Seven
Aeryn
Raina slid into the seat across from Sofiya, her violet eyes wary. “May I join you?” she asked.
“Of course,” Sofiya said with a warm smile, which Raina easily returned.
As she situated her plate and silverware, I noticed her warm skin looked oddly pale against the fitted black shirt she was wearing.
Well, that we all were wearing. Today we were undergoing a combat and physical stamina assessment, so they”d given us flexible shirts and leggings with soft but sturdy boots. Everything was black and reminded me of the king”s presumed aversion to garments in any other color.
As Raina reached for a sweet roll, a contestant walking behind her chair glared down at the back of Raina”s head. “I cannot believe that mukana is here,” the female remarked acerbically.
Raina”s shoulders stiffened.
I tracked the contestant who”d spoken as she made her way over to Zoriyah”s table. Of course that”s who she chose to spend her time with.
I swallowed a bite of porridge, my curiosity sharpening. “What does mukana mean?”
Raina set down her roll, folding her hands in her lap. “It”s a foul word some mages use for opportunist.”
“Why would someone say that about you?” Sofiya asked quietly.
“The other contestants believe I am only here to win the crown. Which I find hilarious since that”s the sole purpose of the trials and it”s not like I had a choice.”
The trials were never a choice. Some coveted the opportunity, planned for it even, but being forced from your home by royal soldiers meant innocents were also caught in the net.
“My parents” she continued, “would do just about anything to gain status, wealth, power, or anything else they value. Me on the throne is at the top of that list. They had me training for the trials my entire life.”
I nodded to the other tables. “Look around, Raina. You weren”t the only one.”
Her voice trembled. “I know. But...” she paused, blinking back tears.
I wanted to wrap my arms around her in comfort, this frost nymph I barely knew. Sofiya reached across the table, squeezing Raina”s hand. “Do not listen to them.”
Raina gave her a watery smile. “Thank you.”
Her gaze shifted to Liam, who stood with Lorne, waiting for the group to finish. A complicated mix of emotions flickered over her face before she looked away, patting her eyes with her napkin.
“Their dislike of me isn”t because of the training. It”s because I was once betrothed to Liam.”
Sofiya and I shared a look.
“As in that Liam,” I tilted my head in the direction of the brunette guard, “over there?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“Portia and Rodrik Brandenburg happened.”
When neither Sofiya nor I reacted, Raina clarified. “Those are my parents. They”re infamous in much of the kingdom, something I worked hard not to be but my efforts were in vain.”
She took a drink of juice. “They brokered the betrothal when I was a babe, yet they still had me train specifically for the trials. I didn”t realize that”s what it was, not until they broke the contract and told me not to worry since my tutelage had all been designed with winning the hand of the king in mind.”
“Then why bother with the betrothal?” I posed.
“Insurance, I suppose? In case King Orson never stepped down? They saw great benefit being tied to the Duersian Clan of Ephandor.”
When I frowned, Raina clarified. “Liam”s surname is Duersi. Brahm is his father.”
“Whoa,” Sofiya breathed.
The Duersian Clan was a terrifying force of berserker fae, deeply rooted in their ancient tribal customs. Whispers among the other fae spoke of them as barbaric and ruthless, not to be crossed lightly.
They were the only ones willing to guard Stirroghar Crossing, the sole portal connecting our realm to the treacherous Otherland. Even though their rule over the crossing was necessary for protection, it sent shivers down the spine of any fae who dared to challenge them.
It wasn”t lost on me that the clan operated outside the direct control of the kingdom. Ephandor, their territory, was more of a neutral province that maintained a working relationship with the King. Or, perhaps, it would be more accurate to say they tolerated each other”s existence.
I couldn”t fathom why Brahm, their leader, had allowed his own son to serve under a king when they so greatly valued their independence.
Another thought came to mind. “The clan just let your parents walk away from the betrothal?”
