Smooth, he mocked himself, really smooth. It was only her confusion and uneasiness that broke him of his daze.
Following her up to the apartment, he had every intention of behaving like a gentleman and ignoring his lustful thoughts. He was there for a lesson, not a romantic interlude. Kalan planned to begin teaching Gwen how to faze from location to location–a skill which required intense focus and power when first learning how to manipulate space in both one’s present and desired setting.
But when he walked into the stifling apartment, smelled the slight perspiration emanating from her neck, and felt the rush of magic as she cooled down the room, shameless thoughts came back with full force.
Kalan couldn’t fight it anymore. Forget his vow. He wanted Gwen from almost the moment he saw her and Fates be damned if he wasn’t going to pursue her. The best part? She seemed just as absorbed with him.
Just as he was reaching out to bring her into his arms, the front door swung open with a new arrival–Eilian. Both Kalan and Gwen leapt apart with the entrance. The prince allowed himself a moment of surprise when he realized Gwen had been approaching him, as well, before he turned to greet the Summer Fae.
“Eilian,” the prince began, attempting to sound completely at ease, and not like he had just been about to pounce on the male’s ward. “Just the fae I wanted to see.”
Luckily, the male entered juggling four large grocery bags and seemed preoccupied with retrieving his keys from the door handle. Kalan did not believe Eilian witnessed how close he and Gwen stood upon his arrival.
“Prince,” Eilian managed distractedly. Gwen quickly rushed and retrieved two bags from the other fae’s arms.
After he finally freed the keys, Eilian followed Gwen to the kitchen, placing his load on the counter. The pair began unpacking the groceries.
“You wanted to see me?” The Summer Fae inquired as he moved about the small space, opening and closing counters. He and Gwen danced around each other easily, leading Kalan to believe the task they performed was a common one.
“Yes,” the prince responded as he observed their work. “I wanted to discuss with you and Gwen the possibility of her visiting the Winter Court soon. Maybe within the next couple of days?”
All movement in the kitchen ceased. Gwen held a loaf of bread in an outstretched hand, her mouth falling open in surprise with his words. Eilian’s expression was not of surprise, but agitation.
Kalan did not anticipate bringing up the subject for another week or so at least, but after his heated moment with Gwen, the question slipped out. He realized that he was very eager to have the beauty near him throughout the days to come.
“No,” Eilian’s cold voice responded. “Not yet.”
Gwen started in surprise. “Ian?” She questioned.
“Just listen to what I have to say before deciding,” Kalan proposed, gearing himself up for the speech he practiced for this specific occasion.
“Gwen has reasonably mastered her abilities, enough so that no Winter Fae, noble or otherwise, would think twice about her if/when she uses them at Court.” When he heard no contentions from the Summer Fae, Kalan continued.
“Also, the Summer Court is sending an ambassador to the Winter Court to open up negotiations, something that hasn’t occurred for over twenty three years. It would be beneficial for Gwen to be present in our society when such a momentous event occurs.” Thinking that his selling point would convince the protective fae, Kalan stopped speaking and looked at the Summer Fae expectantly.
The prince was shocked, however, to see an even more disapproving expression on Eilian’s face than before he started talking.
“No.” He stated again.
“But Ian,” Gwen contested. “It sounds like an amazing opportunity. And you said yourself that you believed I would be ready for a trip soon.” She turned her hopeful, blue eyes to her friend.
“I will not allow you to go into a potentially dangerous situation. For all we know the Summer Court could be planning a surprise attack on the Winter Court with these so called ‘negotiations’”. It was so close to the prince’s mother’s thoughts that Kalan nearly laughed in disbelief.
“You should wait to visit until the situation between the courts has been resolved,” Eilian continued sternly.
“Ian,” Gwen’s voice turned soft. “Kalan would not invited me to Court if he believed it to be dangerous.”
She turned her trusting gaze to the prince. “Would you?”
Kalan swallowed, trying to stifle his attraction for the girl and the emotion that threatened to rise at the thought of her being in danger. “I would not,” he assured her, stifling the anger attempting to rise at such an unpleasant thought.
