by Nissa Leder
Laik, the queen’s advisor stood blushing as he took in Scarlett’s disheveled appearance.
Scarlett’s cheeks flushed, too. She shouldn’t care what he thought; she didn’t know him. But she sensed his embarrassment, which triggered her unease.
“Yes?” Scarlett asked.
“I was wondering if you had a moment to speak.” Laik peered into the room.
Scarlett moved to the side. “Sure.”
Laik entered the room as Kaelem—dressed in only pants—exited the closet.
Awkward.
“What did you need to discuss?” Scarlett asked.
“We are glad you’ve made the trip here, but I wanted to let you know you are under no obligation to stay.”
Scarlett glanced at Kaelem, whose eyebrow curved.
“We’ve come as the queen requested,” Kaelem replied. “What sense would it be to leave now that we’re already here?”
Laik stared at the ground. “The relationship between our two courts has always been fragile. But the queen appreciates the truce we have and as a token of her appreciation, she understands if you'd rather focus on your court affairs instead of attending the celebration.”
Kaelem stared at Laik. “Is there a reason your queen doesn't want us here?”
“No.”
“Is there a reason we shouldn't be here?”
Laik’s gaze momentarily shifted to Scarlett, then to the ground. “The fae world prepares for war. I'm sure you've heard rumors. I see no reason to push the relationships between our courts. We’re amicable. More so than at any time in our history. I don't want to see the peace between us broken.”
“I have no intention of doing anything to offend your queen. Hiding from each other will not keep our courts unified if war hits.” Kaelem approached Laik. “We thank you for your offer, but we will see you at dinner.”
“See you then.” Laik tilted his chin in a nod and exited the room.
The door shut—probably by Kaelem’s magic.
“Now, where were we?” Kaelem unbuttoned his pants.
“About to get ready for the dinner you just promised we’d go to,” Scarlett said. “If only you’d accepted his offer to skip, maybe we could have finished what we started.”
Kaelem smirked. “Someday, darling. Someday.”
Scarlett inhaled as she returned to the closet to put on her dress. She wanted to let Kaelem’s tongue continue exploring her body. The lust between them filled her magic tank to its brim—surely enough to mask her Seelie nature from the queen.
That was why they'd done what they'd done. Going any further was unnecessary, she reminded herself. But that didn't keep her from wanting him.
When Scarlett had slipped on the dress and went back out into the room, Kaelem was gone.
She should be relieved. The strength it had taken to walk past Kaelem and into the closet now dwindled. She didn’t want to want him like she did. She should be stronger than that. But her body craved his touch, and pretending it didn’t wouldn’t help.
With the room to herself, Scarlett sat at the vanity next to the window. She twisted the knob on the light on the table and its bulb brightened. No cord was attached. Like the Unseelie Court, magic must have fueled the castle.
After styling her hair, Scarlett opened the vanity drawer and found an assortment of makeup. She chose a smoky eyeshadow and painted it on her eyelids. As a fae, she no longer needed foundation or blush. She didn’t need any makeup, really, but it was fun to wear and reminded her of her time as a human.
As she dabbed on nude lipstick, Kaelem reentered the room.
If Scarlett had seen him on the street, she would have sworn he was a model. His gray dress pants were tailored perfectly to his body. A magenta tie stood out against his white button-up shirt, its sleeves rolled to a three-quarter length.
“Is my date ready?”
Scarlett stood and straightened out her dress. If they stayed in the room any longer, her willpower would crumble. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Ten
Kaelem checked his mental shields as he watched Scarlett rise.
Her long hair was pulled up into a braided crown. The transparent fabric of the upper portion of her dress showed her collarbone. The dark eyeshadow she wore enhanced the purple tone of her eyes—a part of her that had changed when her fae blood was enhanced.
She was stunning, truly. A beauty shined from her that Kaelem couldn’t label. Perhaps it was her hard-to-get nature that made him yearn for her. He did so enjoy his games.
And anticipation made everything better.
He linked his elbow with hers.
