Page 21 of Fae's Mate
“You’ve got to stop creeping up on me,” I complain.
“Perhaps you should be more aware of your surroundings.”
I roll my eyes at him, then turn back to the horizon. When he comes to stand beside me, it is like standing beside a radiator. Heat rolls off him in waves, and once again I feel flustered.
“I meant to compliment you, not startle you,” he explains.
“You managed both,” I inform him, then after a pause, “it is generous of you to lend us these beautiful dresses to wear.”
I run a hand over my stomach, feeling the soft fabric, so unlike anything I usually wear.
“They are not on loan. They have been gifted, by my sister.”
“Well, your sister is very generous.”
The High Lord titters, as if I have said something amusing.
“You humans ask each other a lot of questions and seem quite comfortable answering them.”
“It’s called conversation.”
“I admit, your way seems far less complicated than ours.”
“It is,” I laugh, “We do not make deals or bargains, we simply… talk, and we use each other’snames.”
He stares out at the horizon beside me, silent for a moment, as if digesting what I have said carefully.
“I wish to have a conversation with you,” he tells me quietly.
I glance at him then. He is watching me. The look in his eyes is both cautious and longing. Something about that expression on his face makes my chest ache.
“Will you tell me your name?”
He frowns, rubbing his hand along his short beard. Then shakes his head.
“Names… are not given lightly in Ethea.”
“Why not?”
“Because they hold power,” he sighs, “if a question is asked, or a command given using our name, then… we must answer or act.”
“Is it… binding?”
“There is no punishment fornotdoing as we have been asked, but it goes against our nature. It is a dishonour. So, we avoid it by only giving our names to a select few. Usually, only family and… mates.”
“Ah,mates.”
The High Lord bristles beside me. I know this is a subject he would prefer not to discuss, but I need to know…
“Will you explain how fae mates work? Please.”
He stares at me for a long moment before answering, his attention flushing my cheeks.
“Mates are… a blessing from the fates. Two fae destined to meet. Usually at least one of them is highborn, and once they are mated, it’s for life.”
“But your brother believes his mate is a human?”
“He does. It’s… unheard of, but then…”
