Page 20 of Fae's Mate
“I don’t know.”
We scurry down the hall and when Charlotte opens her bedroom door, she squeals and quickly closes it behind her—eager to try her new dress on, I assume. I continue on to my room, full of curiosity, and there, laid out on my bed, is a swathe of mossy green fabric. I close my door behind me and wander over to inspect it.
I hold it up, admiring the soft, supple fabric, which shimmers in the light seeping through the window. A square neckline, billowing sleeves and a hem decorated with gold and copper stitchwork, embellished with tiny glass beads. It’s exquisite and easily be the fanciest dress I’ll have ever worn.
Not wishing to spoil it with cake smell, I decide to bathe before I try it on. The bathroom attached to my room is five times bigger than the one in my apartment; spacious, light, and welcoming. I don’t know how the fae have managed plumbing, but I am glad they have as I twist the tap and fill the tub. When the bath is full of steaming, fragrant water, I step in, releasing a sigh as I emerge myself.
As I twirl my finger in the water, I wonder if the dresses from the High Lord come at a price. Are they a favour that will need to be repaid? So far, he has fed us, housed us, and clothed us, making no demands, yet I can’t help but speculate how long fae hospitality lasts.
My mind wanders back to our conversation in the garden this morning, when the High Lord seemed willing to discuss things more openly with me, without making a deal. If I can get him alone again, maybe I can get him to tell me more about magic and mates.
The only problem with thinking about the High Lord is that whenever I do, I come over all flustered. My pulse quickens and my temperature rises, as I recall how his hair cascaded over his broad shoulders, beckoning to be touched, and how his eyes burned into me with such intensity it set my blood on fire. Even when he was being infuriating, that sensation wouldn’t go away.
I release a sigh and slide further into the water, which does nothing to ease the ache I’m feeling. Before, it was just my skin that felt hot and tight. But now it’s everything; my breathing feels laboured and my whole body is throbbing.
Without thinking, I reach my hand down between my legs. I slide my fingers through the manicured thatch of fine hair, parting myself and finding my swollen clit. A soft moan escapes me as I circle my fingers around the sensitive bud. My eyes drift shut, and my head falls back against the rim of the tub. I lick my lips because my mouth has dried out, as I continue to pant, circling, circling. I’m close already, so close, so I quicken the pace, chasing my release. My moans turn needy as my whole body tightens, and I conjure the image ifhisheated gaze on me, those russet eyes like molten copper. I stifle my cry as I come, squeezing my thighs around my own fingers as pleasure explodes through my body, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I tremble, rippling the surrounding water, as the waves of my release slowly ebb, and my body slackens.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Chapter 14
High Lord
I arrived at the dining hall far too early, far too eager, and now sit by myself awaiting the humans. After the conversation with my sister and Cook, two of the females accosted me; first the blue-haired one, Willow, came and asked me for herbs to smoke. That was a simple request to satisfy; I sent her to find the gardener, who could advise her which herbs would be safe for her to smoke. Next, the orange haired female, Alexis, stormed into my study, very unhappy with the dress gifted to her. She explained she was a… leziban… whatever that is, and that she found the notion of wearing a dress insulting. Again, it was an easy fix; I allowed her to select whatever she wanted from my brother’s collection, as his build is closer to hers than my own. That seemed enough to satisfy her, and she left me in peace. After that, I completed the rest of my daily tasks before returning to my chambers and attempting to make myself presentable.
Chatter from the hallway that leads to the dining hall alerts me to the human’s arrival. I try to sit as nonchalantly as I can, leaning on the arm of my chair, wine glass already in hand and a bored expression on my face.
Seki is the fourth person to enter, and my heart nearly leaps from my chest. She is resplendent in Autumn Court green, gliding into the room as if she were a fate personified.
As the humans take their seats, I notice one is missing, Charlotte. I would ask where she is, but if she does not wish to join us, then that is her business. When all the humans are sitting, I raise my glass and bob my head to them, indicating that they may start their meal.
I spend the entire meal trying not to stare at my mate. She talks and laughs with her companions, and my fae hearing picks up the sound of her voice, as if my ears were made to hear it. The sound is sweet and enchanting, like a birdsong at dawn. I force myself to eat, despite my stomach being tangled, and focus on keeping my breathing steady. I am grateful that she is not fae, else surely she would hear the relentless rhythm of my heartbeat.
Conversations between the humans seem to flow much more simply than conversations with the fae. They are happy to ask one another questions and answer them without hesitation. Each of them seems keen to learn something from the others and show no fear that the information they divulge may be used against them. Strange. They are far more trusting than the fae.
The evening drags by as the humans dine and converse. I eat, but I do not talk. I am not included in their conversations, which suits me fine. My fae hearing allows me to listen to all the discussions occurring, though many of them are on topics I do not understand.
Eventually, the humans filter away. Some head back to their rooms in the south wing and others wander in various directions, not yet ready for bed. Anticipation prickles my skin, as I watch Seki, wondering if she will retire to her room, or if she will explore the palace once more, and I will be able to speak with her. It isn’t long before my question is answered.
Chapter 15
Seki
The High Lord has sat at the end of the table all evening and not spoken a word. I have avoided his stare as best I can, but every time I look in his direction, his chestnut eyes meet mine and I flush. Maybe it’s the thick fabric of my dress, or the hearty meal, or maybe it is his burning gaze, but I have not been able to cool down all night. Shifting in my seat, and gulping down water as if I have spent the last few days in the desert, I just hope that no one has noticed how out of sorts I am.
As the others leave, I dare a glance back to the head of the table, and he is once again watching me intently, and heat rushes to my cheeks… and between my thighs.Fuck.
“Are you coming?” Alana asks as she rises from the table.
“Um… no, I… I think I’ll take a walk to cool down before I call it a night.”
She smiles at me, then hurries after Alex and Riley, who could be twins with their red hair and matching forest green suits. Only Mollie and Sascha remain, engrossed in conversation at the far end of the table, so with a swallow I stand and head towards the hallway, pleased that I remember which corridor leads to the gardens.
As soon as I step outside, I sigh, then suck in a deep breath, willing myself to cool down, as the crisp evening air tickles my skin. There is a gentle breeze that drifts through the gardens and carries with it a pleasant floral scent. Gravel crunches underfoot as I follow the path along the side of the palace until I round a corner and am met with a stretching lawn. I cross the grass, which is soft beneath my feet, until I reach a stone wall made of pillars carved to mimic trees. Beyond the wall, acres of forest sprawl into the horizon, halted only once they reach the mountains.
“Autumn Court green suits you.”
With a squeal, I turn to see the High Lord crossing the lawn towards me.
