Lord of the Hunt

by Shona Husk

  Taryn bristled. “Actually I had my pick of men. Some were my lovers for quite a while.” Six months was a long time in the mortal world. After that, things got complicated. “You should really cross the veil more often. It can be a lot of fun, going to movies, going shopping, going to nightclubs and rock concerts.” Homesickness stabbed her in the gut and twisted. God she missed the mortal world. She may not have fit in perfectly there, but at least she knew her place.

  The other women looked at her like she’d suggested they all run around naked.

  “Why would we want to spend any more time there than required?” Rhodia picked up a ball, tired of the conversation.

  Taryn opened her mouth, but someone else cut in.

  “He’s back,” one of the women whispered.

  While no one actually moved to look, all eyes drifted across to the man on the horse who’d just come through the doorway. They could have played anywhere around the castle, but this was the place to be, watching the comings and goings from Court. Verden was back from the mortal world. He looked grim. His lips were pulled into a thin line. He rode past their game without even looking at them.

  She carefully released the breath she’d been holding. She expected him to at least acknowledge her existence and that the women were standing there instead of slighting everyone and going straight past.

  “Well that was rude,” Rhodia said, and Taryn had to agree. “Usually he stops to speak to me.” She stroked a coil of hair.

  Taryn looked at Rhodia, who was still watching Verden. Did she fancy him? Probably. He was the highest-ranking bachelor here. Had she unwittingly stepped between Rhodia and Verden?

  “Word is he’s been in a vile mood.”

  “I wonder why. It’s not as if any woman would kick him out of her bed.”

  Taryn hoped she wasn’t the cause of his mood. Did he regret letting her win another trip across the veil? “I heard he’s been hunting more, troublesome Greys. Or maybe he wishes to spend time away from Court.” The words were out before Taryn could stop them, but someone needed to put the bitch Rhodia back in her box.

  Rhodia glared at Taryn.

  Now might be a good time to walk away from the game before she said anything that might compromise her further. She needed to be more careful around Rhodia. Taryn smiled at Sulia as if she’d truly enjoyed the game. “I think I might go to the library for a while.”

  Sulia gave her a pitying look. “You have so much to catch up on, you poor thing.”

  Sitting and listening to the singing stones was a respite from the constant socializing and yet a perfectly acceptable pastime as she was learning about Annwyn. She walked back into the castle. The leaves were more golden today, and more petals carpeted the ground.

  She swept past the tables of games in the Hall of Flowers, past the Prince and Verden, who were having a quiet discussion over dice. Like him, she didn’t let her step falter, but she was beginning to wonder if he’d ever take her to the mortal world again. Ever kiss her again even though she knew he hadn’t risen to Hunter by breaking his word.

  It was hard to be patient when she wanted to feel the press of his lips on hers. She wanted to see his smile reach his eyes. She wanted to get away from Annwyn, if only for a few moments, to let out all the frustration that was building.

  The Court was carrying on as if nothing was happening, as if the flowers weren’t dying and the leaves weren’t falling. They feasted while more souls were arriving than ever before and the river swelled like a leech feasting on the upset. She wanted to scream at the pettiness of it all. It was like the sodding Titanic. Play on, boys, and ignore that the ship is sinking. The party must go on!

  She walked across the hall and through the corridor that was ribboned in sunlight sneaking between the thinning leaves, and then into a chamber, which was like a dome. A huge dome littered with gray stones. Some were only fist sized, while others reached for the roof like Stone Age monuments. Sulia had shown it to her and given her the chance to listen for a few minutes before moving on. Sulia had been far too nice, letting her join in even though the other women thought she was beneath them. Sulia definitely wanted something, but Taryn hadn’t worked out what it was yet. Until she did, she had to be careful.

  However, she was grateful that she knew of this place. It was the perfect place to hide, learn, and stretch. She wasn’t used to sitting around all day with a smile stuck to her face. She let her shoulders ease and the smile fade. Why Verden hadn’t included it in his tour was a mystery. But then, he’d only shown her the social aspects and tempted her with promises of trips to the mortal world.

