Page 30 of Fae's Mate
High Lord
Being away from my mate for a week was torture. I consider myself a strong fae, even with next to no magic, but not being able to see Seki has been the most acute agony.
My thoughts the entire ride home have been of her. I did what I could in Nandra, with the promise of more aide to follow—which I will arrange promptly—but there was little more to be done, so I decided to return to the palace.
I stride through the familiar halls, tired, dirty, and hungry from traveling. When I enter my study, I find a handful of letters on my desk, awaiting my attention, and I groan. I wish my brother were here to assist me.
A wave of guilt rolls over me. I am subjecting him to the same torture I have just endured myself, only with the added discomfort of an iron cell. I think of him, sat in the darkness, thinking only of his mate, and the agony I am causing him.
Maybe I should—
The door to my study bursts open and Seki enters, panting as if she has rushed to see me.
“You’re back,” she breathes, and her voice sends a shiver through me. Oh, how I have missed the sound.
“I am,” I reply cautiously.
I cannot yet tell if she is here to scream at me again. I hope that is not the case.
“I’m glad you have returned safely.”
My heart gives a hopeful thump.Has she… missed me?
“I was hoping I could ask you some more questions.”
I feel a flicker of disappointment in my chest. Is she only pleased I have returned so I may answer her questions?
Glancing down at the stack of envelopes waiting on my desk, I think of my brother, and wonder if I should release him before his sentence is served. I am also suddenly very aware that it has been nearly three days since I last bathed.
“I will answer any questions you have Seki, however I—”
“Oh! Of course, you just got back, I’ll… um…”
“Can you give me an hour?”
She nods.
“There is an orchard, just beyond the pumpkin patch we walked through the other day, its beautiful at sunset. I’ll meet you there.”
“Alright,” she agrees, then twists on her toes and leaves.
It takes every bit of energy I have left not to forego all my other plans and simply follow her.
I decide the letters can wait. I will get to them later today, if not first thing tomorrow.
While I bathe, I consider what to do about my brother. As his High Lord, I should see that his sentence is served in full. But as his brother, I cannot stomach the thought of him suffering. I have yet to learn which female is his mate. Perhaps I should establish that first and speak to her before releasing him.
Deciding that is the wisest choice, I dry myself and change into fresh clothing. Uncharacteristically conscious of choosing a colour and cut that makes the most of my build and skin tone.
It hasn’t quite been an hour, but I decide to head to the orchard anyway; there is no harm in being early.
When I arrive, Seki is already waiting for me. She has her back to me, facing the expanse of apple trees before her. The low sun highlights streaks of copper in her ebony hair, and glistens against her maple-red dress.
I wonder momentarily where she got it and consider if perhaps the human women are sharing or trading their clothes, but I quickly brush the thought aside.
Clearing my throat, in an attempt not to startle her, I step up beside my mate. She turns to me, giving me a half smile, and she is so beautiful it makes my chest hurt.
“How was your trip?” she asks and begins to walk between the apple trees.