“No. The contract gave both parties a financial out, which my parents took, paying them an exorbitant amount of money. Now they say I owe them the debt. If I don”t win this, I”ll be banished.”
Sofiya, who rarely showed anger, shook with it. “You”ll come to Greenhollow after this nonsense is over.”
Raina”s brow furrowed. “You barely know me.”
“I know enough,” Sofiya sternly replied.
“But–”
“I wouldn”t bother,” I suggested. “Once Sofiya”s mind is made up, that”s that. Tuck it away for now.”
Raina nodded, glancing again at Liam for the tenth time since sitting down. They locked eyes and turned their heads away at the same time.
“Did you want to marry him?” I asked gently.
Raina shook her head. “It no longer matters. My parents made sure he would never want me.”
“And Nox?” I prodded. “Do you wish to be his queen?”
“No. Not in the slightest.”
I resented the relief I felt at her answer and blamed it on my attraction to his physical appearance. And the feel of his lips on mine. The weight of his stare ... of his body ...
“I would be content to never marry anyone,” Raina sighed, interrupting my mutinous ruminations. “My parents only see me as a means to gain power and wealth. I want to choose my own path.”
I leaned forward, meeting her gaze. “Then choose it. Do not let anyone take away your freedom. Don”t let them make you a victim of their plotting.”
Raina leaned back, staring at me as though she”d never even considered the possibility. A spark lit in her eyes. She gave me a fierce smile in return. “Thank you.”
In that moment, I knew Raina and I would be friends.
Throughout the rest of the morning meal, I noticed Liam watching Raina. His gaze would linger, jaw clenching. There was a storm of emotions in his red-brown eyes. Anger. Longing. A hint of regret.
Whatever history they shared, it was complicated. I wondered if he still cared for Raina. If so, it explained the tension between them and his protectiveness toward Nox where she was concerned.
My musings were interrupted when Liam appeared at my side. “Lady Aeryn, King Nox requests your presence in his private study.”
I tensed, Raina and Sofiya throwing me concerned looks. What did the insufferable male want now?
Liam”s mouth quirked at my reaction. “Don”t look so worried. If he meant you harm, I”d be escorting you someplace other than his office.”
“Well, that”s reassuring,” I drawled, standing.
Liam”s lips twitched in amusement. “Come, before he grows impatient.”
Liam placed a hand at the small of my back, guiding me away from the table. Once we cleared the room, he dropped his hand, but remained close the entire trek, which took us to the opposite end of Thornewood.
No servants or guards, or none that I could see, moved about. As opposed to the part of the castle the contestants occupied, this wing lacked life. The walls were bare stone without tapestries or paintings to break up the monotony. The only sound was our footsteps echoing off the floor as we made our way through the dimly lit corridors.
Liam stopped in front of a set of large, gilded doors. He pushed them open and motioned for me to enter ahead of him. I hesitated, feeling a surge of anxiety at facing Nox alone.
“You”ll be fine, Miss Pissoff.”
Irked, I took a deep breath and stepped into Nox”s private study. The room was much larger than I expected, with tall ceilings and shelves filled with books lining every wall. A large desk dominated the center of the room, covered with neat stacks of parchment and quills.
But my attention was drawn to the king, who stood gazing into the flames, hands clasped behind his back. He turned at our entrance, inclining his head. “Leave us.”
Liam gave a shallow bow and departed, the heavy doors closing behind him.
The room was warm and spacious. A large sitting area was situated before the crackling fireplace, separating me from Nox. It reminded me of the setup in the room where he”d kissed me.
Seeking a wide berth, I moved closer to the desk. This one seemed to suit him better. It was a simple design made of an obsidian wood. Rugged. Seemingly unbreakable.
I faced Nox, my heart rate increasing as his eyes swept my form, head to toe. It felt almost indecent. Though my skin was covered, the outfit left little to the imagination.
“You wished to speak with me, Your Majesty?”
“Nox.”
