Page 43 of Treasured By the Fae Royal
“Thank you, Lucas.” She tries to smile, but her eyes fill with tears. “Dammit. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to cry. It was just rather scary when he forced me into that pool and came at me with a knife.”
I caress her back and hold her close, wishing I could take away her fright. “I’m so sorry he was able to take you, Yvette. I had the entire inn warded. I created wards within wards. I do not know how he got through them and… gods, sweetling, are you still hurt anywhere? Did I heal all your injuries?”
She sniffles, and when a lone tear falls, I’m quick to wipe it away with my thumb. “I’m fine. You’ve healed all my injuries.” She draws in a shuddering breath. “I know you had the inn warded, and I know you had soldiers stationed all around Giarrla keeping watch. I don’t fault you for what happened. Besides, it wasn’t really me the male was after. He was only using me to get to you.”
“What do you mean?” I stroke Yvette’s hair behind her ears, and despite her assurances about her injuries being healed, I can’t help but continue scanning her flesh for more scratches.
“The male who took me was the mage’s son. Yes, that mage. The one who cursed you and your brothers. The son’s name was Bartonnus. Have you heard of him?”
Stunned to my core, I stare at her for a moment as I consider her revelation. “The mage’s son. Gods, I would’ve never guessed. I didn’t know he had a son. I don’t think anyone did. If my father had known the mage had any sons, or apprentices, I’m certain he would’ve killed them too.”
She goes on to explain her conversation with Bartonnus, and I listen quietly, knowing she needs to get it all out. When she reaches the part where he chased her through the forest, her voice quavers, and I give her a comforting look as I continue holding her tight while rubbing her back.
“I feared I might never see you again,” she confesses, blinking fast. “I also feared he might hurt you too.” She places a hand on my chest and aims me an affectionate look that warms me all over.
“Oh, sweetling.” I kiss her forehead, then press a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m so glad you’re safe now. If I’d suspected a mage was after us, rather than a lesser fae, I would’ve taken you to the Summer Court. Not to godsblasted Giarrla.”
She snuggles against me and runs her fingers through my hair. During my rapid flight to find her, my hair became hopelessly tangled, and she’s sweetly trying to work out the knots. Though I could untangle it within moments using magic, I don’t. Instead, I let her continue petting me. Not just because I find her touch soothing, but because ever since she unraveled the first knot, her shaking has lessened considerably.
“I don’t blame you for what happened, Lucas,” she finally says as she focuses on another knot, and I’m relieved to see her eyes are no longer gleaming with tears. “You’ve been trying your best to protect me this whole time, and you came for me. I’ll never forget that. You saved me. Yet again. Thank you.”
“Gods, Yvette, you don’t need to thank me.” I cup her face, thankful for the ussha glow that allows me to see her features clearly.
A grin tugs at her lips. “Well, it seems rude not to.”
I smile and bring my forehead to rest against hers, and we remain locked in one another’s arms for a tender moment as the chorus of nighttime insects swells louder around us. I keep beckoning a warm summer breeze, not wanting to risk Yvette catching a chill.
“There’s something I need to tell you, sweetling.” I pull back and meet her eyes. Perhaps it’s too soon to say it, but I love her, and I want her to know it. She deserves to know, I cannot imagine another day passing without confessing the true depths of my feelings for her.
A hopeful gleam enters her eyes. “Oh? What is it?”
“I love you, Yvette. With my whole heart. With my entire being. My love and devotion for you is eternal.” I hold my breath as I await her reaction.
Her eyes fill with fresh tears, but she also breaks into a radiant smile. “Oh, Lucas. I love you too. So very much.”
Joy resounds within me to know she reciprocates the endless affection I feel for her. I release a growl of relief tinged with pleasure, then I cup her face and press my lips to hers.My sweetling. My bride. My mate.
CHAPTER27
Five months later…
YVETTE
The Summer Courtis everything I imagined and more. I walk through the opulent palace holding Lucas’s hand. During the week we’ve been here, I’ve met his parents and several other members of the royal household. His brothers are off in the human lands, though I know he’s not bothered by their absence.
We’re scheduled to leave tomorrow morning and head back to Giarrla, the bustling fae settlement that we’re fairly certain will become our permanent home. We’ve recently rented a house on the outskirts of the town, though Lucas insists we’ll have a brand-new one constructed if we decide to stay for good.
Thankfully, General Dalgaard has officially taken full command of the Summer Court army, and I’m beyond pleased that Lucas doesn’t have to return to the fighting. We’re free. Free to start our lives together away from the wars that have plagued the human lands for too long.
Lucas tightens his hold on my hand and guides me out on a huge balcony that overlooks a large, sparkling lake with a sandy shore. He lifts me into his arms and takes a seat on a plush chair, and we quietly watch the sun set over the distant mountains.
“Wow. It’s just as beautiful as the first time I saw it.” I sigh with contentment. “Perhaps an occasional visit to the Summer Court won’t be so terrible.”
He scoffs. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you’d met my brothers, or some of my uncles for that matter. It would seem the most offensive members of court are away in the human lands at the moment.” He runs a hand through my hair and gives me an affectionate look. “But I’m glad we managed the trip here just this once. My mother enjoyed meeting you, so much that I suspect she might come visit us in Giarrla. I overheard her telling one of her cousins just that.”
“Can you imagine if Aunt Heather and your mother visited us at the same time?” I giggle.
Lucas rubs his temple and groans. “Oh gods, they are so alike, now that I think about it, that I believe they might kill one another.”
