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“That’s my understanding yes. At least, I’ve never heard of a non-fae being able to use our magic.” She thought for a moment. That wasn’t quite true. There was one non-fae who could use it, but she was pretty sure there was more to that situation that most people realised.
“Maybe that’s why he wants a princess?” Fane asked, clearly still uncomfortable about the situation.
“It seems likely.”
“What about the other things in the treaty?” he prompted, correctly guessing that they had exhausted that line of questioning. They’d add in the mate clause and hope for the best. Or hope Drey returned from his mope with the rest of the dragons. Yes, that was probably the best option.
“I think most of them can stay. But I’m not sure how we’re going to provide him with access to dragon scales,” she lied. There was a chance she did have access to those, but she wasn’t ready to have anyone know that.
“Maybe it’s from a different treaty,” Fane suggested, looking even more uneasy than before. Something rattled around in Aledwen’s brain. He seemed very surprised by the contents of the treaty. Almost like he’d never read it before.
“Did you know what was in there before now?” she asked carefully, and Fane sighed.
“No. It was spelled until a royal touched it.”
“Well isn’t that awkward.”
“Very much so. I’m curious by nature, so not being able to find out...”
“Plus, I imagine it’s difficult to negotiate a treaty without knowing what’s in it,” she pointed out, an amused note in her voice.
“Ah, yes. Maybe I should have led with that.” He looked away, the colour rising in his cheeks and up to the very tips of his ears.
“Maybe, but I like that you didn’t,” she replied.
And it was true. She did like and appreciate his honesty. It was a big difference from many other people about.
“I’m glad, because that could have been rather awkward otherwise.”
She laughed.
“Very much so.”
They lapsed into silence, both studying their own notes, though she suspected he was for the same reason as her. She didn’t want to actually end their meeting, she was enjoying it too much, but she didn’t know quite how to extend it without looking desperate.
A loud crash, followed by some particularly girlish screams came from one of the courtyards outside, and Aledwen jumped to her feet. Not only did it break the tension, but she genuinely was intrigued by the cause.
She had a theory, but didn’t want to hope she was right too much. Otherwise she could end up severely disappointed if she got there and discovered it wasn’t Drey causing such a racket.
“Shall we?” Fane asked, an impish grin on his face. She warmed to him even more. If he was going to get involved with drama like this, then she could definitely get used to spending time with him.
“Only if we’re done here,” she said, mostly out of politeness. She was itching to go outside, but she knew better than to piss someone off who had the ability to make her life difficult.
“I think so. There’s a couple of things I want to look into, if that’s okay?”
“Of course, I don’t control you.” She flashed him a wide smile, and caught an interested look crossing his face in return.
“Yet,” he murmured softly, almost as if the word was to himself and not to her. It probably was, so she chose to ignore it. There likely wasn’t a good way of answering that one anyway. Though she did quite like the sound of it. “I’ll be back in a couple of days,” he told her, speaking loud enough for her to properly hear this time. She definitely wasn’t supposed to have heard his ‘yet’ then.
“Days?” she squeaked, before scolding herself inwardly. That wasn’t the tone of voice a princess should be taking. Far from it. “What’s going to take you days?” she corrected in a more measured tone.
“I need to return home to look a few of the things up. But I’ll be back, Aledwen.”
Up until the point where he’d said her name, his tone had been all business like. But the softening had been unmistakable, and sent a little thrill through her. He could say her name like that any number of times and she’d be more than content.
“I’ll see you soon,” she said a little breathlessly. Why was she turning into such a girl? First Drey, now Fane. She’d add the twins in too, but they’d felt a little different to this. Comfortable, and charming, definitely. But different to this.
“Indeed, Your Majesty.” He took one of her hands in his, and lifted it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the skin of the back of her hand. The point where they touched began to tingle, but she dismissed it. All it was likely to be was her reaction to being flirted with.
