Page 130 of A Dance with the Fae Prince (Married to Magic 2)
“But there is someone else out there who is more fitting for the throne than I. There must be an Aviness by blood and not just marriage.” Davien stands, looking older and wearier than I have ever seen him. Yet, somehow, he still manages to hold his head high. “So I will lead, until this person can be found and assume their rightful throne. The search begins tomorrow.”
* * *
Night has turned to day,and yet I am somehow still awake. I feel like it has been a century since I last had a good night’s rest. Davien stands before the dais, Vena on one side of him and me on the other, as he begins to organize the fae under his new regime. There are countless matters that must be attended to, and they all blur together as the hours drag on.
The hall before me has been transformed thanks to the hands of the people of Dreamsong, and the courtiers who returned to the castle, all too glad to be rid of the Boltovs. Pennons bearing the Aviness seal have been hung throughout the hall—a star atop the silhouetted image of the glass crown done in silver and set on a navy background, circled by white lilies.
I stare up at them, bleary-eyed. I think I’ve seen that symbol somewhere before. But I have no idea where. I shake my head and rub my temples. It was probably in Dreamsong. Or I’m just so tired that my mind is playing tricks on me, like it did when I nearly fell to my death.
That’s the most likely explanation.
“Katria,” Davien says softly. I blink, wondering when he moved in front of me. “You should go rest.”
“I’m all right.”
“You don’t have to be strong for me.” He tilts his head and gives me a smile. “You’ve done more than enough.”
“I was hoping that I might…” I trail off. He’s so busy. He’s the king now—at least the temporary one until the real blood heir of Aviness can be found. And I’m no one. Even though he kissed me in front of everyone. Even if I helped him save the fae…I’ll be no one soon enough. I’ll have to go back to the Natural World and at best I will be a line in a bard’s epic.
“You might?”
I open my mouth to speak but Oren approaches. “Your Majesty, we found the remaining banners deep in the vaults. Would you like them hung up along the main road of the High Court?”
“Yes.” Davien stays focused on me. “What are you hoping for?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Whatever you desire is not ‘nothing’ to me.”
“I just wanted a moment with you…alone.” So much has happened over the past few days since we were parted, that it doesn’t feel real that he’s here with me now—that he’s safe. He went from chains, to battle, to ruling in a whirlwind. And other than a kiss, we haven’t had a moment to ourselves. His brow softens slightly, mouth relaxing from the hard line of a king and into a smile I know. “It is not important.”
“Vena, I’m going to retire for a few hours. Bring anything urgent to me. But for minor matters, I authorize you to act in my stead while I’m gone.”
“You really don’t have to do this,” I protest, though not with conviction. I desperately want him to do this. So badly I feel a touch guilty.
He ignores me and takes my hand. “Oren, is there a room that I and the Lady Katria might rest in?”
“Certainly.” Oren smiles and bows his head. “I think I know of an unused guest room that was spotted as we were looking for the old relics of Aviness. I can lead you to it.”
“Please do.”
“Davien, they need you. I can just go lie down for an hour and—”
In the midst of my objection, he hoists me up with both his hands and cradles me in his arms. I don’t miss the curious glances of the courtiers who have been lingering in the main hall, watching their new king settle into his rule. I wonder what they think of me. If I am already the king’s human concubine in their gossip.
“Perhaps you’re not the only one who wants to steal a moment for just the two of us.” He gives me a sly smile, oblivious to my insecurities, and follows Oren out of the main hall.
We’re led in a different direction than I went the last time I explored the castle. Instead of to the right of the hall, we head left. There are bare patches on the walls where I assume Boltov tapestries were once hung. Some have already been filled with new pieces of artwork, others are still waiting.
Oren opens a door to reveal a comfortable-looking bedroom. “Will this do?”
“Wonderfully. See that we’re not disturbed unless it’s urgent.”
“Most certainly.” Oren bows his head and closes the door.
I’m instantly aware of how alone we suddenly are. Just like I am aware of every beat of his heart through the tattered shirt he wears. We hover in the center of the room, him holding me, and me just looking up into his eyes. Wordlessly, he takes me to the bed and lays me down.
There is no need for words between us. If we spoke we would have to talk about the complex circumstances that we have found ourselves in—all the uncomfortable truths that surround us. Namely that he is now the Fae King and I will have to leave all too soon.