I refrained from rolling my eyes. “Nox.”
Crossing his arms, he leaned against the wall in that way he did. The stirrings of lust began. My skin felt tight.
Damn lean.
He, too, was dressed in combat attire, only instead of leggings he had on thick, comfortable looking combat trousers, with extra pockets for gods-knew-what. Cargo pants, I think the humans of Earth Realm called them.
His tight cotton shirt hugged every contour of his body, showing off the definition of his muscles. The fabric clung to the dips and ridges of his abdomen, emphasizing the strength in his arms and chest.
The color brought out the warm tone of his skin, drawing attention to the powerful shape of his body. Strong and capable. Built for battle.
Silence hung between us doing nothing to ease the tension or distract me from my wayward thoughts. I couldn”t handle the quiet.
“Well?” I prodded more bravely than I felt. His spicy scent was cloying and heady. I needed to escape it.
“About yesterday ...” he began.
Nervous energy branched into my muscles, altering my posture. I didn”t need Nox to tell me his thoughts on my performance. I was well aware.
“Don”t,” I tried to warn. It came out like a plea.
His tongue touched that canine. A habit, I guessed.
“Not even to apologize for upsetting you?”
Apologize? What game was he trying to play?
“Did you mean the words you said?” I forced myself to ask. He couldn”t lie so we both already knew the answer. Still, I wanted to hear him say it.
“Aeryn–”
“Did you mean them?”
“Yes, but I didn”t mean for them to reach your ears.”
I chuffed. I doubted Nox had any clue how to apologize. The nagging fae condition wouldn”t let you say words you didn”t mean.
“I was caught off guard. You were the only one having ... difficulty, shall we say. Even your Sofiya was graceful and fluid.”
Ouch. “Well, I”m probably the only one of the contestants who has scarcely even looked at a pair of fine shoes.”
“Obviously.”
I pressed my fingernails into my palms. “Did you summon me here so you could remind me of my shortcomings? Humiliate me, perhaps?”
He at least had the grace to grimace. “No.”
“Then you summoned me so you could say you didn”t mean for me to hear your comment on my shortcomings, thus alleviating yourself of what? Guilt? No, it couldn”t be that. The king means what he says. I”ll have to assume it”s to pacify a contestant who may disrupt the flow of your contrived trials. Well, don”t worry. I worked something out, something better suited for me in the end, so perhaps I should be thanking you for the motivation.”
Nox pushed off the wall, prowling slowly, eyes gleaming silver. The air crackled between us. Shadows swirled behind him, evidence of his dark fae magic.
I”d heard beings in the Otherland could sense and touch souls. In Torrach Realm we could only get a general sense of aura.
Would Nox”s soul feel dark if I could touch it?
The wild thing inside me stretched awake, hungry and wanting, like some separate entity reaching out to take what it wanted. It wanted to reach for Nox”s soul.
“It was not my intent to injure your pride, little hellion. I know how catty the others can be.”
“Yet, you called it out loud enough for them all to hear?”
“A mistake. One I now regret.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, processing, chewing on his admission. I couldn”t reconcile it, not from this male.
“For the record,” he added, “that”s as close to an apology anyone has ever gotten from me.”
I had to remind my lungs to inhale. As he prowled closer, sexual need burned through my limbs.
“You should probably practice apologizing until you can actually manage it,” I suggested offhandedly, far too aware of his proximity, not even sure if my words were coherent.
He licked his bottom lip. “I”ll take it under advisement.” Slowly, so slowly, he continued closing the distance.
I knew I should leave before he reached me, but my voice lost its assertiveness when I found it. “If that”s all, I have training to attend.”
“Not yet. There”s another matter I wish to discuss. I”ve noticed you”ve befriended the frost nymph.”
He was now close enough to reach for me. I took a step back, my rear bumping the desk.
“What do you make of her?” he inquired.
“Raina? Why do you ask?”
“Because I want to know your thoughts.”
