And if his mysterious disappearance truly was because of an innocent reason, and the Council didn’t know of our affair, then I would have possibly alerted them to my attraction for Kole, only exacerbating the problem.
But that didn’t mean that I couldn’t check in with him mentally. Even though I’d never done so before and had balked at doing so when we’d first met, since mentally projecting myself to an unsuspecting fae could feel like an ailment or the feeling of going psychotic, I also knew that Kole was my mate. He would never shut me out. And if need be, I could force my way into hisconsciousness, and once I was there, I could quickly explain that it was only me and nothing for him to be concerned over.
Thankfully, I knew Kole’s essence like the back of my hand. Mind made up, I retreated to the bathing chambers for a moment of privacy, then closed my eyes and unleashed my magic.
My magic soared through the capital, pouring out of my mind as I sought Kole. The call of his essence thrummed into me, and perhaps it was our bond or the fact that we’d spent so much time together, but I found him almost immediately.
He wasn’t far, just on the outskirts of the capital, and I wondered if that was where the elusive Imperial Council’s headquarters were.
I stopped my magic at the edge of his mind and scratched. I didn’t know if Kole would recognize me, but I hope he’d understand, or maybe his bond would alert him to it being me.
No sooner had I had that thought, than I felt his mind open.Primelle?he said hesitantly.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Hehadrecognized the feel of me.Yes, it’s me. Sorry, did I ever mention that I can mentally project myself into fae’s thoughts?
No, you forgot to mention that. He chuffed lightly.Stars Above. I thought I might be going insane.
You’re not. It’s just your fated mate and her crazy magic.In a more serious tone, I added,Sorry if I startled you, but Royden won’t tell me anything, and I’m so worried about you. Why aren’t you here?
His laughter faded, and his voice turned serious.I’m sorry, Princess. I would have told you if I could, but I’m in isolation. I couldn’t summon a dillemsill. Last night, after I left you, your nighttime warrior reported me to our superiors, saying I was acting possessive and territorial around you and wouldn’t leave when my shift ended. And then Royden jumped in, sayingthat he smelled me on you the other day and that my scent was so strong that I’ve likely bedded you.He growled low in his throat.Fucking prick, but that’s why I’m not there. I’m to have a meeting with my superiors this morning.
My jaw dropped as Royden’s initial assessments of my scent the first day we’d met came careening back to me.Oh Gods, Kole.
It’s all right, he replied.If needed, I intend to tell them that I’m your mate.
Is that wise? What if they ban you from me?
He growled again.They may be able to ban me from you as your assigned Imperial Warrior, but they can’t ban me from you as a male. Only your parents can do that.
You’re saying if it comes to it, you’ll quit the Council in order to see me?
Yes.
Stars Above, Kole, I don’t want you to lose your job over me.
He laughed lightly.Don’t worry about that, Princess. I would move mountains for you. A job is nothing.
My heart warmed, and the bond in my chest tingled at his vehement declaration, because I had no doubt he meant it.I’ll speak to my parents too if needed. We’ll figure this out, and we’ll find a way so you don’t lose your job. Can I check in with you later to ask how it went? If it didn’t go well, I’ll talk to them, but I’m about to head out now. Although I feel so much better now that I know what’s going on.
Are you going to your uncle’s?
Yes, I guess Royden will have to come with me.
Lucky bastard.I laughed quietly, and he added,But yes, check in with me later. My meeting with them is in two hours. I should know more this afternoon.
Okay, I’ll talk to you soon.
You will, and, Princess?
Yeah?
I love you more than words can say.
My heart felt as though it burst. Throat feeling thick, I somehow managed to reply,I love you too, Kole. So much.
Somehow,I managed to compose my worry over what the next few hours would bring. Taking a deep breath, I returned to my bedroom chambers to join Royden.
I approached him with a wide smile, hoping none of my anxiety was written upon my face. “I was planning to visit my uncle today. Does that sound all right with you? My parents have only stated that I have to be behind the palace wards by sundown, but I’m allowed out of the palace during daylight hours.”
