Silence met his reply.
If what he predicted was true, then Shade’s life might be in jeopardy. All Fae Councils took the balance very seriously. Any disturbance to it typically resulted in death.
“What do you recommend?” my father asked, his focus on the Sangré Councilman. “Your line is known for strategy and analytics. How do you see this playing out?”
Chern considered for a long moment, his thumb and forefinger stroking his silver goatee. It was the only sign of hair on him, his familial line preferring to tattoo their bald heads with vibrant colors. The more intricate the design, the more intelligent the Sangré Blood was considered to be. In Chern’s case, he wore the most complex pattern of all as the leader of his line.
“Mating the Earth Fae will awaken her access to dark magic, and the Elemental Fae Council doesn’t have the means to control her. We do. The Academy professors can train her on the various lines while we supervise her growth and work on a contingency plan for her strengthening powers. It’s an appropriate interim solution while we work with the Elementals on a complete solution. They will be just as keen on finding a resolution as we are.”
He tapped his fingers on the table, his focus shifting to Aswad.
“As for Shadow, he will require the same monitoring. I suggest we observe the damage he’s caused before assigning his punishment.”
Meaning Shade would temporarily get away with breaking some of our oldest customs. Not to mention the slight against Tadmir’s familial line. The Malefic Councilman’s expression confirmed how he felt about the suggestion. Disapproval radiated from him in waves, but he smartly kept quiet.
Shade would be punished in due time.
Just as soon as we assessed the damage.
It made sense, but I wanted to know how this would work. “Who is going to observe Aflora’s growth?” I wondered out loud.
Then the implication struck me across the face.
Chern’s knowing glimmer as he met my gaze confirmed it.
“Me,” I said. “I’ll be the one monitoring her.”
“You are the most capable, yes,” Chern agreed. “Your connection to the source will grant you the insight into power fluctuations. You’re also the only one with the ability to shut her down, should the need arise.”
The only one with the means to kill her, I translated. Being the future king came with harsh responsibilities. This was one of them.
I nodded to confirm my understanding and acceptance of the burden.
My father considered me for a long moment, then nodded as well. “If this is the path we choose, then I move for this to be considered one of his ascension trials.”
Murmurs of agreement echoed around the table.
I had seven that would need to be completed before I could fully ascend.
Three were already done.
This would be item number four.
Babysitting an Earth Fae Royal.
Well, there were worse burdens. I’d seen Aflora before. She was certainly pretty to look at. I wouldn’t mind having a reason to watch her. Maybe she would make my final year more intriguing.
Or harder.
That remained to be seen.
I just hoped she stayed in line because if she became a threat, I’d exterminate her without blinking an eye.
It was my duty, after all.
My future.
And I intended to fulfill it appropriately.
Chapter Four
Aflora
Talk about a wicked dream, I thought, stretching against something warm and solid.
I frowned.
Did I fall asleep at Glacier’s place again? I wondered.
Wait…
My eyes sprang open to find an icy gaze watching me intently.
I attempted to scramble backward, but a set of iron bars held me captive while my front was entirely caged in by a lounging predator in jeans and a shirt. “Shadow,” I whispered, recalling the reality I’d hoped was a really bad dream.
“Shade,” he replied.
“What?”
“It’s my name, darling flower. As we’re betrothed now, I imagine you should use my preferred appellation.”
Appellation? I repeated to myself. Seriously? His vocabulary matched the pompous arching of his dark brow.
“Are you ready to leave yet?” he asked. “Because we’re well into the midnight hours and I have things I want to do today.”
“What?”
He sighed. “Is that your chosen word of the day? Because I’m already bored. What a dull mate you’ll turn out to be at this rate.” He rolled along the concrete floor, popping easily to his feet and holding out a hand. “Jacket, please. You’ve been drooling all over it for the last hour.”
I nearly repeated my “chosen word of the day” because I felt like needling him, but the realization that I was snuggling into his coat captured my attention. Black leather surrounded my entire upper body, the soft part of it under my head.
How…? I glanced up at him. Had he given me this while I slept?
His expression told me not to bother asking, that he would probably insult me if I tried. So I shoved away from the makeshift bed on the ground and stood. If he wanted his precious jacket back, he could pick it up himself.
He did.
After putting it around his shoulders in a quick shift of his strong arms, he rolled his neck. “Prince Kolstov is waiting for us upstairs.” With that, he opened the door and left.
I glanced at the stone gargoyle, waiting for him to react. When he didn’t, I tentatively followed and practically had to run to catch up to Shade on the stairs. It seemed he wasn’t wasting any time.
“Does this mean I’m free to go home?” I asked as we reached the top floor.
“No.”
He didn’t elaborate.
Just pushed through the door and led me back to the obsidian reception area we’d originally waited in.
A male in a suit with a long black cloak stood waiting for us in the center of the room. His golden irises smoldered with power as he glowered at Shade. “You took your fucking time.”
“My mother taught me never to interrupt a woman in the middle of a beauty nap,” my captor drawled. “Besides, I enjoyed watching her sleep. She is quite fetching.” He winked at me, causing me to glare at him almost as harshly as the other man was.
“You’re a willow stump,” I told Shade, folding my arms. “I hope I never have to see you again.”
“A willow stump,” he repeated, considering. “Most women refer to my cock as more of a tree trunk than a stump, but we can elaborate on the nuances of my girth later. Prince Kolstov is in charge of you for now.” He gave a little bow, backing away. “Do enjoy your time together, and I’ll see you both next week.”
He disappeared into a swarm of shadows before either of us could reply.
“Next week?” I repeated. “No, no. I don’t want to see him again. I’m going home.”
“Afraid not, sweetheart,” Prince Kolstov replied. “You’re going to Midnight Fae Academy. With me.”
What?! “Like hell I am.” I made to move around him, but he stepped into my way, my head barely clearing his shoulder.
Glowering up at him, I took in his familiar features. Strong cheekbones. Chiseled jaw. Neatly trimmed facial hair that appeared to be darker than the bronze locks on his head. Well, not exactly bronze. More like brown with streaks of red that seemed to flare beneath the lighting. Handsome, really.