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Rhoswen’s face drained of color, her hands trembling as she clasped Aelfric’s arm. He remained stoic, his gaze intense, but the furrow of his brows betrayed his worry.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
I nodded solemnly. “We need to go outside.”
We walked in darkness down the palace hall, the candles lining the wall barely flickering in response to our presence as we marched past. Chilly air rushed in when we exited the castle and entered the softly lit garden.
Bayleon, Bastian, and Aidan were just off to the left, but I couldn’t see the young elf until we got closer. It was a gruesome sight, especially to see someone so young meet such a tragic end. Finally, I stepped aside and allowed Aelfric and Rhoswen to catch sight of what we wanted them to see. Rhoswen gasped, and Aelfric immediately dropped to his knees beside the young elf lying on the grass. His head was hung low and a deep sadness emanated from him. Aelfric touched the young elf’s face, sadness shadowing his expression.
“It’s Cristo, son of Aneera and Dairion.” But when he looked up at us, his eyes were blazing. “What happened?”
Bayleon put a hand on his sword hilt and sighed. “Magic was used to lure him out to the woods. King Aidan and I tried to get to him, but we were too late.”
Aidan moved forward, and his power pulsed through the air around him. “I think it was an ambush; there were about a dozen men in the woods, but they ran away when we approached.”
Aelfric rose and shook his head. “I don’t understand why this is happening; we’ve never had anything like this before.”
“I think it’s becausewe’rehere,” Bayleon said, nodding toward Bastian. “The same magic we felt in the mortal realm a few days ago is here, too; it’s not a coincidence.”
“What kind of magic are you talking about?” Rhoswen asked. “Our people don’t have dark magic.”
Bayleon cleared his throat, and I could see the hesitance on his face. “When I felt it, it called to me. It’s almost like the Tyvar’s power of seduction, only different . . . stronger. But this power enthralls men, not women.”
Rhoswen’s body froze as if a terror swept through her. I stepped up to her and met her gaze. “It’s abundantly clear that you know something, Rhoswen. I love you like a mother, and I’ve trusted you my entire life. You lied to me earlier and I want to know why.”
Rhoswen turned her gaze to Aelfric, and his expression shifted to understanding—his eyes had a knowing glint in them as he nodded silently at her.
She sighed heavily. “All right. I’ll tell you everything I know. But first,” she said, her voice heavy with sorrow as she looked down at the young elf’s body, “Aelfric and I need to find Aneera and Dairion and tell them their son is dead.” When her eyes met mine, tears were brimming in them, and she spoke softly. “Meet us in Aelfric’s study in an hour. I promise I’ll tell you everything.” She then cast her gaze over Aidan and back to me. “I’m assuming that’s the true reason why he’s here, to make sure I speak the truth?”
I couldn’t bring myself to deceive her any longer, so I spoke candidly, “I only did what Elvena told me to do.”
Rhoswen nodded, realization in her eyes. “I understand. Just be prepared for what you’re about to find out.” Her gaze then shifted to Bayleon and Bastian. “All of you.”
* * *
Bastian and Istepped into the study, and my gaze darted around the room. Bayleon and Aidan were getting cleaned up and Aelfric and Rhoswen hadn’t shown up yet. Bastian and I were the only two in the room. Ancient books lined the walls, and paintings of ethereal creatures hung between them. The furniture was carved from dark wood, and a thick velvet rug ran across the floor. An eerie silence filled the space as I glanced around, taking in the intricate details of artifacts that had always fascinated me. The elves and their lands were part of the Land of the Fae, but it was almost like we were in a different realm.
Bastian crept up behind me, pressing his body against mine as his arms snaked around my waist. His lips were soft and warm as they caressed the side of my neck, sending shivers of desire cascading down my skin. I melted into his touch, feeling an intense longing for him that I couldn’t ignore.
“I wish we could have more moments alone like this,” he murmured against my ear, his breath warm and sweet.
I smiled, leaning into him further and then turning around in his arms to wrap mine around his neck. “We will. As soon as we’re back home, you can have me anytime you want.”
A low growl vibrated in his chest, and something deep inside me stirred with anticipation. “That might be kind of hard. What if my brother wants you at the same time?” he countered.
His words made everything inside of me tighten. Whatwasgoing to happen if they both wanted me at the same time? I couldn’t deny that the thought was exhilarating, a fantasy I’d dreamed about numerous times.
“And what if he does?” I murmured. “What happens then?”
His eyes blazed with unadulterated passion. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll see.” My cheeks flushed with heat and Bastian smirked as he leaned in for a kiss. “You’re killing me, Lia. I can sense your need for me.”
His lips were electric against mine, and I moaned in pleasure as I tasted him. He pressed his hardness against me, making me want him more.
“It looks like you need me, too,” I teased.
A chuckle escaped his lips as he drew back and looked at me. “Always.”
We stared at each other for a few seconds, and I wished I could lift his mask to fully see into his eyes. The last thing we needed was for Rhoswen to walk in and be taken captive by his powers of seduction. Fae royals were immune to their powers, but Rhoswen wasn’t fae; it was a risk none of us were willing to take.