Triumphantly, she turned back to the Summer Fae. “This is monumental, Ian. You know how interested I am in Summer and Winter Fae relations. It would be amazing to witness everything.”
A silent conversation seemed to pass between the longtime friends.
Kalan did not find Gwen’s reasoning strange. During their lessons, Gwen never shied away from asking questions regarding the estrangement of the courts. She seemed equally interested in the dealings of the Summer Court, in addition to Winter. In those moments, Kalan became acutely aware of his lack of knowledge of the Summer Court. It was almost laughable. Another unfortunate result of one’s life beginning very near the start of the infamous war, he supposed.
Some time passed where Gwen and Eilian simply held each other’s gazes. Gwen’s eyes were semi-pleading, but looked more as to say, “come on, you know I’m right.” Whereas Eilian’s were filled with worry and contemplation. It was clear that he wanted to grant the request for Gwen, but he struggled with the decision.
Ultimately, his desire to please Gwen won out. “Alright,” he conceded with a solemn look between Kalan and Gwen. “But promise me that you will take care,” he spoke to Gwen, but Kalan could detect the thinly veiled threat that accompanied it when the Summer Fae glanced his way. “I do not wish for anything to happen to you.”
Gwen threw her arms around Eilian, wrapping them around his neck. The tanned fae slid his arms around her waist to return the embrace, closing his eyes. Kalan ignored the faint stab of jealousy.
“I’m serious,” Eilian continued, speaking over her head and toward the prince. “I couldn’t bear it.”
Gwen’s slender arms tightened their hold. “I know.”
Feeling as if he was intruding on a private moment, Kalan turned away and left the apartment; deciding that he would come back tomorrow. Neither Fae seemed to notice his departure.
Hopefully, he thought as he shimmered into the Fae Realm, I’ll be bringing Gwen with me next time.
Chapter 13
The Summer Court air was filled with conversation and laughter as both Summer and Winter Fae enjoyed the festivities of the annual Summer Solstice.
Eilian stood in the shadows, out of sight, but positioned to clearly see his best friend as she was led across the wide, polished dance floor. She looked magnificent.
Wendy’s satin gown shimmered in the moonlight, giving her an other-worldly glow. She smiled kindly up at her dance partner. Eilian had been so preoccupied with admiring his friend, that he had not even noticed her companion.
The fae belonged to the Winter Court, Eilian realized. A guard, he believed, as he continued to observe the tall, muscular male. He had seen the fae at the various occasions where the Winter Royals made an appearance, never far from the side of the king or queen.
The male was obviously enchanted with his friend, his blue eyes never straying from Wendy’s. He possessed a kind of dazed smile as he conversed with his beautiful partner. The princess seemed to be enjoying his company as well, though she did not appear as infatuated as he.
Eilian was surprised that Wendy would have agreed to dance with that particular Winter Fae. His friend usually kept her distance from most Winter Fae, per her father’s request. The king tended to be somewhat protective when it came to his beloved daughter
. Not surprising, considering Princess Gwendolyn was the light of King Cai’s life.
Eilian’s train of thought caused him to give a quick glance to where his king stood.
The Summer King’s eyes also appeared to be watching his daughter with the Winter Fae. Although, it did not appear as if he was bothered by her dance partner. Instead, it looked as if he was casually discussing his daughter when he swept his arm towards her. His companion turned his head to follow the king’s gesture. Eilian recognized King Kheelen of the Winter Court.
The song ended, only to have the string quartet promptly begin a new one. As Wendy was giving her farewells to the guard, her father and King Kheelen approached her.
After a brief introduction, King Cai took hold of Wendy’s hand, placing it in King Kheelen’s. Obviously encouraging them to share a dance.
Even from his distance, Eilian could tell his friend was uneasy. It was well known that the king of the Winter Court was a hard Fae. Not unjust, simply… hard. Eilian could think of no other way to describe the tales he heard of how the king settled disputes or crimes in his court. Wendy, no doubt, would have liked to turn down the dance. But given that it was the apparent wish of her father, and that it was the Winter King himself, she could not have refused. King Kheelen gently guided her into a respectable hold and proceeded to dance.
