Page 125 of The Hidden Fae Prince
Seren drapes his arms around Nevander’s shoulders. “You’re here now, and I’m so tired.” The crown of light has faded, but his eyes are bright with need. “Would you take care of me?”
He’s the Summer King, but he’s still lost. Overwhelmed. Vulnerable. Only for Nevander.
“Yes, my love,” Nevander says, and braces against the throne to kiss his king again.
38
Two Halves of a Bargain
Serenlingersastheothers board the goldwood boat. Pale green leaves dance overhead, shadowing the wide Pyran River. Folly leaps up the gangplank first, welcoming everyone with a sweep of his cloak. He’ll be their guide once they leave the palace, and he takes to the role with relish.
The next three ascend at leisure. Jasper and Sevastia laugh together, spinning fantasies about the mortal realm. Even Daffodil seems comfortable in her new apprentice ritekeeper robes. The three are here as Tansy’s friends, to say goodbye and make merry.
Tansy himself follows quietly, his smile dropping whenever the others look away. Like he can only act happy for so many minutesat a time.
Ever-watchful Nevander waits at the railing. Seren will join him soon, but first, he needs to speak with Primrose.
The great bear basks on the river’s edge. Her gaze is distant, encompassing trees or clouds or faraway dreams. A flock of tidingbirds flutter around her, grooming and hiding in her shaggy fur.
Feeling like a fluttering bird himself, Seren waits until she turns.
What do you seek?Primrose asks.The birds tell me there is no sign of the missing crown. Your new courtier from Summer’s Edge will arrive by the next moon.
So much remains unresolved. Seren may not need a crown to bargain with his realm, but he wants to know who took the shards—and why. Whether it has anything to do with Haelwen’s unknown ritual. Relations with Summer’s Edge are still fraught. Gevain didnotrenounce his family before abducting Seren and Tansy, or before Seren executed him.
All while Lord Midnight’s augrays continue crossing borders.
Too many dangers—but Seren has time, Summer, and Nevander on his side. He sought Primrose for another reason today. “I wanted to ask how you were doing.”
Surprise colors her mental voice.That’s very kind of you.
“You’re close to Tansy. If you ever want to talk to him, or if you want to learn anything about where he’s going…”
Very kind,Primrose interrupts. She doesn’t sound mad.I always knew he would leave one day.
“Do you wish he could stay?” Seren asks before he can stop himself. He cringes, unsure who he’s really asking about.
Primrose sighs so heavily a pair of tidingbirds flee from her shoulders. They resettle atop her head.I wish fortune had treated him more kindly. But you give me hope. You are far stronger than when you walked my haven.
Seren catches Nevander’s gaze across the riverbank. Nevander is talking to Folly, but his attention on Seren never wavers. Seren inhales, tasting the warmth of Summer. “I have others to thank for that.”
That’s to your credit,Primrose says.Your mother ruled alone and died alone. I do not think that will be your fate.
Seren doesn’t flinch from the pain. He absorbs it, and his heart eases. “I came here to comfortyou,” he accuses.
Primrose chuckles, an audible and mental rumble.A fine effort.
“You were like a mother to Tansy,” Seren says. “And to Haelwen, too.”
Like yet unlike. I am a bear.
Seren hadn’t expected to laugh today. “I see you’re at it again with Daffodil.”
She shows merit as a ritekeeper. Primrose tilts her head.Are you… jealous?
Baffling Primrose is satisfying, and Seren is tired of looking up to people. “I don’t want a new mother. But I would appreciate a friend.”
After a quiet moment, Primrose rises to her paws.I like that very much, she says from her flock of tidingbirds.As your friend, I advise you leave me to the birds and sunlight. Someone’s patience wears thin.
