Page 66 of Fae Mates

“Unity,” said Prince Bradwell. “We didn’t know—”

“It wasn’t your fault. The Duke of Nevermore placed you all under a curse.” I turned and kissed Prince Caulden on the lips and told them everything I knew.

The first traces of sunlight rose from the horizon, coloring the water’s surface liquid gold. A wave of fatigue swept through my senses, and my skin prickled into goosebumps.

“Cold?” Prince Caulden rubbed a hand over my naked belly.

Nodding, I relaxed into his touch. “Does this mean the end of my heat?”

Prince August, who stood on the deck of the boat, raised a shoulder. “I’m rather enjoying you in this condition.”

I placed a hand over my belly, hoping that this was the end. There was still so much we needed to resolve. The Duke of Nevermore’s plot to overthrow the throne with his wretched daughter, her attempt to trigger an early heat, the death sentence Queen Titania placed on my head. And Pokeweed.

My head snapped up. “I’ve got to go.”

Prince Bradwell’s brows drew together. “Stay with us for a while.”

“Pokeweed has been poisoned with nightsbane. Does anyone know if life-water can help?”

Each of the princes shook their heads.

My heart sank. “The last time we checked on Pokeweed, he was unconscious, but his magic is repairing the treehouse. I’ve got to check on him to make sure he’s alright.”

Prince Bradwell placed a hand on my thigh. “Pokeweed may not want you there to witness his death.”

A lump formed in my throat. “No one should die alone. I need to stay with Pokeweed until his last breath.”

“Then what?” asked Prince August. “It’s supposed to be the worst kind of death imaginable.”

My chest tightened as I remembered the Duchess of Nevermore’s agony. I couldn’t let Pokeweed suffer like that. Pulling myself to my feet, I said, “As soon as he starts to die, I’ll stab him in the heart with an iron dagger.”

Chapter 16

The princes stared at me in silence. With dawn approaching and the birds singing a loud chorus, the lanternflies had either stopped glowing or had disappeared to their daytime habitats.

Under the shade of the bridge, it was hard to see their expressions, but the only way to describe the atmosphere was solemn. Maybe this was a kind of post-heat blues or a lull in the conversation, but I think even they were shocked at my determination to kill Pokeweed.

I shifted on the round boat’s wooden deck, the light of my wings dimming with each passing thought of the potential mercy killing. It would be the right thing to do—offering Pokeweed a quick, certain death instead of letting him linger in agony.

Prince Rory, who stood by my feet next to Prince August, cleared his throat. “What are we going to do about Gala and her father?”

“Have them executed, of course,” said Prince August.

“The duke had probably thought of a contingency for the enchantment wearing off,” said Prince Rory.

Prince Caulden blew out a long breath. “Gala’s father is His Majesty’s best strategic advisor. He’s the one who always negotiates with the outsiders.”

I nodded. Pokeweed had said something similar once.

Prince Bradwell helped me to my feet. “One of us needs to stay with you to ensure your safety.”

“I’ll be fine if I don’t leave the treehouse. No one can get in.” I pressed a hand on his chest. “The best way to deal with Lady Gala is to pretend for now. If she thinks you’re still under her and her father’s thrall, maybe she’ll let something slip.”

They all shared glances. I guessed they wanted us to stick together, but all four princes disappearing would be suspicious.

“Unity,” said Prince August. “At least let me remain by your side. I’m already considered missing—”

“Which is why you need to return with a plausible excuse. The more guards who come to the academy searching for you, the more they’ll crowd Pokeweed’s tree.”