That glow filled his irises again, and I didn’t know if it was the Council meeting, or how more creatures had been found in Whiteolf lately, or the fact that even though we cared for one another, any potential future between Kole and I was doomed, yet a future between me and Nathaniel wasn’t... Whatever the case, Kole’s energy was visceral tonight. Potent. And on top of that, a hint of his sexual frustration filtered through to me in his aura, which made no sense whatsoever sincehe’dbeen the one in the previous weeks to keep us from fully consummating our relationship.
His jaw locked even more. “You’remine, Prim, and I don’t share. So yes, he’s also a reason I don’t want you out there, but your safety is the most important one.” The glow in his eyes intensified, and my magic responded, fluttering in my chest as that sensation inside me stretched toward him.
I sighed heavily and scratched at my breastbone. My magic had been strange around Kole since day one, and my bizarre responses to him had become so normal that I stopped paying attention to it half the time.
Regardless, tonight, I wanted to forget. I longed to enjoy myself, and even though the warrior had a possessive streak in him, and even though I loved that about him, I’d also been looking forward to a carefree evening in which I could further try to bridge the distance between my sisters and me while also forgetting about all of the horrific things happening in our kingdom.
But if I wasn’t allowed outside, where most fae were likely to spend their time...
I tried not to feel like one more limitation had been stacked upon me, or feel left out by missing everything, or feel isolated by all that my magic had done to me, but anger and pain ran through me simultaneously.
I’d been so accepting, so poised in all that had been asked of me, but tonight, it suddenly felt like too much. It wasn’t fair. None of this was. I hadn’t done anything to deserve all of the heartache that my magic had brought.
Hot tears threatened to form in my eyes, but I quickly blinked them back, refusing to cry. Abruptly, I drained my champagne and blinked again to keep the tears at bay. Forcing a fake smile, I dipped my head. “Noted, I shall stay inside.”
Before Kole could respond, I walked clear away from him toward the table with more drinks.
Behind me, Kole’s aura kicked up a notch as he followed, but I ignored him and grabbed another flute of champagne.
If I wasn’t allowed outside, and I didn’t want to have a mental breakdown right here, then I needed to distract myself, and it seemed that alcohol was the only way to do that.
Kole stood near the wall,his aura pulsing, but I kept my attention on the party and all of the fae who had come to celebrate my sister. I’d already danced over a dozen times, saying yes to every single male who approached me.
My head was swimming from both the dancing, spinning, and the drinks, but at least I was finally enjoying myself.
“Having fun, Princess?” Nathaniel sidled up to me, his lips curving, and the way he addressed me rendered me speechless. His low, suggestive tone and the fact that he’d called mePrincesswas startlingly similar to how Kole addressed me.
Recovering, I smiled at him sweetly. Nathaniel and his friends had finally ventured back inside following the official announcement outdoors, and it wasn’t lost on me that Kole had tracked the young lordling’s every move and that he was practically staring daggers into the lordling’s head at this very moment.
“I am, are you?” I brought my champagne to my lips and grinned at him. “I wondered if you were ever going to come inside and say hello.”
Nathaniel’s gaze lit up. “Keeping tabs on me, are you?”
At my back, Kole’s aura flickered, and perhaps it was the half-dozen flutes of champagne I’d consumed, but I replied more flirtatiously than I meant to, “How could I not? You look quite handsome in your waistcoat.”
Nathaniel’s lips curved, and he watched me bring my champagne flute to my lips, his gaze lingering on my mouth. “I can say the same for you. As always, you look absolutely ravishing.”
I smiled coquettishly. “Why, thank you, Lordling Ryderdim.”
He chuckled, and across the ballroom, I caught my mother watching us. She was beaming.
I’d barely returned my attention to the lordling before he said, “My grandmother wasn’t happy about my appearance atthe council meeting today. She said I, and everyone else, who testified on your behalf created quite the performance.”
My lips downturned. “Performance? Is that truly what she called it?”
He winced. “Unfortunately, yes. I’m sure you can imagine what my grandmother thought of it all, but I just wanted to let you know that not everyone in my House agrees with her rash judgment of you. Certainly not me.” He stepped closer to my side, and his hand brushed against my waist.
I faced the lordling, and out of the corner of my eye, I could have sworn that Kole’s jaw began grinding. “Was she really not swayed at all by those who have known me my entire life? What did she think, that we bribed them to be there?”
Nathaniel stared at my mouth again, and considering that energypoundedinto my back, I knew that Kole was watching every single interaction between the lordling and me. “On the contrary, I think she thought they were genuine, but she still felt it was a performance. My grandmother isn’t exactly the forgiving type.”
“So you’ve warned me.” I drained the last of my champagne.
He laughed. “I did, and speaking of your visit in which I issued that warning, I have some good news for you. I heard back from my colleague in Ironcrest.”
My lips parted, and a genuine smile streaked across my face. “You did?”
“Indeed, and he told me something absolutely fascinating.” He paused, as though enjoying the eager way I leaned forward. “He said that it’s believed the Goddess of Light is the creator of one of the creatures found in theotherrealm.”
