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“Are you okay?” I ask as I let out a breath of relief. My body is exhausted, but pain free.
Bowen doesn’t answer, instead he looks like he’s in shock, staring down at his wrist with wide eyes. Confused, I look down to see what his gaze is locked onto. A vibrant green marking now marks his pale skin. It matches the royalty symbol on my back. Blinking at it a few times, I finally look up to meet his eyes, knowing exactly what it means.
Faerie has chosen my first knight.
I sob out my apologies, hating that I unknowingly did this to him. “I’m so sorry, Bowen. I had no idea it would bind me to you like this. I didn’t mean to take your choice away. Fuck!” My voice rises higher with each statement and he seems shocked by the outburst. “You will be a king now, but that doesn’t mean you have to be with me. I’m so sorry.”
Instead of an answer, Bowen lifts my chin so he can meet my eyes. His gaze softens as my tears course down my cheeks. Then he surprises me by leaning forward and capturing my lips. His kiss starts out gentle and soft, full of reassurance. I sigh into his mouth as I realize his lips are as soft as I imagined them to be.
Needing more, I deepen the kiss, pouring my appreciation and passion into it. Something seems to click into place between us the longer we connect, and in my heart I know he’s mine now. A feeling of warmth and peace spreads through me, at the love I feel radiating back from him. Love?! It’s literally only been days! But as soon as I think that thought, I shake it off. It may only have been days, but this is deeper than anything I’ve ever felt. Rationality has no place alongside magic, and the Spirits of Faerie warned me this would happen. Either way, I’m in charge of how fast we go and they would never take advantage of me.
Bowen breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine. “Don’t worry, I told you I would protect you. And I can think of no woman I would rather share my life with. I’ve lived too long and seen far too much to be scared away by this, Bella. I’ve felt a connection with you since we first locked eyes, and kissing you now only made it stronger. I’m yours, my queen." I look at him with wide eyes. Did he truly mean that? He gives a light tap to my ass and smirks. “I’ll worship this later,” he promises and I laugh at the quick change of mood. There’s my Bowen.
“I’m still sorry. The way she explained it I thought I would find them all before choosing the kings. I thought it was more of a duty thing, not a magical bond” I explain, fidgeting nervously.
“Stop, Bella. The Spirits chose me and I am honored. We will be fine. My brothers and I talked about this last night while you slept. We all felt the same connection to you. Something about you and your magic draws us in, connects to us, like no one ever has. Trust in us and trust in Faerie.” He runs his fingers gently down the side of my cheek before pulling me in for another kiss.
“Thanks Bowen,” I say before matching his usual grin. “For now…. let’s get out of this cave.” He helps me to my feet and stands beside me, linking his fingers with mine. We turn toward the only cave opening and walk out of the cavern, with the light orb illuminating our way.
Chapter 17
Bowen and I discover that the cave is a straightforward tunnel that runs below the village and connects in a nearby hillside. The metal grate that covers the entrance is locked, but Bowen grabs a rock and smashes the lock. The gate groans in protest as we push it open, but at least we’re free.
We hurry up the hill and backtrack toward the village. The shouting reaches us before I can even see anyone. Bowen and I glance at each other nervously as Jacob’s distinct voice rises above the rest. That’s enough to send me sprinting through the streets, needing to make sure he’s alright.
“You lying two faced son of a bitch! How could you use and hurt Bella like that? Someone give me a weapon, this man deserves to be tortured and feel pain. I’m going to castrate him with a rusty battleaxe!” That has me slowing down, surprised laughter bubbling out. But my best friend was far from done. “She is such a kind person, you evil twat! When I’m through with you, you’ll never get the fucking chance to hurt anyone, ever again!” Jacob bellows into Allwyn’s face, before pulling his fist back and smashing it into Allwyn’s jaw. The weak fae falls to his knees and I don’t feel even an ounce of sympathy.
“Back up, you filthy human!” Allwyn spits at him, blood trickling down his face. Rushing forward, I gently pull Jacob away from his target. He sees that it’s me and wraps me in a hug.
“I love you, my Prince. Thanks for having my back,” I say as I squeeze him in a tight hug only to wiggle out of the embrace and walk up to Allwyn. “And don’t you dare speak to him that way,” I threaten in a low voice, before mimicking Jacob’s movement and punching him right in the nose. Allwyn immediately crumples to the ground again, this time unmoving.
“Well that makes our lives easier,” Maddox says with an appreciative chuckle. Flashing a satisfied smile his way, I glance at our group, making sure everyone else is alright.
“You found the stone?” Emrick asks, glancing at the lone stone on the crown.
“Yes,” my voice is hesitant as I answer, glancing over at Bowen to find him unbothered by the whole situation. In fact, he looks downright smug.
“She also found the first king,” he announces in his cocky tone when he notices my hesitation. He has so much swagger in his step as he moves toward them.
Jacob spins his head around to face me. “You got married without me? That’s a bitch move, Queenie!” Jacob whines dramatically.
“Who is the king?” Maddox asks, confused. Apparently he did not pick up on Bowen’s not so subtle clues. He looks behind us, apparently looking for another man walking up. I stare at him, unsure if he is joking, or just that oblivious.
“Bowen,” Gerwyn says with a quiet chuckle. I knew he was the observant and smart one. “I had a feeling that’s what would happen. We are unnaturally close for a group from such different backgrounds, and we all felt a connection to her from the moment we met her.” He gives me a warm smile, anticipation in his gaze.
“Wait, you’re okay with being bound to me, too?” I ask in a shocked voice. What the hell is wrong with these men? I’ve barely processed it and they had accepted it without hesitation. And without talking to me about it.
“It would be an honor, why would I mind?” he asks, brushing a strand of my silver hair out of my eyes. Staring into his violet gaze, I see nothing but admiration and pride.
“It’s permanent, that’s why. You would be a king, Wyn,” I say slowly, waiting for them to freak out and leave me. This is their chance to turn and run.
“Bells, I don’t think they’re going to back out. Not everyone will abandon you," Jacob says in a low voice. It’s meant to be just for my ears, but the fae have impeccable hearing.
“We would never abandon you. If you want us, we are yours," Emrick responds in his thunder
ous, yet calming voice. Looking up at him, I’m met with a look of determination and protectiveness.
Fuck… I want them all.