  She sat against a medium-sized rock and closed her eyes. The song swelled around her when she touched it, a battle for the throne. Gwyn’s battle for the throne. She was sure there was a way to find specific pieces of history, but for the moment, anything was fine. If anyone came in, she was simply doing some study, learning her heritage or something along those lines, but she doubted she’d be disturbed. The grass didn’t look as though it saw many feet. She ran her fingers over the soft green tips and listened to the song of an ancient battle and the destruction it had caused to both worlds.

  Winter and plague.

  Loss of love and life. The woman Gwyn had planned to marry killed by his brother. The Queen a substitute, the younger daughter of a human king that Gwyn had befriended. Had they ever truly been in love or had it always been duty that was now bringing bitterness? As they bickered, people died.

  Fairies brought death. Is that what her heritage was? Is that all she had to offer?

  Her parents wanted to live. She wanted a life. She wanted love. Love like her parents had, able to hold fast no matter how bad it got. It was possible, no matter what she’d seen so far at Court—just maybe not possible at Court.

  Verden formed in her mind. He wouldn’t know love if it bit him on the ass. Her lips curved as she wondered what his ass would look like; the long waistcoats that were in fashion at the moment hid far too much. Now, a nice pair of jeans that showed off his butt and thighs, a slightly tight T-shirt. She’d tug his hair out of the binding and let it hang loose.

  Yeah, he was trouble even when she dressed him as a human.

  “You’re smiling at an epic battle that killed a third of all fairies.” Her daydream spoke.

  Taryn opened one eye, then the other. Verden was standing in front of her. Pink crept up her cheeks—how did the other women control that? “You’re intruding on my thoughts.”

  He looked at her for a moment, then bowed. “I shall leave you to them.”

  “Please don’t.” She didn’t know when she’d get to talk to him again. She went to stand, and he offered her his hand to help. Their palms touched. His was rougher, warmer. He drew her up as if she weighed nothing, and she ended up standing far closer to him than she’d intended. She tilted her chin a fraction to look up at him.

  Then he kissed her. His mouth sealed hers, hard and urgent. He moved closer, pressing her against the stone she had been listening to. It was cold against her back, but she didn’t care. His tongue traced her lower lip before slipping past and coaxing a moan from her. It was no longer just the magic of Annwyn flowing through her blood. Pure lust burned through her veins, hot and heady. Her fingers caught the edges of his waistcoat.

  He drew back a fraction. “I had to see you.”

  For an answer she kissed him. Every time he’d walked past without looking at her, or looked but did not stop to talk, had been for show. They couldn’t be friends here. He’d kept his word…so why was he breaking it now?

  Anyone could walk past.

  She broke the kiss off even though she was still hungry for his touch. The way his body pressed against hers left nothing to her imagination. His body was firm, and he wanted her just as much as she needed him in that moment. But the fineness of the fabric and the friction of the embroidery on his waistcoat were a reminder of how above her station he was. Whatever was happening wouldn’t go far. She would leave; he wou
ld remain. He was a Court fairy, and she wanted to go back to the mortal world where games didn’t kill.

  “It’s been noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time away from Court. The Ladies are talking.” Her lips brushed his as she spoke, stealing another taste.

  “I’ve been working. They should try it sometime.” He took another kiss that left her breathless, the way no human man had ever done.

  “Thank you for the cards.”

  “I’m glad I got the chance to play with you.” His hand cupped her cheek. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to ignore you?”

  Of course she did. She wanted to say, “Then let’s stop and see what happens,” but she couldn’t. She knew that if the King saw her with another man, his favor would end. As much as she hated it, she needed his attention. She just hoped Felan knew as much about his father as he claimed. “I wish it wasn’t this way.”

  “It won’t be forever.”

  Would she tire of him when the thrill was missing? If she could be with him in public, there would be no burning expectation to see him again. She was here for a reason, not a good time—and not a long time. They both knew that.