The pair moved effortlessly through the crowded dance floor. Eilian suspected most of the other dancers made it a point to move out of the king and princess’ way. Very few tried to hide their blatant stares as the royal couple danced past them.
King Kheelen was speaking to Wendy as they glided across the dance floor. Eilian noticed that as their dance progressed, his friend’s smile transformed from stiff and official to genuine and kind.
Eilian took a drink of his elixir, silently begging the dance to end. He was eager to be reunited with his best friend.
Finally, the song finished. The king bowed deeply in farewell. To Eilian’s delight, Wendy quickly scanned the crowd for him and promptly arrived at his side. The Summer male noticed how many eyes followed her as she moved.
Looping her arm through his, Wendy gave him a bright smile. “How about we get some fresh air?” She questioned, already moving them towards the palace gardens.
Eilian smiled back, taking in her flushed features and blonde curls that were escaping her elegant hair arrangement. He knew he was probably the envy of all males in attendance, and he could not blame them. His best friend was the most beautiful creature in all the realm, as well as the most generous and loving. Eilian did not believe a better Fae had ever existed. He felt honored and lucky that she chose him as her truest friend.
He placed his hand over hers, giving it a small squeeze as he followed her into the lilac and rose scented garden.
Yes… he mused fondly. I’m very lucky.
The sound of repetitive beeping forced Eilian from his dream. Reaching over, he silenced the small, black rectangle of glowing red numbers before lying on his back to stare at the ceiling.
He sighed as he recalled dreaming of Wendy. They did not happen often, but when the dreams occurred, the male always woke up with small tendrils of despair penetrating his heart.
Reaching underneath his pillow, Eilian pulled out the tear-shaped pendant he always kept there. Opening it, he stared longingly at the picture of Wendy, tracing a finger over her radiant face as she gazed up at him. He had never seen her look so lovingly at anyone, and his heart swelled with happiness at the thought of her love for him.
Many years passed before Eilian could think of her love without feeling despair at the fateful timing of discovering it. Now, though his heart still ached for lost time with his love, he was able to see himself as blessed to have been loved by Wendy at all. He also saw himself as blessed by being given the gift of raising Gwenevere. He could think of no other testament of love and faith Wendy could have given him than to trust Eilian with her beloved child.
“Gwenevere…” He sighed her name as his thoughts turned to what the day entailed. Closing the locket, Eilian slipped it over his head before rising to face the inevitable.
In all honesty, Eilian hoped this day would never come. Even after he and Gwen managed to run into the Winter Court Prince, he held on to the vain hope that maybe he and Gwen could find a way to avoid her going to Court.
Unfortunately, Gwen did not share his same reservations. His charge was actually excited about traveling to the Fae Realm. Eilian should not have been surprised. Gwen was always an inquisitive and adventurous child. Something that made his brother’s gift of the defalutar potion a significant blessing. The Summer Fae shuddered to think on how he would have handled Gwen’s safety if she could both see and be seen by everyday fae.
Walking sluggishly into the living room, Eilian was surprised to see Gwen sitting on the armchair. She sipped from her coffee mug as she watched Good Morning SA. Gwen was by no means an early riser. Over the years, Sharon and Eilian were lucky to get her to rise before 10 a.m. on weekends and summer breaks were no different.
The older fae knew that her presence so early in the morning was indicative of her anxiety regarding her upcoming departure. No doubt, she was too wound up to get much sleep.
Flopping on the sofa, he greeted her. “Morning.”
She offered him a tiny smile. “Morning. Would you like some coffee? I made a pot.”
Rising, Eilian retrieved a mug of the hot, brown liquid for himself, adding a spoon of sugar before retaking his seat.
The pair continued watching the morning television show in silence, though neither appeared to be paying attention. Eilian fiddled with the pendant on his neck, readying himself for his next task.
