Destined for the Fae King (Courts of Faery #3)

Chapter 25

T he song changes as the king leads me down the marble pathway toward the wide circle where a few others have already started to dance. Fae and humans alike part for us. I raise my chin and channel all of my thoughts into looking like a queen and not tripping. Even the other royals look on.

The king’s hand on my lower back is warm as he pulls me into his embrace, as is his smile. I can almost forget the secret I learned the evening before. He really is a very good actor.

A slow rhythm leaves us in close quarters, my chest nearly brushing his crimson coat and the golden vest underneath. At first, I stare up at his face, trying to give the impression of being enamored in hopes that the crowd believe it. With the magic pouring off of him this evening and the feel of his body close to mine, it’s hard to keep up the act. I feign embarrassment and shift my gaze away out toward the crowd.

I catch sight of my uncle—hallelujah!—who gives me an encouraging nod. Yay for checking that box. My cousin is even less subtle with her two thumbs up.

Vasilius turns us slowly with the music, and I catch sight of something that almost has me skipping a step. Lysandir stands next to Wren from the Court of Air. She says something, and he throws his head back with a laugh. I nearly stumble a step, despite the fact that we’re barely moving. He’s so relaxed with her, so at ease… Hard to do with the King of Air glowering at him from Wren’s other side, but he still manages it.

“You’re close with the other courts?” I ask Vasilius.

He stares at something over my shoulder and blinks rapidly before glancing down at me. “The other courts?” His head cants ever so slightly to the side. “Not particularly. The Court of Water is an old ally, but close?” He shakes his head. “We could do better in the future though, don’t you think?”

“Of course,” I say. “That’s a great idea.”

And one I hope he follows through on, no matter who he chooses as queen or whatever else happens.

“I only ask because, well…” I slide my gaze back to his brother, and Vasilius follows it.

“Ah. Yes, my brother has been a strong advocate for expanding our relations with other courts, particularly since he ventured to the Court of Air to participate in their tournament.” Vasilius tsks and shakes his head. “A prince, participating in a foreign tournament for the chance at a wish from the cauldron. Though I suppose the friendship he developed with the king’s human lover is a boon for us.”

Friendship. I cling to the word. Though the topic of the competition brings up an entire litany of questions that taunt me so thoroughly I can’t help but voice the one that shouts the loudest. “Do you know what he planned to wish for? If he won?”

Vasilius adjusts his hold on me. We’re closer than before, his nearness more unnerving than anything. It takes effort to focus on each word when he finally speaks. “That’s the thing. It had something to do with his fated mate. ”

“Mate!” I squeak. “He has a mate?”

He chuckles in return. “Not yet. He said he saw her in one of his visions. She must have been truly horrible for him to want to change her future or his.” He hums to himself. “Both of them, in a way, I suppose.” He shrugs amid the dance.

Mate. Lysandir has a fated mate? Or will? A humorless laugh slips from my lips.

“Horrible. Yes, she must be,” I say in an effort to cover my reaction.

“My brother seems to think fate is set, but I prefer to think we choose our own destinies, don’t you?” Vasilius continues, as if what he’s shared isn’t all that significant. Maybe it wouldn’t be if I was as invested in him as I should be, but it’s his brother that’s woven his way into my heart, one who is apparently already fated for someone else. And loves yet another. Or maybe the same woman?

The whole night suddenly seems much darker.

“Yes,” I reply, feeling a bit numb. “That’s a much more optimistic perspective.”

The song draws to a close. Vasilius releases his hold on me, and for once, I’m reluctant for him to let go since he was the only thing keeping his comments from knocking me on my backside.

I go through the motions.

Smile. Curtsy.

Katherine is already there inserting herself in front of the king and asking for the next dance, which he accepts.

I wander off to the side of the dancefloor, heedless of my direction and the few fae who try to get my attention. Instead, I narrow in on a server with a tray of crystal flutes bearing bubbling liquid that resembles pink champaign. I grab one and take a big sip, savoring the sweet flavor and the bubbles that dance across my tongue .

“Hey! Look at you, getting the first dance with the king!” Selena throws her arm around my shoulders, causing the liquid in my glass to slosh precariously. She stares at me for one beat then another, before her expression drops along with her arm. “But you don’t look excited,” she says just above a whisper. “ ?Qué pasó? ”

“It’s…” I break off, my gaze shifting around us as various fae close in like they might want to chat with us or at least overhear what we’re talking about. That won’t do. Not at all.

I slide my arm through hers and turn us toward the glass menagerie. “Walk with me.”

If there’s anywhere we can be slightly more alone, it’s there.