The Golden Prince

by Nikki Jefford

The door flew open, crashing against the wall right before Kenzie ran into the study, squealing and jumping. “This is the best news ever!” She clasped her hands against her chest.

  “Kenzie, were you listening at the door?” Mother snapped.

  Unlike my sister, Lark’s guard remained in the hallway, awaiting an invitation inside. None was issued.

  Ignoring Mom’s question, Kenzie raced over to Lark and me. She threw her arms around me. “I should be shaking rather than hugging you.” She laughed. “But seeing as you came to your senses, all is forgiven.”

  “What’s all this about?” Lark asked curiously.

  “Nothing.” I sighed.

  “Were you being a pit head to our sister?”

  Kenzie squealed at that. Her arms moved from me to Lark. “You’re going to be my brother, Lark!” she screamed in her excitement.

  “Kenzie, control yourself!” Mother snapped. She rose from her chair, her eyes scary wide.

  Kenzie winced.

  Lark laughed and gave her a hug. “My family’s loud. I’m used to it.”

  Father’s smile faltered at the reminder of Lark’s unconventional family. But it didn’t change Lark’s status and the one he’d give me as his forever mate. My heart was still floating high in the clouds over Lark’s declaration of love. I hadn’t stopped to consider what it would mean to marry him—become his mate—his prince. It didn’t quite sound real. I’d never dared hope we’d become lovers, let alone life mates.

  “The ceremony must be held at Dahlquist Castle, of course,” King Liri said. “The wedding will be a spectacular event the entire kingdom will talk of for years to come. Sarfina will make sure of that. The ceremony will be followed by feasting and celebrations for a week.”

  Father’s eyes glowed again.

  King Liri turned his smiling gaze on Kenzie. “As the sister of a prince, you, Lady Maglen, will have your pick of all the males in the kingdom.”

  Kenzie’s cheeks turned pink. She stepped away from Lark and smoothed her skirts, turning suddenly shy.

  “Perhaps Easton Olaro?” Lark suggested.

  “What’s this now?” I whipped around to face Kenzie. She avoided my stare.

  “Calm yourself, my love.” Lark chuckled. “Now that Kenzie is to become my sister, I must tease her a bit.”

  I could hardly answer, not after he’d called me “my love” in front of my parents. This all felt too much like a dream come true. (Aside from the muddy, disgusting breeches and jacket. Let it go, I know. But Sky above, I needed a hot bath and fresh, clean clothes.)

  King Liri held out his hand. My father snatched it up in an instant. They shook, both grinning like they’d won a prize. King Liri next walked over to me and placed a light hand on my shoulder. “Welcome to the Elmray family, Crispin.”

  “Wait a minute,” Father sputtered.

  It was then I realized what King Liri meant. I was to give up my name. Become an Elmray. Prince Crispin Elmray. A giddy sense of excitement stirred through my chest. It felt like I was becoming the male I was always meant to be. Lark’s mate.

  “Yesss?” King Liri drawled, facing my father.

  Lark looked at me and, seeing my smile, broke out into a wide grin.

  Father clenched his jaw. “Nothing,” he muttered.

  I still expected him to object. I was his only heir. But it wasn’t like I’d be passing along the Maglen name, no matter what name I took. Father must have decided that having me become royalty, along with the riches that came with the title, outweighed a new generation of Maglens. Perhaps Kenzie could become the next countess. Perhaps her future mate could take her name. With Lark by my side, anything seemed possible.

  “Any more questions?” King Liri asked, pursing his lips.

  “Yeah,” said Lark. “Can someone please take that egg back to Phantiste before it hatches?”

  While the grown-ups stared at the egg nestled on Lark’s cloak atop my father’s desk, I sidled up to the prince and wrapped my arm around his waist.

  “Have I told you how much I love you?”

  Lark quirked one brow. “Would you say you’re hopelessly in love?”

  “Hopelessly. Desperately. Fervently,” I whispered, before kissing him for the first time in front of my family.

  EPILOGUE

  Lark

  Garlands wrapped in faerie lights and burgundy ribbon swept across trellises erected along the length of the throne room. This is where I would marry the love of my life. Following our vows, I’d crown Crispin as my forever prince. We’d commissioned standards in navy and burgundy, which would alternate from guard to guard. The standards would be lowered as we walked up to the gazebo in front of the dais.

