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“But not enough to seek me out. We dine in the same company almost every evening. Perhaps it indicates his understanding of our relationship.” Appearing to note my confusion, she explained, “He assumes you have more insight into my wellbeing than anyone else.”

I hadn’t thought of that. “Perhaps. I feared it meant that he had romantic intentions toward you.”

“And you don’t wish that?” Her guileless green eyes settled on my face.

“No. I wish to keep your affections for myself.” I hastened to add, “But above all, I wish for what will make you happy.”

She tilted her head again, setting my heart to thudding harder in my chest. “Despite the cost of our apparent magical bond, should I choose him?”

My heart stuttered at the thought. “Yes.” The word came out with more conviction than I actually felt.

Should she reject my proposal, I would live the rest of my life as half a person. My mother, the fading shell of a woman who once had a vitality that drew the dreariest person into smiles and laughter, had become a quiet, morose woman under the weight of a rejected mate bond. If she could endure, I could hardly do less.

“Don’t be so forlorn, Kent.” Rue’s gentle hand pulled at my forearm, and she peered up into my face. “I am not rejecting your proposal.”

“Then there is hope?”

Her delicate features softened. “There is always hope.”

The words were far less reassuring than she probably intended. I tried to smile encouragingly despite the growing ache in the pit of my stomach.

Using her hand on my arm to pivot us, I guided her back toward the mansion. At the very least, if Rue joined us, it would give me opportunities to observe her reactions to the court and the duties she would take up as queen if I took the throne.

Rue

Kent’s emotional instability roiled around me like a storm, except this storm was silent and made him slightly irritable.

As we followed the trail back to the house, I mulled over his revelation. The possibility of having a fated mate had never occurred to me. Probably because I was so far removed from the fae and the conventions that came with my mother’s bloodline.

True, whispers of fated mates had been uttered even among the humans. Misha spent weeks in raptures about the idea of having a man bound to treat her like a queen no matter what she did. That lasted until Master Hobb pointed out that wasn’t how fated mates worked.

I didn’t even know if my kind of fae could have fated mate connections. For that matter, I didn’t even know what kind of fae I was. My mother was a nymph and my affinity for the company of plants confirmed that, but my acute sensitivity to everyone’s emotional states around me didn’t fall within normal nymph magic.

“Are you sure I could be your fated mate? I am not even sure what kind of fae I am.”

Kent glanced over at me. “Clearly you are at least part nymph, considering how being around plant life seems to soothe and calm you.”

I nodded. “But what about my sensitivity to emotions? That is hardly a nymph skill.”

He considered my point. “I don’t know of any fae kind who possess that skill. However, I am not an authority on fae kinds. Perhaps you should ask Healer Wynt. But Lord Greyson bonded with Lady Lyra without issue, and the Seelie king reportedly mated with his wife, a human shapeshifter. No matter what the source of your skill, I am certain it will not hamper that.”

I remained less convinced but dropped the topic as we entered the humid confines of the conservatory and instantly the exuberant life of the pampered residents enfolded me. The growing unease in my chest faded as I breathed deeply of the fragrantly scented air.

“Ah, there you are, Master Kent.” Raven emerged from the doors to the main house and offered Kent an absentminded smile before bowing to me. “Mistress Rue, always a pleasure.”

“Likewise, Raven.” I offered him a warm smile in return. “How is your uncle? I hope you had an enjoyable reunion.”

Slight surprise passed over his features. “It was very pleasant to see him, but he brought concerning news from court, which is what made me seek Master Kent out.” He turned to Kent. “Lord Greyson requests your presence in his study.”

“His study? Then it is very serious.”

“Perhaps I should—” I attempted to retrieve my hand from Kent’s arm, but he caught my fingers.

“What concerns me concerns you as well.” He leaned close and whispered. “We are a joint unit.”

“Not yet we aren’t,” I protested softly. “Besides, you don’t know if I would be welcome.”

“If you aren’t welcome, it isn’t a place I wish to be. Come join me, please.”