I didn’t know Tyrin’s story, and I didn’t understand Faerie culture regarding this “mate walk,” but I did recognize and empathize with his loneliness. I especially loved the way Len offered his friend comfort and assurance. A sign of true brotherhood. Well, that, and the constant ribbing.
Len handed Tabitha to me. “Hold her for me, little Storm. I’m going to do our introduction and ensure you are treated as a princess in the Silver Lands.”
Wait, what?That wasn’t at all what I wanted. I was willing to take the introduction to his court so I’d remain safe—mostly for Tabitha’s sake—but I wasn’t a princess. Introducing me as one was a surefire way to piss everyone here off. It hadn’t escaped my notice that we’d already drawn attention upon arrival, and even with Tyrin’s distraction, the vibe was more than curiosity.
“Winter!” I called after the stubborn fae, but he was already striding into the crowd.Fuck.
A low chuckle had me turning with exasperation to Tyrin. “Give up, gorgeous,” he said sipping his drink again. “Len is a powerhouse when it comes to protecting what’s his. You no longer walk your battles alone, and for that you should thank the gods.”
That gave me a moment’s pause. “I’m not a princess though. I’m not even fae.”
Tyrin leaned in closer, and I could smell the scent of his drink. It had a strong whiskey vibe, despite the pink color. “You are whatever the hell you want to be. Don’t let genetics dictate your happiness. Don’t let anything dictate it. You walk in there, head held high, and you show them why the fates chose you for their prince. Princesses might be born, but queens are made. So yes, you’re right. You’re no princess… you’re a damn queen.”
Well, okay, then. “I see why you two are best friends,” I managed to say.
His lips landed briefly on my cheek, and then he was striding away. “Remember my words, Samantha. You’re a queen.”
As he disappeared into the crowd, I tried to ignore the additional curious faces that had turned my way. It seemed they’d finally noticed the tiny fae in my arms.
Gasps rang out around us, along with the whispers.
“A fae child!”
“How is this possible?”
“Len held that child. I thought I was dreaming.”
It went on and on, and normally this would be my cue to get the hell out of here, but I was still channeling my inner queen. Tyrin was right. I was done allowing others to dictate my status in life any longer.
Fuck that, and the alpha it rode in on.
Striding forward, I headed for the prince. Len was about to announce my presence to his land, and I would be by his side. Living in the shadows was for the shifter god. Not for me.
Not any longer.
And one day very soon I wouldn’t need pep talks to remind me of my worth. I’d just feel it.
No one should ever accept the bottom of the barrel; we all had strengths beyond what we believed. We just had to be brave enough to take that first step.
Queen energy, here I come.
25
SAMANTHA
My bravado held out long enough for me to weave through the crowds, ignoring all the stares, until I caught sight of Len’s silver hair. His height was an advantage in more ways than one.
As I got closer, I noticed he was leaning down, chatting intensely with another fae. Their face and outfit were obscured, and from my current angle it looked almost as if he was pressing his lips to their cheek.
I ground to a brief halt, before shaking my head and pushing forward once more. Len owed me nothing. I had to remember that all we shared was a daughter and missing memories. He might not have found a mate on his walks, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dating or betrothed to another fae. After all, on Earth, arranged marriages were the norm for royals.
As painful as it was, I had to remember that I was here for Tabitha and to unlock my memories. Sure, it had felt as if we were building toward something deeper, but maybe that had all been in my head. He called me family, which could encompass a multitude of different scenarios, many of which did not include romance.
A fact I would have to accept, no matter how much it pained me.
When I found the strength to look for him again, he had finished with the other fae and was now up on a small round platform. “I have an announcement,” he called. As his deep voice rumbled across the space, everyone quietened. “Thank you all for gathering at such short notice.”
“Always up for a party,” Tyrin shouted back, and the atmosphere was relaxed as lilting chuckles rang out.