Though I found it odd, it was an easy question to answer. “She seems kind, though her situation is unfortunate.”
“Her situation?” Nox scoffed. “You mean her failed betrothal to Liam? Yes, unfortunate that her greedy parents tried to barter her to the highest bidder and then broke the contract so she could have a shot at the throne.”
Callous male. “You shouldn”t judge when you know little of her circumstances.”
Nox arched a brow. “Don”t I, though? You think you know her so well after a couple of conversations?”
“I know she deserves to be treated with basic decency, not ridiculed by the likes of you,” I bit out.
Nox stared at me, eyes flashing. Then he threw back his head and laughed. The sound made me feel warm and gooey inside, like I”d done something noteworthy.
Damn it all to hell!
“Decency,” he said, shaking his head. “From a female who disarmed me twice and threatened my balls with a dagger once. You might have removed them had you gotten ahold of my blade the last time.”
He sounded almost impressed. Heat flooded my face. I opened my mouth but no words emerged.
Nox leaned in, bracing his hands on the desk behind me. I was caged between his arms, our bodies nearly brushing.
“Admit it,” he purred. “You don”t give a damn about the frost nymph. This is about your desire to get under my skin, to provoke me. I can”t resist the fight and you know exactly how I want to confront you. You”re purposefully tempting the beast, aren”t you?”
I swallowed hard, struggling not to drown in his nearness and scent of leather and spice. “I have not—not once—gone out of my way to tempt you. You”re completely delusional!”
“Am I?” His gaze dropped to my mouth. “Then why is your heart racing? Why are your pupils blown wide?”
A tremor ran through me as he dipped his head, nose skimming my jaw. The expanding carnal ache he cultivated without lifting a finger was going to be my ruin.
“You”re the only being I”ve let speak to me in such a way. Why do you think that is?” His teeth nipped my earlobe.
“I ...” I couldn”t form words. The air was too thick, my mind too jumbled.
“You want this as much as I do, little menace.” His hand curved over my hip, pulling me flush against him. “Admit it.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. More, the wild thing demanded.
Peasant. He’d called me a peasant. Because you wounded his pride, it growled, moving my limbs like I was its puppet.
My hands slid up his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic. I felt the hard length of him pressed to my belly. Heat pooled low and my panties grew damp.
Nox nudged his hips into mine, maneuvering me so I was seated on the edge of the desk. My legs opened and he ground his erection against my throbbing core, eliciting a salacious moan from deep within my throat.
“Give in,” he rasped, claiming my mouth in a searing kiss.
I was lost, drowning in the taste of him, the feel of his body moving against mine. My veins sang with need as Nox rolled his hips, mimicking an action I”d never experienced.
His hands roamed everywhere, grabbing and kneading. Then he was sliding up the edge of my shirt to expose my bra. Roughly, he yanked at the cup and exposed my breast.
“Fuck, Aeryn,” he cursed looking down at my exposed flesh. He kissed me again, urgently, like he was running out of time.
I gasped into his mouth as he plucked at the hardened bud, pleasure and pain twisting deliciously.
“So responsive,” Nox breathed, breaking the kiss to trail his lips over my throat and down to my chest.
His mouth closed over my nipple and lightning struck, firing straight through my channel. I released a broken sigh.
I was on fire for him, consumed by a ravenous ache only he could sate. My hands fisted in his hair, urging him on as ecstasy built inside me like a gathering storm.
Skin. I need to feel skin.
On a growl, I reached for the bottom of his shirt. Nox cuffed my hands, easing them down to the desk. He held them down and claimed my mouth once more.
“Nox—”
He cut me off with a nip of his teeth, soothing the sting with his tongue. His hand found my breast again, rolling the tender peak between his fingers, gently this time. Then he worked the cup back into place and lowered my shirt.
Abruptly, he backed away. Nox raked a hand through his hair cursing under his breath. “If you don”t go now, you”ll be late for training.”
