Page 164 of The Fallen Fae King

Five wakes up, eying me. She stands and stretches, before leaping onto the table. She settles down to sleep again.

I drag Freya even closer, as she nuzzles and licks at my neck.

I take deep breaths of her scent, as she does the same of mine.

Daire finally finishes his song like he has all the time in the world. He drops the oak hairbrush to the side, lying back in the blankets.

He watches Freya and me with half-hooded eyes.

“Go on, tell us the news.” Excitedly, Freya grabs me by the hand and drags me to the nest by the fireplace. “Lucius would make a better spy than me. He’s impossible to interrogate. We couldn’t get anything out of him.”

I settle next to Freya, who squirms happily between Daire and me.

I smirk at Daire. “So, that’s why you were playing Lucius at cards. He told me that you won, but it looks like you didn’t.”

“That pretty idiot looks soft,” Daire replies, “but he’s tougher than War.”

“I could have told you that.” I glance around the faded room. “You’ve made this place feel like…”

“Home.” Daire juts out his chin, challengingly.

“I was going to say a mess. Why have you stuck weeds everywhere?”

Daire’s eyes flash. “They’re wildflowers. Our Spark decorated the room to brighten it. I should have guessed that someone like you would judge nature that was free as worthless. Is that why I am nothing but a savage that should be exterminated?”

I wince.

“They’re pretty,” I attempt.

I am shit at this. What do I know about flowers apart from Mother’s rose garden?

“Hmm, luckily I am more interested in your upcoming coronation and wedding than your views on my decoration skills.” Freya raises her brow.

I grab Freya by the shoulder, shoving her next to Daire on the blankets. Then I pin Daire down as well.

“Hey, what?” Daire protests. “Still can’t take a little criticism, boss?”

“Shut up.” I wind my shadows around his wings, binding him in place, before he can protest further. My shadows surge around the room, darkening it. “We should assume that we are being spied on. But if anyone sees us now, then they’ll assume⁠—”

“That you’re dominantly fucking us like the arsehole you are?” Daire demands.

“I’m glad that we are on the same page.” I pin both their hands above their heads. “So, let us be quick. The coronation and wedding occur in two days. Major preparations with little expense spared are underway. Your outfits will be delivered here, as if everything is going according to my uncle’s plan. Yet I have my own plans.” I lean down, brushing my lips against Freya’s. By the Shadow Gods, how I have dreamed of their taste since she was separated from me. “Because I will burn my kingdom down before I marry Liviana. You are the only Empress who shall sit on the dragon throne.”

Freya is breathing fast. Her pupils are blown.

She turns her head and exchanges a glance with Daire.

He hesitates, before he nods.

“Slip your hand into the pocket of my dress,” she whispers. “But don’t take out what you feel there.”

I frown in confusion.

I mask the movement to do as she said, by sliding my hand down her front, brushing her breasts and then her hips.

Freya whines, pushing up into my touch.

I stealthily edge my fingers into her pocket and touch something small, cold, and metal.