Page 92 of Black Hearted
The only fae missing were Zane and Lorelei. If Zane was truly alive, where were they? Stryker’s comment about something feeling different about Zane ran through my mind, but I had to hope that wherever the Western lord and Spring princess were, they were safe with each other.
Though it was late, Zander had the kitchen prepare a full five-course meal and had tables brought into the throne room. We were having a celebration.
One of Lorelei’s younger sisters, her name escaped me, approached with a young red-haired girl. Judging by her clothes, she wasn’t royalty.
“Is this Zane’s house?” the girl asked, seeming unsure.
I nodded. “Yes, it is. Who are you?”
“I’m Nellie. Have you seen Zane?” she asked, hope shiningin her eyes. I’d overheard her asking Isolde the same thing a few minutes ago.
I shook my head gently. “I’m sorry, I haven’t. How do you know him?”
She chewed on her lip, looking like she was about to cry. My heart ached for her.
“He’s my friend, and he said he was coming back,” she whispered.
As she turned to leave, I caught her arm gently. She turned back to me, her eyes brimming with tears so full I was sure she could barely see.
“If Zane said he was coming back for you, then he’s coming back for you,” I promised her.
If any of my husband’s brothers were a man of his word, it was Zane. I didn’t know how they were connected, but it was clear Zane had touched this young girl’s heart, and I wanted her to know he wouldn’t abandon her.
“Would you like to stay and have a meal with us while we wait for him?” I offered.
Lifting her chin, she nodded, doing her best to put on a brave face. My heart ached for her.
I called for Nysa to bring the babies since it wasn’t good for me to be away from them for long. When they arrived, fae from both worlds stopped to offer Zander and me their congratulations.
As I glanced around the room, with Zander at my side and our children close, seelie and unseelie alike mingled, gazing around in wonder and passing in and out of the portal with ease.
It was the best feeling in the world. There was a rightness to this. To have the two worlds open, to being one people.
I watched as Stryker extended his hand to Aribella’s father, King Leonard, and created a small horse out of shadows. When it dissolved, they shook hands, smiling.
Zander slipped his hand into mine and glanced at me. “Queen, huh?” he teased.
I gave a nervous laugh. “Yeah, we might need to figure that out.”
He nodded. “I’ve always wanted to live in a place that’s hot and sunny.”
I laughed. “You liar. You love the snow.”
Grinning, he pulled me into his arms. “I do. But I’ll go wherever you go. We can spend equal time in both places if your people need you. We’ll figure it out.”
Stars, I married the most understanding man in the realm.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, little bird.”
He leaned in to kiss me, but Nellie’s squeal ripped through the air.
“Zane!” she screamed.
I pulled myself from Zander’s arms and looked toward the open doorway to the throne room.
Zane stood there with Lorelei, holding hands, both wearing smiles.
