?” His mother asked, trying to engage her son to learn more about him and the years she missed. “She seems to trust you a great deal.”
Ian did not know what might have given his mother that impression. Her time with Gwen and Ian was short to say the least. He simply decided to nod in response to her assessment. “I hope that is true.” Ian would do anything for Gwen, and he hoped she knew it.
Lady Nance smiled. “I am sure Wendy could not have found a more honorable fae to look after her child. She would be proud.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Ian willed himself to not succumb to the emotions his mother’s words elicited. He could think of nothing more meaningful than Wendy approving of the way he raised her daughter. “I have enjoyed every moment with Gwen.”
Lady Nance moved and surprised Ian by enveloping him in her slender arms. He hesitantly placed his hands on her back and returned the embrace. He felt his shirt dampen from her silent tears.
Ian tightened the hug. “Mother,” he said in a consoling voice. “It is okay.”
“I know,” she muffled into her son’s shoulder. “It’s only that I missed you so much.”
Ian’s guilt resurfaced and his eyes moistened with his own tears. “I am sorry I left without telling you,” Ian relayed an apology twenty years in the making. “It was selfish of me. Please forgive me.”
His mother leaned back and looked directly into her son�
��s eyes. “Of course we forgive you. Don’t we, Orin?”
Mother and son both turned to the mentioned Fae. Ian was shocked to see moisture gathered in the corners of his father’s eyes.
“Yes,” Lord Orin said gruffly. He cleared his throat. “Let us forget the troubles of the past. Your mother and I are simply grateful to have you back in Summer Court.”
Without thinking, Ian reached forward and brought his father into the embrace with his mother. Lord Orin was stiff, but slowly relaxed and returned the gesture. Ian could not recall the last time he embraced his father.
Despite the male’s abrupt nature, Ian knew his father meant well. No one could question the genuine affection the old duke held for his family; he simply did not show it in normal ways. Since he first left the Fae Realm, Ian learned it took too much energy to hold grudges. Seeing Aeron at the ball confirmed as much. Ian would be spending an increased amount of time at Summer Court now that the royals knew of their granddaughter’s existence. He should embrace the opportunity Fate gave him to reconnect with his family.
Ian was reminded of the conversation he and Gwen shared after Prince Kalan learned the truth about Gwen’s dual-court heritage. Ian tried to convince her to not return to Winter Court. Gwen’s inability to keep her Summer abilities hidden terrified him, and he would rather she not risk being discovered.
Gwen countered with a simple logic Ian could not argue against. “I am immortal, Ian… Eventually, I am either going to have to glamour myself all of the time … or I will have to continually move because all my friends are inevitably going to die and notice if I never age.”
Ian could still envision her gentle and imploring eyes as she finished her speech. “I love you, Ian. But you cannot be my only friend for my entire immortal life.”
Ian knew Gwen’s words were wise. He would use them to motivate resolution with his family. It seemed Fate, through its resourceful and unexpected ways, managed to bring Ian back to the Fae Realm. Most notably, it managed to bring Gwen, as well.
Ian did not know the precise mechanisms with which it would be done, but he believed Fate would work everything out in the end. It was just a matter of time.
Chapter 8
Duke Aeron continued to follow the king and queen once indoors. Gwen chewed on her bottom lip the further from the patio they moved, worried she left her friend in a situation he would not be happy about. She was considering turning back around when Aeron’s voice rose from the quiet.
“King Cai. Queen Orla. I suddenly remember offering to show Princess Gwenevere the Summer Palace following the evening festivities. Would Your Majesties mind if I make good on my promise?”
The royal couple smiled kindly between Gwen and her escort. “Of course not,” Queen Orla answered supportively. “We are sure Gwen is anxious to see more of her new home.”
“I am very anxious.” Gwen said with a nod, choosing to not comment on the word “home”. Her home was in a different realm…
“Might I suggest you begin your tour in the main library? I know it might sound dull, but the room hosts many beautiful portraits and sculptures to admire.”
The duke bowed to her grandfather. “A wonderful recommendation, Your Majesty. We shall start there.”
Gwen exchanged quiet goodbyes with King Cai and Queen Orla before turning her back to them as she and Duke Aeron left the room. Gwen couldn’t help the soft sigh of relief once she no longer felt their eyes on her. An amused laugh escaped her companion in response.
“You did well tonight, Gwen. I believe Their Majesties already adore you.” He gently squeezed her hand during his praise.
“I’ve never been so nervous in my life,” she admitted, his words surprisingly reassuring to her.
“There was no need. You could do nothing to make your grandparents disapprove of you.”
“Grandparents…” The word felt strange on her tongue. “It is weird to so suddenly have them in my life. I’ve only ever had Ian and Sharon.”
Duke Aeron stopped walking, turning his torso at a slight angle to face her. Gwen nearly tripped on the fine carpet with the sudden motion, but the duke continued as if he did not notice, “I know your time here might prove to be overwhelming. I would like to help you. I wish to help make your transition to life at Court as easy as possible. I would be honored if you considered me amongst those you can trust.”
