Page 135 of A Dance with the Fae Prince (Married to Magic 2)
Chapter 39
“You know,we could still wait and go in the dead of night like two thieves.” Davien sits across the carriage from me, looking rather pleased by the notion.
I laugh easily, louder, brighter than I ever have before. Laughter becomes more natural by the day. Even though it has been nearly three months since I was formally crowned as the new fae queen and my responsibilities have increased beyond my imagination, I feel lighter. For the first time in my life, I know where I belong. Granted, knowing where I belong doesn’t mean it’s always easier to be there. It just means that the hard work is more palatable because I know it means something.
“I’m not going in the night. I’m getting Misty myself. And I’m confronting them once and for all.” I made a vow when I entered the High Court, one I’m determined to make good on. But I don’t tell him that.
Davien smiles. He knows what this means to me. He knows why I need it. But even still, he wouldn’t make me feel like a coward if I needed to run.
“I’ll be with you the entire time, or not, if you prefer the latter.”
“I think I want to try and do this on my own.” I reach over and pat his knee. “But I so appreciate that you came with me to do this. Knowing you’re here makes all the difference.” He’s usually my second whenever I’m unable to rule—which is often, as I’m still spending many hours a day learning how to use my magic and studying the nuances of Midscape. There’s so much for me to learn. So much history I’m now a part of and need to remember…especially since the Elf King and Human Queen requested an unexpected audience with me shortly before we left.
As soon as we return, we’ll move right into final preparations for their arrival. Which are many, since we only just wrapped up our Springtime Rites—so many festivals in Midscape to observe. Vena is overseeing things in our absence along with Shaye, Giles, Oren, and Hol assisting her. I couldn’t dream of better people to be at my side as I settle into ruling.
“Whatever you need, I’m always here.”
“Knowing that is what’s giving me strength.” I look him in the eyes as I speak so, hopefully, he knows how sincere I am.
But Davien must mistake my gaze, because he leans forward to kiss me fiercely. It’s a kiss that promises more later, should I be inclined. And I am always inclined when it comes to him.
“I would go to the ends of the earth for you.”
“I would traverse worlds for you.” I laugh and he echoes the sound, rubbing his nose against mine. Both are true. I lean back in my seat, looking out the window. The Natural World is so plain compared to the magic of Midscape. These streets seem so little, the houses that once intimidated me so unimportant. “I remember the last time I rode in this carriage…I was nervous to meet my husband.”
“Oh, that’s right…” Davien trails off with small smile. “We’re back in the Natural World. That means we’re married again.” I snort laughter. “Perhaps we should consummate that marriage tonight. We never did in this realm.”
I smirk. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?”
“You know I would like it very much.”
We both heard the whispers at court. People are expecting us to be betrothed within the year. Davien and I have only given the topic passing discussions. There are more important things for us to worry about than formalizing our love in Midscape. Moreover, I’m not ready. I’m still learning how to love and how to be a queen. I want to master both of those before I think of getting married again. Davien has been more than patient on the matter, and has insisted that the next time we wed, it will be on my terms.
The carriage turns up the drive to my family’s manor. I inhale sharply as the familiar lawn comes into view. It’s far lusher than I have ever seen it. Gardeners are out tending hedges. I suppose Joyce didn’t totally squander the money, at least not yet, if there’s still coin to pay such a staff.
Davien squeezes my knee. “You’ll do great.”
“I know,” I say softly. And yet my stomach is in knots as the carriage comes to a stop at the top of the drive.
Unsurprisingly, Laura is the first to greet us. She races out of the house, skidding in the gravel next to where the carriage comes to a stop. I open the door and see her eyes widen slightly as she catches her first look at Davien. Now that he has spent proper time in Midscape, he can hide his wings and glamour his more unnatural beauty to appear as nothing more than a human. In my periphery I see him give her a wink.
Laura’s breath hitches. “Katria, I, you—you weren’t lying, he’s very handsome.”
I laugh and wrap her up in my arms, squeezing her tightly. “It’s good to see you, sister.”
“I’ve missed you so much.”
I can hear the pain and longing in her voice. It resonates deep within me, cementing my resolve. I had been unsure of what I intended to say next. But now that I’m here, I know what I have to do. No hesitation, Katria.
“I’ve missed you too.” I pull away. I know Helen and Joyce are coming. I must be quick while it’s still just the two of us. Hands on my sister’s shoulders, I look her right in the eyes. “Your mother is not a good woman.”
“Katria…”
“I know you might think me biased. And that might be true. But I know you also see it,” I continue, voice level and determined. “Do not let her corrupt your kindness, Laura. Leave this place as soon as you can. You can come with me. You can marry your own handsome man. You can strike out on your own and forge your own path—I will support you, if need be. Whatever pleases you. But leave while you can and while you still have the heart I adore.”
Laura doesn’t get a chance to respond.
“Katria?” Helen is the first to emerge.