  But first, there were party preparations to oversee.

  I found Aunt Sarfina in the grand dining room, pointing out the spots to place floral arrangements. We’d gone for a trendy color scheme of navy, burgundy, green, and metallic gold. The table settings looked gorgeous. Best of all, everything from the flowers to the decorations, food, and entertainment had been sourced from within the kingdom.

  My mom walked in with her hair in a thick red braid, wearing breeches, blouse, and a leather cincher. There was a sword sheathed at her side. Aunt Sarfina’s eyes widened in horror as she looked my mom up and down. Mom was busy sweeping a gaze over the votives and centerpieces arranged across the long table.

  “I still think you should have let me portal in some balloon bouquets,” Mom said.

  I flashed her a smile. “I told you, nothing from outside of Faerie—or Dahlquist for that matter.”

  Aunt Sarfina nodded. “This is a royal Fae wedding, Melarue, not a tasteless mash-up of realms.”

  Mom snorted. “Whatever Lark wants. This is his wedding.”

  “Well, he obviously has good taste, because it all looks elegant and regal.” Aunt Sarfina lifted her nose.

  Reed and Ronin slipped into the dining room. They leaned against the wall, sporting twin smirks. The pair put their heads together and began whispering. Ignoring them, I did a walk around the table, nodding every couple of place settings. Yes, it all looked ready for the after-ceremony feast. My family and the Maglens would dine here while guests were served hors d’oeuvres in the ballroom before we joined them for dancing and merriment.

  “Hey, Lark,” Ronin called out.

  “What?”

  Reed took a step away from the wall and said, “You’re marrying a dude.”

  The twins burst into laughter. I rolled my eyes.

  “Another male joining our family.” Mom sighed dramatically, then winked at me. “I’d take a dozen more like Crispin. He’s well-mannered and polite.”

  “Handsome too,” I threw in, which caused my brothers to giggle harder.

  “Yes, a wonderful match for my nephew.” Aunt Sarfina beamed at me.

  Reed elbowed Ronin. “Hey, Ronin. Maybe this means we have a chance with Zelie.”

  It was my turn to laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure Zelie would love smooching a couple of turds like you. Besides, you’re way too young for her.”

  Reed stuck his tongue out at me.

  “Case in point.” Not to mention Devdan would have both the twins’ hides if they attempted to tag team his only child. I’d already received a stern talking-to when we were children. Zelie and I had been playing dress-up when we were ten. Devdan’s focus had been on the undressing part. Yeah, he’d been scary, all right.

  “I don’t care that you’re a prince in Dahlquist. Try anything with my daughter and you’ll wish you’d never been born,” he’d said.

  There’d been a gleam in Devdan’s eyes. I’d been glad he didn’t have ice magic like his wife. Otherwise, he might have turned me into a frozen statue on the spot. He was probably relieved to learn I was gay. I swear the male never liked me. He and his wife had done everything in their power to never leave Zelie alone with me—like I was out to seduce their precious daughter. How wrong they’d been.

  “You’re six years younger than she is,
” I reminded Reed, because he was being annoying.

  “Five.” Reed folded his arms.

  “Over five and a half,” Mom corrected. “And too young to be dating anyone.”

  Reed scowled.

  “Well, better that they find themselves a female in Pinemist, because there’s no hope for them in Faerie,” Aunt Sarfina said as she pushed a floral centerpiece a half inch to the right.

  “Shouldn’t you be getting dressed?” Mom asked. “Crispin’s about ready in your suite.”

  And I bet he looked dashing. We’d commissioned suits from a tailor with an impeccable reputation in town. Crispin would be wearing a burgundy suit with a navy tie while I wore a navy suit with a burgundy tie. The suits looked smashing. I couldn’t wait for everyone to see us together. I’d been so enamored of the tailor’s work, I’d put in an order for more ensembles. I’d work on my fathers next, especially Lyklor. When in Dahlquist, he should try to fit in more. It brought the citizens comfort and showed unity and support. His Dr. Martens and graphic tees stuck out like sore thumbs. Sky only knew what he planned to wear to my wedding. In the end, he surprised me by showing up in traditional faerie pantaloons and a wool jacket with fancy brass buttons.

