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“It’s okay,” I assure her. “We’ve become friends since then. And I can’t blame you for wanting to protect Stellan.”
I feel like, in a strange way, I’ve earned my spot in this family. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“How did the council meeting go today?” Natalia turns her attention to King Basilicus. No, Warrick, I remind myself.
Warrick shrugs. “They adore Wisteria. They don’t seem worried about the fae at all, though they are a little concerned about the elves coming for us.”
“But we don’t know that the elves will come,” I say. “Even if my grandparents do want to meet me, they may not even be prominent members of elf society.”
Stellan puts his arm on the back of my chair. “I highly doubt you come from a lowly family. Even if your father was never supposed to be emperor, he was still of a royal line. No doubt your mother was just as powerful.”
His words make me pause and consider. I do wonder what my mother was like. But I’m not sure how I feel about meeting my grandparents if they are ‘important’ to the elves. As a fae, I lived my life constantly under the spotlight. And, even among the dragons, too many people are watching me. At least I have Stellan at my side. He definitely makes things better.
After dinner, Stellan and I hold hands as we head back to our room. Earlier today, Stellan helped me move all ofmy stuff into his bedroom. He barely used any room in his walk-in closet, but between the clothes I brought from home and the stuff Natalia picked for me, his closet is now stuffed full. I feel a little bad about taking over his space, but he didn’t seem bothered by it.
Tonight, there is no question where we will sleep. Obviously, we’re staying in his room. The thoughtshouldbe comforting. Last night, the thought of sleeping without him made me sad. But tonight, my stomach churns with anxiety. I think I may be more anxious tonight than I was on our wedding night.
“Are you okay?” Stellan asks, breaking through my overwhelming thoughts.
I glance over at him and see that he’s watching me. “You know, it’s not fair that you can read my emotions and I can’t read yours.”
He chuckles. “This is the opposite of how I thought it would be.”
“Right. Becauseyoudidn’t know the difference between fae and dark fae.” I give him a pointed look.
It is believed that dark fae and fae used to be of one species, but I’m not completely sure I believe it. Though we share a lot of similarities, with our changing eye colors and short statures, that is where our likeness ends. Dark fae specialize in emotions—feeling and manipulating them. I can do none of that. A fae typically has powers of nature. Stronger fae, like Cypress, can create a shield of pure magic, but most lack the ability. It’s why my powers were so revered among the fae. Turns out, it was never fae power at all, but elf magic.
“It hasn’t escaped my notice that you avoided answering if you’re okay.” Stellan opens the door to our room and pulls me inside with him.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, wonderingwhat I should say. It’s not something I really wish to discuss. So, I do what any good fae would do, and I change the subject.
“I don’t want to go to war against the fae,” I tell Stellan.
He furrows his brows. “We’re going to try and avoid that.”
“I know.” I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “My dad may be empress, and he may have the final say about things, but that doesn’t mean he always gets to do what he thinks is best. The monarchs are very opinionated and if they want something, they will bully him until they get their way. And Cypress…” my voice trails off.
I can’t fight against my little brother. He won’t have any say in what happens, but his being fifteen won’t stop the fae from wanting to use him. Now that I’m gone, he’s probably the most powerful fae they’ve got.
Stellan pulls me into his arms. “We’ll find a way to negotiate peace. I’m certain the fae don’t really want to start a war that they can’t possibly win. Besides, my dad is on the Alpha Council. We won’t stand alone. Likely, once the fae see how much support we have, they’ll back down.”
I relax at his words.
He’s right—the fae won’t start a war they can’t win. They don’t want others to see how weak they’ve gotten.
I feel Stellan’s lips at the top of my head as he kisses me gently. He wraps his arms tighter around me and I sigh, feeling completely content.
“Are you going to tell me what you were avoiding tell me?” Stellan asks.
I sigh, glancing up at him. “It’s really unfair that you can read me so completely.”
He gives me a stern look, one that tells me he knows I’m still stalling.
“I’m nervous,” I finally admit.
“What do you have to be nervous about?” he asks.
“Staying in your room.” I chew on my bottom lip as I watch for his reaction.
