Page 79 of Fae Trials

“That’s because she’s a cast-off whose memories were replaced.” Prince Rory stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, I can vouch for this female.”

Prince August threw his head back and laughed. “Because you and Caulden are the proud recipients of her wantonness. Every time we come close, this lascivious female glows brighter than a mated fae in heat.”

“I’m not complaining,” said Prince Caulden.

“Neither am I.” Prince Rory turned around and smiled.

My only response was to stretch my trembling lips.

Queen Titania raised her nose in the air. “Must we venture into the realms of the distasteful?.”

The king patted her hand. “Half-bloods cannot help themselves, but what I don’t understand is which lord saw fit to enchant his illegitimate offspring in such a treasonous manner.”

My stomach dropped. If dark magic wasn’t a death sentence, then they’d likely execute me for treason. “Your Majesty, I—”

“How dare you address the king in such an intimate manner,” snapped the queen. “Do you mean to seduce my husband as well as my sons?”

A shocked breath escaped my lungs. Hadn’t they just told me to explain myself? What was it with this insecure queen?

“I didn’t fall to her wiles,” Prince Bradwell said in the voice of a teacher’s pet.

“Nor I.” Prince August rocked forward on his heels, acting proud of himself.

“Your Majesty,” said a voice from behind. Helen curtseyed low at my side and pulled me down.

I cast her a glance and copied her bowed head. It looked like people outside the royal family weren’t supposed to make eye contact with the King. No wonder Queen Titania got snippy.

“Rise,” said King Oberon. As we straightened, he tilted his head and raised his brow. “The daughter of Medietas?”

“Yes, sire,” she replied. “And I might be able to explain what happened.”

A fist of panic squeezed at my chest, and I glanced from side to side. All the princes stared at Helen with eager, curious gazes, and the Fated stood in a row, their eyes burning with hatred. I gulped. Hadn’t they used to be friends?

I searched around for signs of Gladiolus, Mr. Whittaker, and Flora, but they were nowhere in sight. My eyes shuttered closed. Right now, my only ally was Helen, and I had no idea what she was going to say.

“Speak, child,” said the queen.

“The legend of fated mates comes from a children’s story,” said Helen. “But up until now, fate hasn’t chosen a mate for any monarch.”

Queen Titania preened. “All queen consorts earned their right through a combination of beauty, charm, and power.”

I kept my expression neutral. The wretched female wasn’t even bothering to humble-brag, a term I’d learned from my DVDs.

“Get to the point,” said King Oberon.

Helen nodded. “Don’t you find it strange that I lost my powers the day before the fates supposedly chose mates for your sons?”

The king and queen exchanged shocked glances.

“What are you implying?” Lady Gala broke formation and bowed low before the throne. When King Oberon asked her to stand, she spread her arms wide. “This is obviously a case of unbridled envy. We all know that Helenium of Medietas was angling to mate with all four of the princes before she lost her magic.”

My mouth dropped open.

King Oberon scratched at his sideburn. “I had advised my princes to form a union with a single female to prevent our realm from being broken into four powerful courts, but that point is moot considering the emergence of fate.”

I frowned, and so did Queen Titania. She placed a hand on the king’s arm. “Helenium, this is a serious accusation. What is your proof?”

Helen licked her lips. “I was in the Avarice district of the Mound—”