Music played through the dining hall as they entered. On the far end of the room sat an orchestra. The Seelie Court was nothing if not elaborate.
At the head of the table sat a large chair, tall-backed and made of gold—almost like a throne.
Kaelem guided Scarlett as they passed the long table. Most of the seats were already taken. As they walked by, Cade glanced at Kaelem and Scarlett. Next to him, Poppy glared. So, the Summer King had brought his guard as a date. Clever. Or were the two an item now?
When they reached the end, Kaelem took the seat closest to the golden chair, Scarlett next to him. As Unseelie King, the spot was reserved for him.
Kaelem noticed the Winter Queen first. She sat on the other side of the table, scowling at him as he took his seat. Next to her, Kaelem was surprised to see the Autumn King. Kaelem didn’t know much about him. The Autumn Court kept to itself most of the time and he rarely saw him at events.
Fear radiated from Scarlett as she saw Nevina.
Kaelem reached his mind out. Scarlett kept most of her mental shields raised—much improved from when she first came to the Unseelie Court—but the one that allowed him to send her a thought remained lowered.
Nevina won’t touch you here, Kaelem told her.
How do you know? Scarlett asked.
She’d be a fool to attack anyone while she’s in the mortal realm. Her powers are weak, Kaelem said. I’ll keep you safe.
The seat across from Kaelem was still empty—saved for the queen’s advisor.
Why had Laik come to visit them? The meeting was strange, to say the least. If he’d sent a letter releasing Kaelem from his obligation to visit, maybe it wouldn’t have seemed as odd. But he was already there. Why wouldn’t Kaelem stay for the celebration?
Kaelem had caught Laik looking at Scarlett. He’d seen her when she looked mortal. But then he’d seen her as a fae at the Winter Solstice. Regardless, Kaelem couldn’t blame his fascination.
Another thought struck Kaelem. Had Laik or the Seelie Queen been visited by the Fates? Could Laik wonder if Scarlett was part of the prophecy? If so, why would he want her to leave?
The music stopped, pulling Kaelem from his thoughts.
Laik entered the room first, followed by Genevieve, the Seelie Queen.
Her dark hair hung to her waist, curled into elegant waves. As she walked, her dress swayed with each step, its teal satin fabric shining in the light of the crystal chandeliers dangling above the table. A necklace with a large ruby clung to her chest.
Though she was centuries old, her features were nothing less than perfect—fae beauty at its finest.
As lovely as Genevieve was, Kaelem had never desired her. Their court rivalry overshadowed her allure.
She’d killed his father, and though Kaelem and his father’s relationship had its issues, Kaelem would never forgive her.
As the Seelie Queen approached the end of the table, Kaelem stood.
We must show our respect by greeting the queen, Kaelem spoke to Scarlett inside her mind.
“Queen Genevieve.” Kaelem took her hand and kissed her fingers. “Thank you for honoring us with an invitation to your celebration.”
“Us?” Genevieve tilted her head.
Scarlett pushed herself up from the chair she sat in and curtsied to the queen. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
The Seelie Queen cu
rtsied back. “The Unseelie King brought a date. I think this is a first.” She glanced at Laik. “We are happy you’ve joined us.”
“The Unseelie King is always welcome here at our court,” Laik said.
Genevieve kept her gaze on Laik as she replied. “As is his guest.” She continued to the head of the table.
Kaelem sensed the tension as Laik spoke on behalf of his queen. Normally, an advisor speaking in such a way wouldn’t end well for said advisor. But Laik was unlike any of the other court’s aides. He’d been at Genevieve’s side as long as Kaelem had been alive. Many times, he’d wondered if they were secret lovers, but that would make no sense as the queen was permitted to choose anyone as her mate. If that’s what they were, why would they keep it so secretive?
Genevieve addressed the room. “Thank you for coming to the Seelie celebration. We are glad to bring all the courts together. Though we have our differences, peace is best for everyone.”
Two high fae servants pulled out the chair for the queen. After she sat, they pushed her in and the guests clapped.
Five courses later, Kaelem was stuffed. But that didn’t stop him from a second helping of dessert. Once everyone had finished, guests were excused to the ballroom for drinks and dancing.
