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“How could they hate you?” The horror on Arden’s face warmed my heart, at least for a second.
“Because I’m a Royal.” I ran a hand through my hair. “My grandfather, who was a Royal hundreds of years ago, had two sons—my father and his older brother, Sterling. Usually, a Royal chooses his oldest son to take the throne after him, but my grandfather chose my father instead. My dad was naturally very powerful, even before he was a Royal, so my grandfather wanted him to take his place. And I’m an only child, so I got the throne after my father.”
“So, your Uncle Sterling is upset at you because your father became a Royal instead of him?” Arden asked.
“No, my uncle passed away. My cousin Elias hates me now because I’m living the life he believes he should have. He’s a Lord over a small territory on the far reaches of the kingdom, and that’s all the power he’ll have.” I ran my fingers through Arden’s ponytail.
Arden leaned into my touch. “Being a Lord is a big deal, though.”
“It is, technically. But it’s more for show than anything. Flint, Jagger, and I have all the power, but the Lords watch over various territories and handle local issues that are too small for us to pay attention to. Basically, they’re like very high-level aides to us, but they live all over the fae world.” I shrugged. “So, he’s bitter.”
“Well, fuck him,” Arden said so bluntly that I burst out laughing. “Seriously! You could crush him like he’s nothing.”
“I know that. But it’s not just him. It’s his entire family, too. It just brings unnecessary tension into my life.” I swallowed. “I have a lot of people I care about in my life, but there’s something about being rejected by them that stings.”
Arden buried her face into my neck, wrapping her arms around me.
“I’m sorry, Lex.” She nearly kissed me but stopped herself. I wanted to kiss her so badly that it physically hurt.
“Thanks, Kitten.” I played with her ponytail again. “But it’s not just Elias or my family. It’s everyone. I wanted to warn you.”
“Warn me?” Arden laughed this time. “It sounds like they’re a bunch of self-important fae with too much money and too little power. I can handle myself.”
“That’s exactly who they are, but they’re very traditional.” I scanned her face to see if she was picking up on what I was saying. “When we introduce you to them, they might not be thrilled that you’re as outspoken as you are.”
“Oh, please.” Arden shifted, so it was easier to look at my face. “I’ve heard that all my life. I heard that from you guys when we first met. I’ll be fine.”
Of course this was her reaction. She was fearless.
“I’m serious, Kitten.” I lifted her chin with two fingers. “They’re going to be assholes to you, and I don’t want their opinions to affect you.”
“They won’t. Besides, I can count on the three of you to have my back.”
“Always,” I said, brushing a finger across her cheek.
“Lex. I swear, I’ll be fine.” She cupped my face. “I swear.”
I sighed. I wasn’t going to convince her, was I? I’d tried, and that was all I could do. I’d be there for her no matter what our families threw her way.
Chapter41
Arden
Iloved Lex, but his little attempt to “warn” me about his family bugged me for the rest of the night, even until the morning. Did he not know me? I wasn’t easily intimidated by fae who felt superior.
I said goodbye to the enforcer who drove me to work and took the short walk from my drop-off spot to Muddy Mugs. My shift was mid-morning, after the morning rush but before the late afternoon rush of students getting out of their classes. So, when I walked in, it was quiet, aside from a few regulars spread out on the cozy chairs.
“Hey, Arden,” Lucy said, popping up from behind the counter with a container of oat milk.
“Hey. How was the morning shift?” I asked, going behind the counter.
“Pretty normal.” She poured some milk into a container to steam it. “Maybe calmer than usual.”
I went all the way in the back to grab my apron and say hello to Chad. His office door was closed, though, so I went back out.
“I’m working on a new latte concoction. Want to try it?” Lucy asked.
“Sure. I need a pick-me-up.” I sighed, double checking the pastry case. In addition to a free coffee, we were allowed one free pastry per shift. Usually, I had the patience to wait until the end of the day, but the sugary donut with pink frosting was calling my name.