I sat there, dazed.
“Go, Aeryn. If you stay, I”m going to fuck you on that desk.”
Finally, I registered what he was saying. The first thought to hit me was whether or not I should go back to my room and change my underwear, wet as they were.
Nox was carefully watching me. I met his stare, refusing to drop my eyes.
“Was this peasant not good enough, Your Highness?” I jeered, the simmer of embarrassment and regret starting to bubble.
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “I may deserve your ire, but never speak like that again, not about what you know is between us.”
I snorted and spun on my heel, stalking from his office without another word, unsure how to interpret what just transpired.
My body still burned, unsatisfied and aching. I craved Nox”s touch, yet I despised him for ... for what? For denying me?
My head was a mess. I was supposed to despise him because of the trials, not because he left me wound tighter than a pissed-off viper.
Liam, who had the manners not to say anything about my swollen lips or flushed skin, escorted me to the training grounds. I was tempted to ask him about Nox but realized it would only get back to his master.
The sounds of clashing steel met my ears. I paused, watching some of the contestants sparring under Lorne”s instruction, their movements smooth and practiced.
“Do you have experience?” Liam asked.
I rounded on him. “Excuse me?”
He fought a smile. “With steel, Lady Aeryn. As in swords? Or any degree of combat?”
“No. I”m a farmer, remember?”
“I remember, but I try not to assume things.”
“Could have fooled me,” I muttered.
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. Ignore me. My brain doesn”t seem to be working at the moment.”
Liam”s lips twisted. “Listen,” he lowered his voice, “this is where things start to get serious. If you don”t have a clear head, you don”t have a head. You get me?”
“I get you,” I sighed.
“However, one of the best ways to clear your head is to beat the shit out of something or to overexert yourself. Helps with composure, too. Probably because it wears you out, but still it helps.”
“Liam ... sir, are you giving me pointers?”
The male scratched at the scruff on his jaw. “The king will be upset if your head somehow gets detached from your shoulders.”
“But you won”t?” I joked, ignoring the little high his words gave me.
He lifted a shoulder.
“I”d wager almost anyone would be more upset than the king if I lost my head.”
“Doubtful. Deny it all you want, but it”s true. Also, there are some contestants here that I, well, let”s just say some of these trollops aren”t the most honorable.”
Well, that was unexpected.
“So, do me a favor, and go over there, find something to physically challenge you that doesn”t involve a sword or someone impaling you, and clear your head. Yeah?”
“Why are you being nice?”
He scratched his jaw again. “Just go clear your damn head.”
“Fine.” I left Liam at the entrance to the yard and took my time wandering to see what might do the job.
Zoriyah glanced up and sneered, shaking her blade at me. “Look who decided to grace us with her presence. I”m surprised His Highness let you into the yard with all these sharp, pointy things flying about.”
“Are you referring to your cone-shaped breasts or your tail?” a familiar voice dared.
I couldn”t help the barking laugh I let out. I looked around the crowd and saw Mirrelle strutting toward us, followed by Astrid, who was glowing with health. Literally.
And by the gods, they both looked like warrior princesses in their dark training attire and matching updos. Especially Astrid, who”d painted symbols on her arms and face. This didn”t look anything like the female I”d met in the coach.
Joyful that Astrid was well, I reached for her when Raina touched my arm and gave me a subtle shake of her head. My brow lowered. I looked at Sofiya and she gave me the same small shake.
Apparently, I”d missed something. I forced myself to relax, refusing to give Zoriyah the satisfaction of a reaction. Besides, Mirrelle and Astrid seemed to be huge distractions which benefited me greatly.
Zoriyah squared off with them. Before words could be exchanged, Lorne charged over and ordered them to separate areas. The contestants all went back to what they were doing.
Lorne came to stand before me. “You look like you just got out of bed,” he observed bluntly.
