Page 229 of The Fallen Fae King

Ignatius flushes. “I won’t let you down, Your Majesty.”

I stroke my thumb against the back of his neck, before releasing him.

I nod at Elatha.

Then I listen to the march of feet, as Elatha leads the remaining Frost Clan and the cadets out of the study and through into the rose garden that leads up to the North Tower.

Finally, Lanlin drags me to follow them through under the pale moonlight into the now empty rose garden. His moths hover around us both. Their soft wings kiss across my cheeks.

I whistle.

Then I grin, when I hear the flap of wings, and my conspiracy of ravens rise up from the olive tree in the center of the garden. They circle me.

My heart beats fast, imagining my people traveling through the portal back to the Unseelie Kingdom.

Home.

On the Sacred Ash, I hope that the magic is working properly and that they are arriving in the right place.

Wren wasn’t able to promise more than that the portal would open on our land, but not where within the Unseelie Kingdom. We could end up anywhere within my frozen, dangerous kingdom. Unfortunately, there are more dangers in my magical land than our enemies.

I can almost feel the snow on my skin and the freezing breeze on my cheeks.

I wander between the rose bushes, brushing my hand across them. I enjoy the sensation of the soft petals and sharp thorns. Their scent is intoxicating, reminding me of Freya.

I can’t see Lanlin, although I can smell his strong pheromones close by.

“This is where I first met Relius,” Lanlin says, softly. “He liked my rats.”

“That right?”

“He didn’t know that Nebet had sent me here deliberately to gain his attention and favor. I was meant to spy on him and eventually, assassinate him.”

Well, that explains a lot.

When I prick my finger on a sharp thorn, I hiss. I suck my finger, tasting the tangy blood.

“Were you ever his true friend?” I mumble around my finger.

“He was my only friend, until you. Nebet didn’t realize the mistake she was making by allowing me to have a taste of friendship. Relius didn’t treat me like a monster. He was impressed by my animalism, rather than horrified. He swore to protect me and hated those who hurt me. If it wasn’t for him, then I don’t believe that I could love Freya and you as I do.”

Surprised, I turn to Lanlin, wishing that I could see him and read his expression.

He sounds so bloody sincere.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I owe him a debt that I don’t believe he understands. It is more than simply a blood and horn oath not to betray him that has kept me loyal.” Lanlin moves closer to me with an uncanny speed, gripping my chin and holding my gaze with his. “I suffered because I refused to kill him. I would suffer again.”

“I won’t kill him.”

“But will you hurt him?”

I lick over my lips, and Lanlin intently watches my tongue like he desires to bite it. I know that I am manipulating him, but I’m a fae, right?

“This is a reversal of power.” I flinch, as my wings are pressed against the rose bush. “Aurelius has ruled me for too long. I am returning to my kingdom and reviving my court. But we’re doing this because we don’t want to leave our dragon behind, right? He’d be in danger. You’re not breaking your oath; you’re saving him. Also, Freya needs the daft dragon. She needs all her Alphas. And together, we’re taking back her Fang Kingdom next. Then we’ll burn this one. Are you all right with that?”

Lanlin studies me for a long time.