“Why are all fae courts obsessed with balls?” Scarlett asked, then chuckled. “Like, dancing balls. Wait, that sounds just as bad.”
“Fae culture has always promoted ballroom dancing.” Kaelem grinned. “But dancing balls are fun, too.”
Scarlett playfully glared. Her expression shifted to worry as Nevina approached them.
“You broke our treaty, Unseelie King.” The Winter Queen’s tone was as cold as the ice of her magic. “I have every right to declare war on your court.”
“Yet, you haven’t.” Kaelem stood tall as he spoke.
“Your arrogance will haunt you as it did your father.”
“It seems we have that in common.” Kaelem wrapped his arm around Scarlett’s waist and tugged her away.
“I see you two are as amiable as ever,” Scarlett said as they walked, her fear fading more with each step.
“Best friends forever.” Kaelem guided them to the bar at the edge of the dance floor. “Two glasses of wine.”
The bartender poured the dark liquid into two glasses.
Kaelem grabbed them and handed one to Scarlett. “Nothing beats an open bar.” Kaelem chugged the whole glass and gave it back for a refill while Scarlett sipped hers.
Once the room was full and the orchestra had moved from the dining hall to the ballroom, Genevieve entered the room with Laik at her side, stopping in the middle of the dance floor. The crowd circled around.
Kaelem groaned and, taking Scarlett’s hand, went to the Seelie Queen.
What are we doing? Scarlett asked.
Following tradition.
The Seelie Queen curtsied and Laik bowed.
Kaelem returned the bow and, catching on, Scarlett dipped into a curtsy.
“This is the first time an Unseelie King has brought a date since your father brought your mother.”
Kaelem clenched his jaw. Any mention of his mother caused him to tense.
Genevieve held out her hand. “Laik will keep Scarlett company as we dance.”
Kaelem nodded to Scarlett, who stepped toward the Seelie advisor.
As tradition dictated, Kaelem and Genevieve shared the first dance.
“She’s a pretty one,” the Seelie Queen said as Kaelem led her to the beat of the song.
“Yes, and kind.”
“A rare quality for a fae,” Genevieve said. “Your mother was kind as well.”
“Yes, she was.”
“And it got her killed.”
Kaelem resisted the urge to reply. She was baiting him. He knew she wasn’t really looking for a fight, but couldn’t resist her cruel jabs.
“Where did you stumble upon your date?” Genevieve asked.
Kaelem reached out, searching for a glimpse of her emotion. It seemed peculiar she’d be so interested in some random fae. True, Kaelem hadn’t brought a date since becoming king, but he hadn’t been the king that long so the change shouldn’t have been so shocking.
As Kaelem suspected, Genevieve’s emotion was locked tight. The curiosity flickering in her eyes worried him. Scarlett still exuded the lust from their encounter, which would be enough to mask her Seelie nature. Any interest from the queen must be coincidental.
“The Summer Court, actually.” Kaelem shrugged. “She got tangled between the Summer Princes and their battle for the Summer crown.”
“Oh? And did she choose the winning brother?”
“I would imagine she’d be Cade’s date if she did.” Kaelem kept his voice playful, his usual flirtiness threading his words together.
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Kaelem twirled Genevieve across the dance floor in silence for the rest of the dance. He lost himself in thought as the orchestra played, the sound of the violin singing the melody.
The Unseelie and Seelie courts were such strong enemies, Kaelem was hiding Scarlett from Genevieve simply because somehow, she was the offspring of both. But here he was, forced to dance with the Seelie Queen for mere appearance’s sake. The absurdity of it sent a soundless laugh through him.
The peace between the courts was the thinnest of threads hanging just high enough not to be burned by the candle blazing below. All the fae festivities were attempts to keep the string high, but one wrong move by any court would drop it straight into the fire.
Where would the Unseelie Court fall when that happened? According to the Fates, war was inevitable. It was only a matter of time. Could the Unseelie and Seelie courts come to a truce? Apparently, they had at some point or Scarlett wouldn’t exist.