Gwen’s eyebrows rose. She considered his words, quickly recalling all of her interactions with the man beside her. She remembered running into him at Winter Court and her unease at believing he knew of her dual-court nature. Her mind jumped to the night of the solstice ball and his confrontation with Ian regarding her safety. Instead of being angry or accusing, the duke seemed worried. Gwen realized, at almost every encounter with Aeron, his demeanor could be described as concerned… concerned for her.
Gwen gave him a small smile. “Of course I trust you, Duke Aeron. Thank you for your offer to help me through all of this.”
Looking as if her quick acceptance of his offer took him by complete surprise, the duke gave a soft chuckle. “Please. Call me Aeron.”
Remembering he already requested her to address him so, Gwen returned his chuckle. “Sorry. Aeron.”
With a new sense of comradery, the pair continued down an empty, velvet-carpeted hallway adorned with wall-length tapestries.
Gwen was in the middle of guessing the story depicted in one particular tapestry when Aeron gently tugged her arm left and they moved down another finely decorated hall.
“Where is everyone?” She asked, noticing they had not seen a single soul since leaving the king and queen’s private rooms. At Winter Court, Gwen could hardly remember a moment when she was alone outside of Ronan’s private rooms. A guard or servant could be seen every few steps in the Winter Palace.
“Only essential staff are being kept for the time being. It will be very unlikely to encounter any servants about the palace this time of night.”
“What about guards?” While Gwen did not feel in danger at Summer Court, Ian, Aeron, and her grandparents seemed to believe it was a possibility. It was hard to not become worried about her safety when everyone else did.
“Do not worry. They are present. The guards are stationed at more vulnerable locations throughout the palace.
“Besides,” he continued, setting his dazzling green eyes on her. One corner of his lips tilted up in amusement. “Do you not believe I can keep you safe?”
Without warning, Gwen felt a hot flush rise to her cheeks. She was no stranger to having someone flirt with her, but it was rarely done by someone as attractive as Aeron.
These fae guys are going to be the death of me…
Gwen willed away her embarrassment and her feelings of attraction. She did not need that drama in her life. Besides, the duke seemed like a flirtatious guy. Harmless… but flirtatious.
Instead of answering his question, Gwen changed the subject. “Any idea when I will have the defalutar potion removed from my system? If I am attacked, I will be at a disadvantage by not having full use of my powers.”
Aeron’s face was impassive. “You will not be attacked.”
“Regardless,” Gwen returned, trying her best to hide her irritation with his lack of an answer. “Any idea when?”
“I imagine it will be sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, only Their Majesties will be able to perform the task, and I am unsure when they plan on doing it.”
“What would be the point in waiting?”
He sent her a loaded look. “Some might fear you will use your fazing ability to leave Summer Court.”
Gwen smirked. The thought had crossed her mind. “I won’t lie and say I have not considered it.”
“That brings me to my next point,” Aeron barely acknowledged her self-condemning admission. “As you are under the influence of defalutar, we have no way of knowing if you are being honest when you say you will choose to remain in Summer Court for your safety. You have made your displeasure at missing medi
cal school quite plain.”
Gwen swallowed the building retort to his last statement. She sighed as any motivation to argue disappeared into the empty hall around them. Arguing would be pointless.
“I didn’t ask for any of this.” The whispered words flew out of her mouth on their own accord.
The truth of the simple statement made Gwen’s eyes prick with tears. She had gained and lost so much in the past months. The fluctuations in her life were nothing short of draining. Gwen longed for the simplicity of life prior to coming home for the summer. She missed the days when her biggest problem was having a cheating boyfriend and studying for her endocrinology final. The stress and anxiety associated with those situations seemed like child’s play compared to falling in love with your half-brother and finding out you were a creature out of a fairy tale.
Aeron graciously chose not to comment on her words or change in demeanor. Instead, he simply continued to lead her down more hallways, stopping once they reached two tall, oak doors. One of the doors was propped open. Through it, Gwen glimpsed high shelves full of books.
They entered the room and Gwen was immediately filled with a sense of awe at the incredibly high ceiling decorated with gilded tiles and gold-leaf designs. Light fixtures made to appear as candelabras hung throughout the room. Their soft glow illuminated the works of art King Cai mentioned earlier.
“Do you like it?” Aeron’s tone was hesitant, hinting he had picked up on Gwen’s sulky attitude moments ago.
“Absolutely,” she replied, continuing to turn and take in the library’s splendor. “It’s like a museum in here.”
“Queen Orla is an avid supporter of the arts. She has commissioned and purchased many works displayed throughout the palace.”
“Is she an artist herself?” Gwen asked the question out of genuine curiosity. She, herself, did not have a creative bone in her body. Instead, science and mathematics were the subjects she excelled at. She wondered if someone in her family might be more artistically inclined.
Work of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 2) Page 5