Page 148 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“Hi, Prince,” she responds before pushing to her toes at the same time I dip my mouth to hers. Gods, it’s only been a few hours, and I can’t help but hold her like she’s going to disappear on me.

She tastes like berries and home, and her ass in this dress has me growing hard against her. “Fuck,” I groan. “The filthy things I want to do to you right now.”

She giggles into my head before stepping back, her hand slipping into mine as she introduces me to Kahla. Kellan steps closer, hugging her and praising her beauty, but doesn’t push it further.

As we mingle with the High Fae court, males and females all vie for our attention. Riven and Carys push them our way, singing our praises. Those we meet offer their condolences about our home, but I can’t be sure if they actually care.

The king enters before we are ushered to long tables spread through the room. The table in the front is for the royal family and their guests. I’m surprised when the king demands I sit beside Carys and forces Riven to a table across the room.

Neither of them looks pleased, but they seem used to it. I’m surprised when Trysten is commanded to sit beside Brynna at the king's other side. The Fae Queen isn’t here on Sorynth right now, so both daughters frame each side of their father.

The rest of our friends are seated at a table close by. Once the meal is served, members of the court approach the table offering praises and sycophantic pleasantries to catch the eye of the king. Everything from the decor to the meal to the beautifully dressed princesses. It's nauseating.

Beside me, Raea is a star in a room full of shadows, and every male here wants to see if they can claim a piece of her for themselves. My grip on her chair tightens until the wood groans, a silent promise to anyone watching.

She is mine.

“So, Prince Anders,” the king says, leaning forward on his elbows. “I would be pleased if you’d be willing to offer Carys the first dance of the evening.” Soraea bristles at my side, but the king continues, “It would go a long way to showing this court that our two families are at peace and there is no threat.”

I don’t miss his meaning. He’s making a point that the Stormborne line is no threat to his crown. I have no desire to rule here or be the king to these people. I want to return to my own court, my own kingdom.

Carys offers Soraea a sympathetic smile that my mate accepts.

I nod, stand, and place a quick kiss on Soraea’s head before taking Carys’ hand and leading her between the tables to the open dance area. A string quartet plays a ballad from the corner of the room as I lead Carys in the first dance, careful to keep my distance and make sure everyone knows this is a platonic relationship.

“I hate this,” Soraea says as she pretends to engage in conversation with a group of Fae who have come to the table.

“Me too,” I respond, swinging Carys around.

Carys blushes when some of the Fae females whisper about our pairing. “Sorry about this,” she whispers low, only loud enough for me. “My father is set on finding a suitable match of his choosing.”

“I’m mated,” I grumble.

She shakes her head, her blue eyes meeting mine. “I know, and I would never jeopardize that, but my father doesn’t see it the same way.”

I spin her out away from me, pulling her back. “What do you mean?”

Side by side, we move through each of the traditional steps. “Your Mating Bond has not yet been consecrated. Therefore, in my father’s eyes, you are not bound to Raea. He believes the Fae and the Elven should be married within their own races.”

I scoff. “So he’s actively trying to separate me from my mate?”

“Afraid so.” She winces as the music fades. “I have no interest in dividing you two. The fates have spoken, and besides…” She looks over her shoulder to Riven, who is making his best attempt not to look our way. “My heart is already spoken for.”

The hour is late, and Raea is flushed from dancing not just with me, but from dancing with her friends. Aolyn and Ciara are confident in turning offers down. Raea, however, is too kind to say no. So when she’s not in my arms, she’s with Trysten, Kamden, or Kellan. Even Tate has offered a few dances, but he’s had too much of the Fae wine.

Wine we’ve since learned impacts humans harder.

It’s as if there’s some unspoken agreement between all of us that she’s to be protected from this court. Not once could another male or female break through our ranks.

“Prince Anders,” the king starts, grabbing my attention where we are lingering on the edge of the dance floor. “I’d like to have a word with you if I may. The other men in your party as well.”

Unsure what he wants, I nod and quickly gather Kamden, Kellan, and Trysten, leaving Tate to his own ministrations in the corner with the females gathered around him. “Be right back,” I say to Raea, kissing her before leaving her to dance with Ciara and Aolyn.

The king leads us with several of his guards to a side room featuring worn leather couches and a large table at the center filled with maps. We aren’t the only ones here. Several members of his court are here also, assuming they all play some vital role. I’m surprised to see Carys speaking with an older male in the corner.

Unlike human men, this Fae looks the age of my father, but if I had to guess, he’s thousands of years older. Having spent my life playing these sorts of games, I can’t quite figure out why he’s summoned our friends and me, particularly.

I gesture to the sofas furthest from the rest for us to sit when the king says, “Anders, come and meet the general.” I take in the male, sensing his discomfort when I step closer.