“So he has to mate a girl he hates?” That sounded ridiculous. “How archaic are your rules?”
“Compared to human society? Very.” He glanced at me, something passing through his features. “My mother is very forward-thinking and trying to help change my father’s mind on Kols’s behalf, but so far, no luck.”
He flagged down a cab, then set up some sort of muffling spell so we could continue talking freely, and dove into a discussion on the political structure of the Midnight Fae.
My primary takeaway? Males were the ruling party with no female involvement in political affairs whatsoever. And the Council, it seemed, dictated everything, particularly to the more powerful lines. It struck me as a method of control, a way to keep those with substantial gifts in proper order.
“I’m surprised there aren’t protests,” I said as we exited the cab. I’d been so engrossed in what Tray had to say that I wasn’t even sure how long the ride took, nor did I recognize the building he led us into.
He paused at the security desk to sign something, then escorted me to an elevator that I assumed was another portal.
Except he inserted a key card from his pocket and hit the top button.
“It’s a system that’s been in place for hundreds of years,” he finally replied, referring to my comment about protests. “Only Aswad’s line has dared to question it.”
“Aswad?”
“King of Death Magic,” he murmured. “He’s what you could call my father’s direct opponent.”
“Oh.” I massaged my temples, as I often did when Tray spoke about the fae world and all the strange nuances.
It beat high school. That was for sure.
The elevator opened into a polished marble foyer that led to an open seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlooked what appeared to be a patio of sorts.
I blinked. “Wait. Are we still in London?” Because this place washuge.
He chuckled. “Yeah, dove. It’s one of my family’s prized locations. I figure we can stay here tonight and head back to Darlington tomorrow. Unless you think Clarissa will notice?”
“If she does, she won’t care.” As long as the chores were done, she couldn’t care less about my activities.
I wandered down the marble stairs onto a plush white carpet and padded toward the glass, kicking my shoes off along the way. “Wow,” I said, eyeing the patio beyond. I hadn’t paid much attention to our adventure. “Where are we exactly?”
“Near Hyde Park.”
That explained the trees in the distance. The city lights illuminated some of the greenery, providing a calming view. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “My mother visits often.”
“Alone?”
“My father is often tied up with Council business,” he murmured, coming up behind me and handing me a glass of water.
A glance to the corner revealed a bar of sorts, which I assumed was where he magically acquired the drink. “Thanks.”
He kissed my exposed shoulder. “Thank you for being here.”
“Where else would I be?” I asked, then sipped the cool liquid.
“Darlington?” he suggested, lifting a brow.
I snorted. “Yeah, I’ll take this any day.”
“Even knowing all you do now about my world? That you have no choice in being my mate because of a council of fae who require it?”
“Or that you apparently chose me, thereby ensuring I had no choice in the matter,” I added. “A fact, by the way, that you withheld from me this last month.”
He had the good grace to grimace. “Yeah, that, too.”