  The entire family was present, including Aunt Teryani, who rarely left her castle in Ravensburg. My dads and Uncle Liri wore their crowns, as did Aunt Hensley. Aunt Jastra and Aunt Sarfina wore tiaras. Mom was a queen without a crown—just the way she liked it.

  But it was Crispin who stole my attention, looking all robust and towering in his fitted suit, his hair tied back with a leather cord. We wore matching coronets of gold filigree encrusted with rubies and sapphires. The royal smith had outdone himself. The coronets were stunning without being gaudy or overdone.

  Our ceremony was brief and beautiful with family surrounding the gazebo in front of the dais in the throne room. I spoke my vows first before an elder officiating Fae.

  “Crispin Maglen, Earl of Ashcraw, tonight I claim you as my one true mate, my first and my only to protect and cherish from now until the end.”

  I heard a sniffle and was shocked to see my mom dab at her eyes. She’d changed into a green floral tunic and wore a wreath of flowers in her hair. Beside her, my dad Lyklor held my little sister, Melody (now four) up in her pink dress for a better view of me. My dad Ryo looked like he was blinking back tears. My own eyes misted, especially when Crispin looked at me with all the love in the world to repeat his vows.

  That was the emotional part. Next came the slicing of our palms and mingling of blood, which made me grimace and Crispin’s eyes dance with amusement. Exchanging rings wasn’t the way it was done in Faerie, not like the elven and mortal realms.

  A Faerie claiming ceremony ended in the slicing open of heartlines, followed by the clasp of hands and mingling of blood.

  “Allow me,” Crispin said gently when a dagger was presented.

  Taking my hand, he whispered, “I didn’t realize what a big baby you were.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’ll excuse me for my lack of enthusiasm at cutting open my skin and bleeding on this beautiful suit.”

  Crispin chuckled. “You’re not supposed to bleed on your suit. You’re supposed to bleed into my hand.”

  My steadfast mate took care of slicing both our palms, without spilling a drop on our suits, then we clasped hands. While our blood mixed, our eyes locked onto one another. I lost myself in Crispin’s gaze, temporarily forgetting about everyone else gathered with us inside the throne room. Crispin smiled. I smiled back.

  Our officiator spread his arms wide in front of us. “Prince Lark Elmray. Prince Crispin Elmray. It is my honor to announce that the two of you are officially mated.”

  Mom had told me what to expect of a faerie claiming ceremony since she’d been through two of her own. Fae mate claims didn’t end with a kiss, but I didn’t care. I leaned into Crispin and parted his lips with mine.

  In Faerie, blood was considered binding. But we elves liked to seal things with a kiss.

  The castle staff was quick to herd the guests out of the throne room and into the ballroom, giving our families space.

  My cousin Fraya bounded up to me, dragging a handsome elf with her by the hand. The male had long brown hair with a thin braid that started behind his left ear before dangling down his lean torso. I liked the warm way he smiled at Fraya. She didn’t usually wear dresses, but today she’d donned a pretty light blue empire gown.

  “Congratulations, Lark.” She gave me a playful smack before turning her smile to Crispin. “You do know what you got yourself into by marrying my cousin, right?”

  Crispin smiled. “Love makes you do crazy things.”

  “Well, I wish you both a Sky-blessed union. This is Conall,” she said, turning to the male.

  “Hey,” he said with a friendly grin.

  “Hi,” Crispin and I answered simultaneously, followed by a laugh.

  “Is this your first time in Faerie?” I asked.

  He nodded. “My parents weren’t keen on it, but since I was traveling with Fraya, they said okay.” He stared adoringly at Fraya.

  Kenzie hurried over and waved. “Hi, I’m Kenzie, Crispin’s sister.”

  “You’re Kenzie? You’re so pretty!” Fraya hugged Kenzie.

  Conall stood back and watched Fraya with a happy grin.

  Reed and Ronin hurried over. They’d cleaned up nicely in their matching tuxes. Too bad they’d bought them in the mortal world. I supposed I should take what I could get.

  “Introduce me to Crispin’s sister,” Reed hissed beside my ear.

  “You know I’ll kick your ass if you try flirting with her.”

  Reed’s lips pouted. “Hey, I’m your brother.”