  “How come you didn’t show me this place?”

  “Hard to make connections if you’re hiding.” His hand traced over her ribs and brushed the side of her breast.

  Her back arched a little, daring him to go further. He watched her as his thumb swept over her nipple, the peak pressing against her dress. He lowered his head to take another kiss, slower and deeper this time.

  A dog yipped and he stepped back as if touching her burned. “I have to go.” He glanced at the door. “Tonight, after dinner.” Then he turned on his heel and walked away.

  Taryn stayed where she was, catching her breath and trying to calm her body. Human men had never made her feel like that. She swallowed and eased her back away from the stone, smoothing her skirts and hoping that she looked respectable. Her finger touched her lips. She could ignore him—she could ignore him really well if he would do that more often.

  Chapter 8

  Verden caught Taryn’s gaze from the other end of the table as he raised his goblet. He’d promised her a trip across the veil tonight. He needed the trip. Between Court and hunting, he needed the peace of the wilds—any wilds would do, although he had his favorite places. He hadn’t decided where to take Taryn tonight. Somewhere different. Warmer. He had ideas of easing the dress from her body and tasting her skin.

  For a moment he let himself enjoy the idea before shutting it down. Not because he didn’t want her—it had been a while since he’d acted on lust without considering all the possible implications—but because he didn’t want it showing on his face.

  The King laughed as Taryn showed him another game. Jealousy stabbed beneath his ribs and twisted. He wanted to be the one sitting next to her and laughing, yet it had been so long since he’d seen Gwyn look as though he was enjoying himself that he couldn’t begrudge the man some happiness. He just wished someone else were causing it, and he didn’t want to be the one ruining it. Jealousy had no place in his heart—and his heart had no place at Court.

  He glanced at the Queen, dancing with her son and a few of his friends as if there was nothing wrong. Felan was doing his best to keep her occupied, to keep her from spoiling the temporary peace. Did anyone in this room realize how hard some of them were working to keep everything going?

  Probably not.

  Every day there were more unfamiliar faces. Those who weren’t in exile or banished were making their way back to Court. Most were making their presence known, reswearing loyalty and leaving for the villages at the fringes until the storm blew over.

  Part of him wanted to do the same.

  He finished his glass of wine and signaled for a refill.

  Taryn’s laugh drew his attention again. For a moment he let himself watch her and only her. He didn’t want to see the way Gwyn smiled at her or the way his hand touched hers for longer than was needed. She was playing her own game. If he fouled it up for her, she wouldn’t speak to him again—and he certainly wouldn’t get the privilege of sneaking across the veil with her.

  He should’ve gone looking for trouble in the mortal world instead of watching her empty smiles and meaningless touches. His stomach turned. She was learning the manners of the Court too fast.

  She leaned closer to the King, but her words carried. “Sire, I beg a favor.”

  Gwyn regarded her closely. Verden wasn’t the only one listening to the exchange. He was almost holding his breath for her. Please don’t ask for the pardon.

  The King was having fun, spoiling it now would not win her any favors…actually, it would see her permanently removed from this table and all hope would be shattered. As much as he hated watching her with the King, he didn’t want her to fail. He didn’t want to see her grieving her parents’ death either. Did they realize the love and loyalty she had for them? More than he’d had for his parents. He pushed aside the thought before it had a chance to gnaw at him. There’d be time to see his parents later.

  “You may ask, but I may not grant.” Gwyn placed down his goblet.

  Taryn’s smile faltered as if she sensed the change in the King’s mood. “I would like permission to visit my grandmother Cerela. I believe she lives not far from Court?”

  Gwyn raised one eyebrow. “Why do you seek to leave Court already?”

  “I’m sure she is eager for news of my mother.”

  “Are you always so thoughtful of others?”

  “Perhaps it is a human trait I have picked up.” Taryn glanced away as if embarrassed to be admitting such a thing.

