I looked at Kole expectantly. “Well, what is it?”
He chuckled softly. “Tell me, Princess, have you ever been to the Solis continent?”
My jaw dropped. “No, are you taking me to see your childhood home? Or to meet your family?”
Kole laughed, trulylaughed. “No, not today. What I had planned is more of an activity, and given its importance, your parents allowed it as long as we’re back by your newly imposed curfew.”
Despite my confusion, anticipation began to dance within me. “Now I’m really intrigued.”
He grinned and took my hand. “We have to mistphase to get there, obviously. Ready?”
I laughed. “I think so?”
In a flash of magic, Kole mistphased us, and we reappeared in a wide stone walkway. Above, a tall ceiling rimmed with frosted glass windows soared, and several fae nearby bustled about. Wings graced all of their backs, silver or white hair colored everyone’s heads, and each fairy wore servant’s attire. Many carried baskets of linens and cleaning charms, and pleasant aromas of freshly cooked foods and searing meats floated through the air.
I slowly spun around and took everything in. It appeared we were in another palace or castle, probably near a kitchen, given the mouthwatering smells, and a quick peek out one of the lower windows confirmed we were definitely on the Solis continent.
Not only did everyone have wings, but snow, frost, and ice covered the landscape, and in the sky, hundreds of Solis fae flew through the air, carrying on with their northern life, none the wiser that a princess from a foreign kingdom had just reached their shores. But I still had no idea what city we were in or whose castle we’d mistphased to.
A smile danced across my face as I peered up at Kole. “Where are we?”
Kole watched me, his lips curving. “Solisarium, the capital of the Solis continent in Prinavee Territory. I was granted permission by a friend to mistphase here, which allowed us to bypass their wards. He’s been quite helpful with my surprise.”
“A friend of yours? Is it someone you grew up with?”
“He is. We attended the Academy of Solisarium together many summers ago, and even though we don’t often see each other now, we’ve kept in touch.”
I wanted to ask more, but I grew distracted again by the passing fae. Each servant who hurried by gave us a wide berth, and most immediately began to whisper. I wasn’t surprised. Given our coloring and lack of wings, it was obvious we were foreigners. And on top of that, we’d mistphased into a hallway that was apparently warded off to other outsiders.
Despite the staff’s suspicious glances, I was still enjoying my surprise. I hadn’t met many Solis fae in my life, but all of them had similar startling, vibrant blue eyes like Kole.
I gave Kole an impish look and pinched him playfully. “So are you going to tell me more? Or are we to stand in this hallway all day?”
Before he could answer, an enthusiastic-sounding male exclaimed from down the hall, “Ah, there he is! The dastardly male who I love so much!”
A male I’d never met before sauntered toward us. He was beaming and staring directly at Kole. Like so many other fae here, he had silver hair, black leathery wings, and vivid blue eyes.
But unlike the serving staff who continually passed us, this male wore expensive looking and stylish clothing. His tunic, crafted from fine cobalt-blue wool, reeked of wealth. And his breeches were so black they shone as dark as night.
When he reached us, I had to tilt my chin back. He was almost as tall as Kole, was equally broad, and his face was ruggedly handsome. Tall black wings rose from his back, and I had to make myself not stare at them.
“Old friend!” The male clapped Kole on the back, then pulled him into a hug, and the fact that Kole let himself be hugged, and evenhugged the male in return, had my eyes widening in delight.
When they finally pulled apart, the male looked down at me, and he arched an eyebrow as a smile curved his lips. “And whois this stunning creature you’ve brought along?” He clasped my hand and brought the back of it to his lips. All the while, his gaze raked over me, stopping momentarily at my breasts, their size evident in my dress.
“Stunning indeed,” he said with gusto, and his kiss lingered on the back of my hand.
Kole nudged him. “Don’t be getting any ideas, Nuwin. She’smine.”
My insides fluttered at Kole’s possessive tone, and after his lingering kiss, the male drew back.
Nuwin lifted his eyebrows in surprise, his face the portrait of innocence. “Get any ideas? Whatever do you take me for?”
Kole snorted a laugh. “Oh, I think we both know exactly what to take you for. I remember our younger days all too clearly.”
Nuwin waggled his eyebrows. “T’was fun, was it not? So many females attended our academy, but alas, there was only so much time to enjoy them all.”
My eyebrows shot up, and Kole placed his hand on my lower back, his expression instantly serious. “Nuwin enjoyed his fill, but I didn’t.”