I gritted my teeth and then my mouth moved faster than my brain. “Thank you, my lord. You look like you”re about to rip the seams out on that shirt. You do know you can get a bigger size, yes?”
Lorne”s eyes narrowed, but he let it go. “We need to assess your skills and determine what you require to catch up.”
I straightened. “You are aware that, for me, there is no catching up to them right? The trials are in a matter of days.”
The big bad blondie just stared at me. I relented. “Alright, Sir Lorne, tell me what you want me to do.”
Lorne put me in a group with Raina and Sofiya, quickly giving instructions and the shortest demonstration in existence on a series of self-defense movements. When he thought we were ready, he ordered us into a fighting stance and called out commands.
My body might still ache for Nox, but here I could forget. Here, I had control.
I blocked out everything but the movements, losing myself in the rhythm of a practice Lorne had called Geruntin. Raina, who had experience already, eventually left to go do something else and took Sofiya with her.
I remained focused and intent. I would choose this over ballroom gowns every single time. Because I was comfortable, I found it easy to pick up. I”d always loved dancing and it nearly felt the same. Natural, even.
“Stop.”
Torn out of my trance, I looked up at Lorne.
“I want to try something with you.”
“Like what? ... Sire.” Stupid titles. I should stop bothering. I only got it right half the time, anyway.
Lorne came up to me, close enough I couldn”t see around his broad frame. “I”m going to come at you. Don”t let me touch you. Remember what you were just doing.”
It was the only warning I got before he struck out. I bent back and around, the first movement in the sequence. Another swing, and I ducked under his arm, the second movement.
Then the third. The fourth. Every piece of the sequence once before he changed it up on me. I stumbled once and rolled, but avoided contact. His meaty fist might kill me if he landed a punch.
His attacks came faster, and I adjusted. He kept coming and coming until my instincts had to take over. I couldn”t fight back, but I could evade. It was enough. It had to be.
We danced across the yard, boots churning up dust with every step. On and on it went. I could taste the salt of my sweat, feel the pump of blood to my muscles.
I felt more and more clear headed. Alive. Liam had been right about exerting myself. Unfortunately, I couldn”t beat the shit out of Lorne.
Eventually, the giant knocked me off balance and I went to the ground. I took a quick inventory of my body. I had nothing more than a bruised bottom and dull ache in the shoulder he”d glanced.
Yay me!
The prince held out his hand. I put my palm in his and he pulled me to my feet. I rose on shaking legs.
“Look around,” he whispered.
You could hear a pin drop. Everyone in the yard was watching. Some glaring daggers, others looking shocked. Sofiya was smiling broadly.
“Not a fucking menace after all,” Lorne pronounced in a booming voice.
He then inclined his head in respect and I returned the gesture. Blushing, I allowed myself a moment to take it in.
Lorne yelled at everyone to get back to work then stepped into my personal space. “My sister said there was some confusion about what sect of fae you are.”
“Yes, sire.”
“And you”ve had no training whatsoever?”
I shook my head. “I have strength from caring for my land. That”s all, other than dancing and running. Oh, I also climb trees.”
“Trees?”
“Comes in handy when hunting.”
Lorne grunted, then glanced around like he was checking on who was nearby. “You move faster and more fluidly than any of the sects in Falcondale. It”s in your blood, Lady Aeryn. Think on that.”
Lorne went to attend to another area and left me stunned. When I reached twenty-five, I would know for certain, or at least have strong clues. I”d never agonized over it, accepting my role in Greenhollow.
I”d assumed my family had hailed from one of the sects of fae in Falcondale. I had very faint memories of my grandparents, but they rarely used any magic in front of me and I was too young to think on it.
My parents had been sickly, since my earliest memories, so they never pulled on their well-store. I was a child. It didn”t matter to me and I never questioned it.
Rapidly I tried to run through what I knew of the other kingdoms.
Shit.
It might matter. It might matter a whole hell of a lot.
Aeryn Faulkner