  She was playing the King and he seemed to be believing it—or maybe he just wanted to believe it. The idea that a pretty young thing raised across the veil would fall into his bed must be powerful for an ancient King now facing winter.

  Isn’t that why he was attracted to her? She was different. Fairy and yet…untainted was the only word that sprung to mind. The way Verden had been once, before the lust for power and status had made him who he was. He spun his goblet on the table. No, he’d never been as innocent as Taryn. He’d sought the power of Court where she didn’t want it; she only wanted her father’s pardon. While many would sneer, he respected that. Maybe she was stronger than he was. She certainly had a better heart.

  Maybe she was playing him and he wasn’t even realizing.

  If she was, he didn’t care.

  He was enjoying it.

  For once, he was going to do what he wanted, and the only way to do that was to keep playing in the dark, away from Court. Even as he planned his game, he knew he was betraying the King. Every kiss he shared with Taryn meant something. He wasn’t sure what, but it was more than a simple deal.

  “Your grandmother isn’t far from here. There is a small hamlet where the tailors, cobblers, and tinkers live. Take the path that passes the maze. I give you permission to go and find her. I’m sure some of the Ladies will go with you to look at fabric and ribbons.” Gwyn leaned forward. “Perhaps the Hunter could accompany you to make sure you return safely.”

  Taryn glanced at Verden and for a heartbeat he couldn’t find words. He nodded. Gwyn was only sending him to make sure Taryn didn’t take off. She was almost a prisoner of the Court. Felan could have invited her back and let her have free run of Annwyn, but no, he’d made sure she was here and close to the King. “I can’t think of a way I’d rather spend a day than escorting Ladies around.”

  Usually that would have been a lie.

  “Thank you, sire.” Taryn bowed her head.

  Verden stood and bowed to the King. He didn’t have to offer excuses. The King acknowledged him with a slight raising of his hand and that was it. He was dismissed. Getting out of the hall and out of the castle had never felt so good.

  Taryn might be kept there by royal command, but he’d willingly sold himself to the Court. He felt the weight of that deal with every breath. Yet if he had freedom, he didn’t know w
hat he’d do with it. He’d been caged for too long.

  Hunter of Annwyn was just the first slave of the Court.

  ***

  As before, a white hound was waiting for her just outside the castle. The dog gave her a sniff and then loped away, heading in a different direction than last time. For a moment she hesitated, and she glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching. But she was alone, and if she wanted to leave Annwyn and see Verden, she didn’t really have a choice.

  There was further to walk this time. As the castle became more distant, the knot in her stomach tightened. What if someone caught her out here? She knew sneaking away was wrong and yet…waiting to escape gave her hope and a reason to fake her way through dinners and games and all the other things she didn’t care about.

  She’d almost asked for the pardon tonight. The words had burned her tongue, but she’d seen the look in the King’s eye change the moment she’d asked for a favor and had known that Felan was right about the timing, and it had to be something small first to test the water. The only reason she was no longer panicking every time the King smiled at her was because she knew it was a game for the Court—assuming Felan was right about that too.

  He had to be. The alternative didn’t sit well at all.

  The dog leaped over some brambles and she followed, lifting her dress so it didn’t catch. A flash of white in the shadows caught her eye. Too big for a dog. A horse.

  “Finished playing cards?” Verden was hidden in shadows so she couldn’t read his expression, but she could hear the sharpness of his words. Was that jealousy?

  “For tonight.” They both knew she had to keep going for her parents. “Finished scowling?”

  Silence. Then he moved, stepping into the dappled moonlight. “I hate this. Yet I can’t stop. I want to play cards with you. I want to dance with you instead of pretending I don’t care.” His fingers traced down her arm. “Then I think maybe it’s only because I can’t have you that I want you.”

  She knew exactly what he meant. Of all the men at Court, Verden was the one who could derail her plans, and yet he was the one who drew her eye. She wanted him. She closed the distance between them, her body almost touching his. “We could test that theory.”