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Kent’s arms closed around me. Then, before I could protest, he turned his head and captured my mouth in a scorching kiss that made the bond sing and the land magic around us hum with delight. A few moments later, we moved apart just far enough to brush noses.
“You already have me, my love.”
“Then I shall start forming a list of demands.”
Kent laughed, startling a servant coming around the corner.
Chapter Seventeen
Kent
Greyson scheduled the challenge for the next morning. Despite the Dullahan’s efforts to persuade him otherwise, the Unseelie king continued to insist that he be the one to face the challengers for his throne.
Lord Greyson informed me of this after dinner as we watched his children play with Mela while Lady Lyra and Rue talked in the family’s sitting room.
“Only a fool strives for what he has irrevocably lost through selfish neglect. It is too little too late.” He frowned at the women. “Has your Rue reconciled herself to being queen?”
I smiled to myself. “She has agreed to be my partner in reforming the Unseelie court.”
Greyson’s eyebrows rose in a rare expression of surprise. “Indeed? I knew she was a fae of excellent character, but I didn’t know she could be so bold.”
“It doesn’t come naturally to her, but I have hopes she will grow into the role.”
“If she is anything like my Lyra, I suspect she will surprise you with her tenacity once she is given the chance to grow and thrive.” His gaze strayed to the children. “What of Mela? Growing up as a human child in a fae realm is going to be a challenge.”
“Rue and I will officially adopt her as our child. I have hopes that the land magic will accept that connection and help me protect her from any potential harm.”
“And if she wants to return to the human part of the world?”
“Then we will see that she has all the support she needs to do so when she is ready.”
Greyson’s thoughtful hum drew my attention back to him. “You think I am foolish to do it?” I asked.
“No. Not at all. I am just intrigued by how she is going to change when she is fully grown. Being married to a woman who has lived longer within the Wild Wood than outside it, I know it can produce a depth of character that is rare and precious. I am eager to see how your Mela grows and adapts over the years.”
When I looked back to the children, Mela was chasing Heath across the room, shrieking for him to give back her book. Heath danced about, holding the desired volume just out of her reach with a teasing grin.
“Indeed.”
“Enough of this,” Greyson declared. “You need your sleep for tomorrow, and I have much to do. It is past the time you should retire.”
“Not before I escort Rue to her door.”
Her dark head was listing to the side as she listened to Lady Lyra. She caught it and straightened, tightening her shoulders as she did. I didn’t have to see her eyelids to know they were growing heavy.
“She isn’t facing a magical battle tomorrow,” Greyson pointed out.
“But she will still be involved.”
“Only as much as she absolutely has to be. Stanton and the king both insist on challenging you for the crown before the assembled court.”
Dread gathered in my gut. “And Nerio?”
“He withdrew his claim and holds firm to the decision despite his mother’s hysterics and Lord Moritz’s threats.”
I nodded. “The deciding criteria tomorrow?”
“Incapacitation or resignation.”
