Page 86 of Fae Mates

“My queen.” Pokeweed turned to me, his blue eyes softening.

A jolt of excitement shot through my heart, and my mouth went as dry as tree bark. I gulped, and a flock of purple-and-blue butterflies took flight within my belly.

All heads bowed as Pokeweed advanced toward me, radiating enough power to turn us into dust. He had been powerful as a gardener living under a curse, but with King Oberon’s destiny, it was terrifying… and oddly arousing.

“Unity, your friendship was a light in my dark days, and when you accepted me as your mate, your love burned strong enough to break two curses.”

A rush of joy filled my chest, and my eyes stung with happy tears.

He knelt at my feet, holding a crown of light. “Will you rule the Isle of Fae at my side?”

A palpitation thudded through my chest, and I shot Princes August and Caulden a panicked glance. Was Pokeweed asking me to ditch my other mates?

Chapter 20

A look of nervous anticipation crossed the princes’ faces, and they stood in pairs, their postures as stiff as tin soldiers. The surviving courtiers stepped over the pieces of dead soldiers to gather close. I guess they could sense the tension in the air.

I placed a hand on Pokeweed’s bicep and stared into blue eyes as calm as the pond by the weeping willow, hoping that King Oberon’s power hadn’t corrupted is kind and gentle nature.

“I’m honored to be your mate,” I said, repeating the words I had uttered when Lady Gala had introduced me to Pokeweed as a joke. “And I look forward to ruling at your side.”

Before I could elaborate, the courtiers broke out into applause, and Pokeweed placed the crown of light on my head. With a flash of light, my borrowed outfit of a shirt and breeches transformed into a flowing gown as white as vanilla petals. I turned in a circle and gasped.

“Congratulations, King Pokeweed,” said a male with green hair that I recognized to be the Duke of Easterly, Lady Salix’s father. His gaze wandered to Prince Caulden, who had been his daughter’s supposed fated mate. “I would like to host a celebratory—”

“Wait,” I said.

Pokeweed tilted his head to the side. “My queen?”

A ripple of delight shot through my insides at the title, but I tamped it down and glanced at the four princes. “I’m also mated to the princes, and my feelings for them run deep.”

His face softened. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, and my brothers will rule the Seasonal Courts as planned.”

Happiness filled my chest, and I wrapped my arms around Pokeweed’s neck.

Prince August bowed his head. “Your Majesty, thank—”

“There is no need for titles among family.” Pokeweed tucked me under his arm and held out his hand.

Ignoring the outstretched hand, Prince Bradwell rushed forward and hugged Pokeweed. “All these years, I knew you were special, but I would never have guessed that you were the true heir to the throne.”

Pokeweed hugged back, and I wrapped my free arm around Prince Bradwell’s back. Having Pokeweed and the princes as my mate was beyond my most fevered dreams. Prince Caulden approached next to hug his long-lost brother, then Prince August.

Finally, Prince Rory, stepped forward with his head bowed. “I’m sorry for pulling out a weapon when I thought you were the gardener.”

Pokeweed’s happy grin melted my heart. “It is impossible to fault anyone who protects Unity with such ferocity.”

I pulled Prince Rory into a triple hug. If it hadn’t been for his insistence that I stay in the trials, I would never have gained five gorgeous and powerful mates.

“Your Majesty.” Queen Titania pushed her way through the crowd, looking more like a horse than before. The fine covering of horsehair had burned off, leaving translucent skin that stretched over her bones. Instead of breasts, two protrusions hung low in her belly.

Disgust rippled through my insides. At least now, Queen Titania’s horrible personality showed on her exterior.

She lunged at Pokeweed, but Prince Rory and Bradwell held her back.

With a frustrated cry, the former queen said, “Let go of your mother!”

I shook my head. Earlier, she hadn’t considered them her sons when attacking them with her lightning bolts.