Ever observant, Gwen noticed his preoccupation with the chain. “What’s on your neck?” She asked, giving him an opening he could not avoid.
With a deep breath, Eilian pulled the pendant from underneath his shirt, letting it fall against his chest. He reverently placed a hand over it before pulling back so Gwen could see.
“A necklace,” he answered. “It belonged to your mother, actually.” Gwen’s eyes widened in surprise.
“My brother delivered it to me when he brought me the news…” Eilian couldn’t finish the statement.
Slowly, Eilian removed the chain from around his neck and handed the item to Gwen. She paused for only a moment before reaching out to take it.
With hesitation, Gwen opened the tear-shaped locket and observed its interior. She drew in a quick breath as her face lit up with wonder.
Looking up, Gwen met his gaze. “That’s my mother?” She asked in a whisper.
Eilian nodded once, not knowing what to say.
Luckily, Gwen wasn’t looking for more than a confirmation. She returned her attention to the locket.
“I look like her.” It wasn’t a question, but Eilian answered anyway.
“Yes,” then added with a thoughtful expression to his young friend, “you really do.” And it was true. Although the black hair and blue eyes managed to keep them from looking identical, Gwen shared her mother’s delicate facial features and matching physique.
Eilian offered up a quick plea to Fate that no one in the Winter Court would think twice about Gwen’s parentage and go digging into their identity.
Fortunately, Prince Kalan returned the day after suggesting Gwen accompany him to Winter Court with a plan dealing with that particular subject.
Relying on the fact that there were enough Winter Nobles for some to go unnoticed, Kalan had proposed introducing Gwen as a relative of Ronan’s. Ronan was from a minor noble family, with very little ties to Winter Court. Being that Ronan was the only member of his family to live at Court, much less make an appearance, no one would question the appearance and introduction of a young niece.
This ruse also gave Kalan the ability to house Gwen in Ronan’s palace rooms. Since Ronan was his personal guard, his living quarters were very near the prince’s. Eilian felt a slight sense of relief upon learning that Gwen
would be housed inside the protection of the palace. If there was any place she would be safe in Winter Court, it would be there.
“But we can’t lie,” Gwen pointed out, confused after hearing the prince’s proposed plan and the agreement of the other males. “How am I going to be introduced as Ronan’s niece when it is a lie?”
Kalan smiled wide. “That, my lady, is where being the prince comes in handy. I was able to procure documentation stating you are the daughter of Sir Reg, Ronan’s brother, a lesser noble of the Vetur estate. His home is near the border of our lands and few outside his region have made his acquaintance. It will be extremely unlikely for anyone to question your relation to Ronan.”
Ronan nodded. “Reg is a recluse. He does not enjoy entertaining guests. Hardly anyone knows him.”
“By procure,” Gwen began, slightly amused. “Do you mean create?”
The Winter Fae laughed. “Yes,” Kalan admitted. “I created the form. But now that there is a record asserting you are Ronan’s kin, it will not be a lie to introduce you as such.”
“But you know it to be untrue,” she tried to reason. “What difference could a piece of paper make?”
Eilian spoke up. “I told you Gwen, Fae are masters of manipulation and work-arounds. Though you are not Ronan’s blood relation, having official documentation that states you are his kin enables all of us to assert you are. We are technically not lying now that we have the papers to back it up.”
Shaking her head, Gwen felt a headache form beneath her eyes. “This is all so confusing.” She leaned her head on her folded arms, slightly jostling the kitchen table.
Eilian watched Kalan as the prince’s eyes grew worried with Gwen’s reaction. “We do not have to use this plan if you find it overwhelming,” he offered to her. “We can think of something else.”
Gwen shook her head and glanced up, offering a reassuring smile. “No. It’s okay. If you believe it will work, then I will trust you.”
The answering expression on the prince’s face caused Eilian to stiffen. He had seen that look before; he spent years watching admiring males bestow it upon Wendy. Eilian did not enjoy watching Gwen be the object of such a devotional gaze.
Will of Fate (Dual Court Kiss Book 1) Page 11