When the song was through, he and the Seelie Queen parted. With the opening dance over, the guests joined in as the orchestra moved to the next song.
As Kaelem found Scarlett, Genevieve sat on a throne at the head of the room.
Laik stood close to Scarlett, his body tilted toward her.
Scarlett laughed at something Laik said as Kaelem approached.
“I hope you enjoy the ball,” Laik said, then left.
“New friend?” Kaelem asked.
“He seems nice.”
Kaelem was glad to see Scarlett and Laik conversing in a friendly manner. When war came, maybe Scarlett could convince Laik to make Genevieve see the benefit of siding with the Unseelie Court. As the most powerful and oldest fae leader, many would want her on their side.
With a deep inhale, Kaelem shifted his thoughts. Enough time wasted on worries of allies and war. For now, he’d rather enjoy the night and Scarlett.
He led her to the dance floor and said, “When in Rome…”
“You talk a lot like a mortal,” Scarlett said as Kaelem tugged her in close.
“I’ve lived in the mortal realm my whole life.”
“In the Unseelie Court…” Scarlett’s large eyes locked with Kaelem’s as they danced.
Kaelem saw the change in her. She’d grown far more comfortable around him the longer she’d stayed in the Unseelie Court. He broke her trust when he trapped Ashleigh in the mirror, but slowly she’d released her anger.
“With the fae world linked to the human one, I find knowing its history is crucial to being a strong ruler to my people.”
“Why? It’s not like humans stand a chance against the fae.” A pulse of sadness radiated from her at this thought.
“No, likely not. But war amongst rivals is universal. Humans versus humans, fae versus fae. As long as the enemies are equal, there are similarities. There’s plenty to learn from the mistakes humans have made. Take Rome, for example. They conquered so much, making their fall all the harder.”
“War is always ugly.” Scarlett sighed.
Kaelem tilted Scarlett’s chin up so their eyes met. “It is. But you are beautiful.”
Scarlett tilted her head and laughed. “Aren’t you the smoo
th talker?”
“Me? Never.” He looked up as innocently as he could. It wasn’t his best line ever, but it changed the subject and that was enough.
As they danced, Kaelem’s hands explored. His fingers traced the shape of Scarlett’s hips and snuck to the curves of her backside.
Kaelem inhaled the lust dripping from Scarlett. Mmmm. Lust was the finest emotion and Scarlett’s was exquisite.
Scarlett breathed harder as Kaelem’s hands greedily examined her. Oh, how he enjoyed the reddening of her cheeks.
He felt heat in other places.
As prince and now Unseelie King, finding lovers was always easy. He wasn’t complaining. Most of the time, he hadn’t had to do much to find a woman to bed. He could do what he wanted to her and her to him—a mutually good time.
Watching Scarlett fight the lust between them was refreshing and it made him want her even more.
As the song ended, she excused herself and pulled away.
Kaelem grinned as she rushed through the dance floor and out of the room.
Her willpower was crumbling bit by bit.
Kaelem planned to break through it completely.
Cade saw Scarlett hurry past him as he led Poppy out onto the dance floor.
He glanced at the Unseelie King, who wore a grin of satisfaction. Had he hurt her?
“What is it about her?” Poppy asked.
Cade turned his attention back to Poppy. “What? Scarlett?”
“Yes, Scarlett. The one who seems to draw every male gaze in the room. I’ve even seen the Seelie Queen’s advisor staring at her.”
What did he want with Scarlett?
Poppy added, “See, you’re jealous that he’s drawn to her.”
“No,” Cade snapped. “I just worry about her. She’s vulnerable.”
“She isn’t. Wherever she goes, there will be someone to protect her. I don’t know why everyone feels the need to keep her safe, but they do. It’s annoying.”
Cade felt Poppy’s jealousy through the bond. He’d noticed it more than once. If it came from someone else, it might not have surprised him as much. But Poppy was fierce and confidence burst from her. She struck Scarlett down in the Winter arena like she was a child. Why did Scarlett bring out such envy in her?
