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“How so?” His mouth tips up in a slight grin.
“First I meet you and you hate me. Then while I’m still human, you save me. Then you pledge yourself to me and become one of my most trusted friends. It’s just funny how only a few short weeks have felt like years.”
He sighs, the sound seemingly coming from his soul. “I didn’t hate you, I hated humans as a whole. When we first arrived, we were treated like monsters, then that morphed into being treated like trash. I watched a human kill a friend and I have despised them ever since. Then this fiery little girl comes around and protects me with all she is. It shocked and intrigued me. I wanted to know you, before you were fae, but I pushed you away because I was afraid to be disappointed. Then you saved my life, and holding you in my arms as you changed I thought I lost you. In that moment I’ve never been so desperate, so scared. You have changed me, little butterfly,” he says with an adoring smile that has my cheeks flushing with pleasure.
“I like this side of you," I tease, giving him a flirtatious smile. His smile changes from happy to sultry at my words, apparently learning how to pick up on social cues finally.
“I have another side I can show you sometime. I promise you’ll like it, too.” His eyes darken and they lower from my eyes to my mouth. I can feel my chest heat and my face flush from his declaration. My heart pounds in my chest as he runs his thumb across my bottom lip, before lightly brushing his lips against mine. The moment was a long time coming, but it didn't disappoint. Even with such a light touch, my body flares to life, desperate to feel more of what he’s offering.
“You’ll have to wait to see that side. I would break you in the state you’re in now, butterfly.” He gives me one last heated look before he walks out of the tent. I let out a huge breath and try to lower my heart rate, but images of a naked Allwyn are all I can picture now. It’s always the quiet and surly ones you have to watch out for.
“Queenie!” Jacob’s boisterous entrance snaps me away from my heated thoughts. “Wait a minute, why are you flushed like that?” His eyes narrow as he takes in my red cheeks and heavy breathing.
“Oh nothing," I try to play it cool. “It’s just a bit warm in here.”
“Well I think the warmth just left your tent, so you can relax now," he jokes, knowing exactly why I’m so worked up. Leave it to my best friend to call me out.
“Alright Prince Jacob, how are you doing? How did the first meal go?” I ask, trying to deflect the attention away from myself. Getting Jacob to talk about himself is the perfect excuse, and he doesn’t disappoint.
“Actually, it went really well. I left everything unattended when I saw Allwyn carrying you in. When I went back after you were settled in here, Andras had stepped in and taken over. He stuck around and helped me cook. Then… then we had dinner together and talked,” he swoons as he tells me about Andras and I can’t contain the squeal of excitement that escapes me. After the bullshit Sam did, he deserves a guy that will genuinely care about him.
“You did?” I do a weak happy dance for him in my bed. Jacob and Andras would be great together, or at least from what I’ve seen so far.
The tent flap bursts open, causing both of us to jump. Allwyn looks around with wild eyes, then quickly realizes it’s just us.
“What happened? I heard you yell!” His tone is exasperated, like I’d done something wrong. One minute he’s sexy, and another he’s like a scolding school teacher.
“Nothing, I was excited about something Jacob said. Chill out, Allwyn.” My eyes are wide. I didn’t think we were that loud.
“You fae must have crazy good hearing," Jacob mutters as his cheeks flush.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t hear your words, I was just paying attention in case she needs me," Allwyn reassures Jacob, but he doesn’t hide the laughter in his voice. “You two will seriously be the death of me. I just don’t understand you.”
“And you probably never will. We have our own language and silent conversations at this point," I say with a shrug.
“She isn’t wrong," Jacob adds, now unapologetic. Allwyn gives an exaggerated eye roll before turning and walking out. It’s such a completely un-Allwyn move that it causes us to dissolve into a fit of laughter again.
“Anyway,” he picks the conversation back up once he composes himself. “It was amazing. I know I should probably not be this excited so soon after Sam, but there’s just something about this man I can’t help but be drawn to. It’s not even his looks, though they don’t hurt either. He’s just so passionate about his books and knowledge, but he isn’t condescending when he shares what he knows. He’s quiet, but also not afraid to join in with everyone. He just has a way of talking to me that makes me feel important, like I matter,” he explains, his voice growing softer as he finishes. I hold open my arms, knowing he needs another hug. He snuggles in next to me and I wrap my arms around him, offering silent support for a few moments.
“You matter to me, Jacob. You are the most important person in my life," I whisper into his ear as I hug him. It’s the truth. I loved grandmother in her own way, but the love I have for Jacob is different. He loves me for who I am, even through all of this, and never stops encouraging me. He’s the brother I never had but definitely needed.
“I know, I’ve just been such a mess. Look at me, ruining a fun gossip session. I’m judging myself at this point,” he jokes as he pulls away. He isn’t one for lingering on feelings and intense moments. “Alright Queenie, get some sleep, I know I need some.” He leaves my bed roll and curls up on the one next to the tent wall, leaving a space in the middle. I close my eyes and just start to drift off when a familiar smell of trees and soil hits my senses. I smile, knowing Allwyn has joined us, his scent shifting now that we’re in Faerie. Tomorrow I’ll focus on being a better queen, but for tonight I’m safe and happy.
Chapter 12
As I stand on my chair, addressing all of our people, I finally feel the full weight of my new role. “I would like to take a further expedition into one of the Courts. I prefer the Court of Spring so I can check and see if my magic has made progress there. I am offering to take a small company of travelers with me, my guard, and Prince Jacob," I project my voice through the campsite. “I’m eager to start to explore our new lands and make a plan to start bringing Faerie back to life. I know restoration will not happen overnight, but I want to at least get a feel for the land while I figure the bigger problems out as well.”
“I would like to go, my Queen," Andras announces formally, standing up and giving me a slight bow. Jacob grins at him and Andras looks away quickly before he can blush.
“Me too," River stands up next, followed by Gwen. I smile at my original fae friends volunteering.
A throat clearing, pulls my attention to the back of the crowd. “I offer my brothers and I as protectors for your expedition, Queen Arabella," I scan the crowd, searching for the man who spoke. My eyes settle on a group of four fae men who stand up to show their intention. My heart skips a beat as my eyes slowly inspect the brothers. The first brother is clearly the leader. He has long golden blonde hair that’s secured in a bun on his head, the leather strap holding it gives h
im a more rugged look. Well that and the hint of a beard on his face. With his hair out of his face, his striking blue eyes stand out. He has the familiar fae beauty, but he also has a fierce, stoic look to him. I can see his biceps bulging slightly as he crosses his arms over his toned chest. Even from this far away, I can easily see how sexy he is. Wipe away the drool, Bella.
The second brother is standing slightly behind the first. Where the first man is bulky, he’s a slimmer build. He has short, shaggy red hair. His pale skin is flawless, with a light dusting of freckles across his nose. He has a mischievous look about him, which is maximized by the cocky grin he gives me as I openly stare at them. My cheeks warm as my eyes meet his vibrant green orbs.
The third brother has gorgeous silver hair. Not that he’s old in the slightest, but another variation of light hair like mine. Maybe he’s from Winter? Unlike his brother, his is long and flowing around his shoulders. The way he holds himself makes him seem reserved and shy. He meets my eyes for a moment before bowing slightly and looking down. The moment our eyes met, his violet gaze drew me in.