  “Exactly. I know you too well.” I laughed. Now that the ceremonial stuff was over, I felt like I could relax and enjoy celebrating with my family and new mate. I looked at Crispin and found him staring at me, smiling. That look sent doves into flight inside my stomach.

  Reed tugged on my arm. Dragging my attention away from my mate, I smirked at Reed.

  “Have you met Conall?” I nodded at the blond elf.

  “Dude, I’m not gay,” Reed said.

  “Conall is Fraya’s date, doofus.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Conall held out his hand.

  While Reed pretended to be polite, I sidled up to Fraya and nodded at her date. “Nice male. Cute, too. Maybe Crispin and I will be attending your ceremony next.”

  “Puh-lease.” Fraya rolled her eyes. “Conall and I are still young and way too busy competing.”

  “Fair enough.” I laughed. “All I’m saying is I like him.”

  Fraya looked over at Conall and grinned. “I like him too. He’s a good one.”

  “You deserve a male who treats you right.”

  “So do you. I’m happy for you, cuz.” Fraya hugged me again.

  Then we were being ushered to the dining room for a six-course meal, which I was careful not to gorge myself on. I was way too eager to dance with Crispin for the first time. Uncle Liri had insisted Crispin and I take the places of honor at opposite heads of the table. Neither of us had wanted to be separated that far, but we did it to avoid inciting a debate as to which king and which queen should take up those spots if we did not.

  So I got through dinner. It was delicious. Mom even managed to sneak in a five-tiered cake with a two-grooms wedding topper from the mortal world. Crispin was a good sport and joined me in cutting the first slice of frosted cake and feeding a bite to each other. I’m pretty sure I saw Crispin’s mother, the countess, blanch.

  Welcome to my crazy family.

  We’d already selected a permanent guest room for Kenzie. She was welcome to portal and stay at Dahlquist whenever she wished. Crispin would be living here with me. I would visit Pinemist, but I didn’t plan to divide my time between realms. Hopefully, the kingdom’s citizens would appreciate having a full-time, live-in heir. Time would tell. There was so much more I wanted to do to help
the citizens of the kingdom. With Crispin by my side, I felt like anything was possible.

  Crispin

  Faerie lights twinkled overhead, glowing soft blue and purple in the darkened ballroom. It felt like we were dancing beneath the stars. Life-sized trees made of papier-mâché and embroidered fabric leaves hid the walls, turning the castle into an enchanted forest. Colored globe lanterns hung from the branches. Nobles and gentry whirled around in their fine cloth. My heart beat in tune to a merry melody.

  This was my first dance with Lark Elmray as forever mates.

  My first dance with him ever.

  With family and friends spinning around us, sneaking glances or openly staring, it all felt like a dream. Even Cadmi’s lethally aimed glare couldn’t dampen my spirits. Little had she known that her real competition wasn’t dressed in transparent fabrics or flouncy skirts. I wasn’t one to gloat. A look of haughty disregard, on the other hand, was my birthright as an earl.

  Prince.

  I was now a prince. Maybe that did call for one quick smirk in Cadmi’s direction. After all, she had treated my sister with beastly impertinence. Cadmi broke away from her dance partner and stormed off in a flurry of purple. I saw her go to the fountain of bubbling wine but doubted she’d be drinking to my good fortune.

  My arms circled Lark’s neck while his held firm around my waist, swaying to the music. Leaning my forehead toward his, I schooled my smile. “You’re not going to try to lift me up and spin me around, I hope.”

  Lark laughed and pulled me closer. “I’d rather hold you tight.”

  The sorta crazy thing was I felt like picking him up. I was that giddy with happiness. I wanted to lift him in my arms, spin him around and around until we were both dizzy and laughing as though drunk. Being held, and holding him, was nice too.

  Real nice.

  A blast of fire at the edge of the dance floor had guests pulling away, only to draw in closer when a muscular young male in a tight black sleeveless tunic and thick leather wrist cuffs began juggling flames. Behind him, two males dressed as neon butterflies walked in on stilts, spreading their orange-and-black fabric wings as they took towering, fluttering steps above our heads. A woman in a black-and-white-checkered bodysuit dashed in behind them and began folding her body into unnatural positions on the ground.