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“Now, Orla,” Dallas said. “When we entered into this arrangement, you were well aware that Alina and I were lovers. Unlike you, I didn’t realize she would have a second life, or my decision might have been different. Besides, we both have other paramours.”
My brain fogged and seemed to short-circuit. Everything he’d said was nonsense, but he’d said it with such conviction that he was either delusional or an amazing liar.
“None of mine are your brother,” Orla sneered, taking my wrist and tugging me after her.
As I moved away, Dallas’s hands dropped, brushing my ass along the way.
I yanked away from her grasp and turned back to him. I rasped, “I might be the one who was dressed like a pig last night, but you sure act like one.”
Landing beside me, Orla’s forehead creased. “What is she talking about?”
“The horrid outfit she was wearing was called Pig.” He cringed. “It was unspeakable, so I didn’t ask for clarification. I’m just glad she’s dressed normally now.”
Whoa. Normally. I didn’t like the sound of that.
“You two have talked enough,” she said as she looped her arm through mine. “You go on ahead and tell the Winter King and the High Fae that we’ll be there shortly.”
Her ginger scent reminded me of home, which bothered me. I didn’t want to associate this strange place with anything familiar.
“Of course, My Queen.” He bowed, his gaze lingering on me. When he rose, warm-brown feathers shot from the back of his chocolate suit. The feathers were gorgeous, but he lacked the magical flames that Orla had. He flapped his wings, his scent mixing with hers as he glided away toward our destination.
Pulling me tight to her side, Orla strolled me away from my room and down the gardenesque hallway. Our heels clicked on the clay floor, and I fought the urge to extend my hand and touch tree branches and flowers as we passed.
Once Dallas vanished from sight, Orla inhaled deeply. “I meant to tell you about him and me before he got the chance.” Her lips tightened, and something that could only be described as a flame danced within her pupils. “After careful consideration, it was determined to be best for the kingdom if everyone thought you had perished that day on the sacred lands. Even better, they hailed you as not only a worthy royal fae but a heroine. When Mother passed, I ascended the throne to prevent our kingdom from falling into chaos. Talamh was still in ruins due to the former vampire king.” Her body recoiled slightly. “Civil war could have easily brewed again, like the past Great War. Having a strong, reputable fae by my side as king helped secure my reign.”
She’d thrown a whole lot of information at me at one time. “What’s Talamh? And did you say vampire?” I hoped they had plenty of garlic and silver. Or wait, was silver for shifters? I hadn’t read a lot of paranormal stories, which I was now regretting. I’d chosen to fight and train rather than sit and read.
She stopped us in our tracks. “You don’t remember anything, do you? At first, I thought it was one of those tricks you like to play.”
“I’m not lying. This is my first time here.” I waved my free arm around, emphasizing my point. “I can’t remember somewhere I’ve never been.”
“Fifty complete season cycles ago, you and a woman from each of the other eight kingdoms sacrificed yourselves to save our world from dying. Then you were reincarnated on Earth.” She ran a hand down her gown, her fingers stopping on the gold belt. “I’d hoped you would return with your memories, but obviously, that was chilly.”
This whole place was on some sort of drug—the one Dallas had dosed me with at the hotel. It had to be acid or something hallucinogenic. But I had boundaries, whether high or sober, and there was something I had to make clear. “I do know one thing. I’m not interested in him at all, and I would never sleep with a married man.”
She laughed, but when she noticed my expression, her mouth dropped into an O of surprise. “Wait. That wasn’t a joke?”
I blinked repeatedly, as if clearing my vision would change her implication. “No. Why would it be? Marriage is a commitment between two people. I have no desire to get in the way of that.”
“Is that how humans think?” She tapped a finger against her lips. “So strange and terribly misguided.”
“The vow is to have and to hold till death do us part.”
She hummed. “Interesting. Our vows are nearly identical. Yes, Dallas and I hold each other from time to time.” She grinned wickedly, making her more beautiful. “But the words aren’t to have and to hold only one. We fae need variety and sexual freedom. And, of course, marriage for us is until death. Death is the only way to end any agreement or arrangement. If you try another way, the magic of the land kills you anyway, freeing the other party to make new deals with someone else.”
I couldn’t fathom it. The thought of sharing myself with one person alone terrified me. After spending years in the foster system, I had trust issues. Rightfully earned. I couldn’t imagine sharing myself with multiple people. “I’ll still pass.”
“Good.” She nodded. “Though he can sleep with anyone he chooses, I’d rather it not be my sister. Things with the crown will be difficult enough to navigate—the last thing we need is the king consort meddling in our precarious situation.”
We resumed our walk, and I attempted to sort through everything she’d shared with me. I felt as if I were drowning. “Why would there be questions about the crown?”
“Because you are the oldest and strongest sibling.” She giggled, but an edge of viciousness hid inside the sound. “Though, technically, you aren’t anymore.”
“We must be close to the same age.” I lifted a brow, almost challengingly. “I’m twenty-three.”
“And I’m eighty-seven cycles.” She winked. “The problem is—when you add in your first life here, you are still older, so there will be numerous fae who will want you to ascend the throne. The Winter King and the five members of the High Court are waiting for us in the dining hall to meet you before we talk about making an announcement to the masses.”
A lump formed in my throat. “A king and … what is the High Court?”
