You never know what role you will play in a stranger’s life.
A small word can leave lasting damage.
As a helping hand can shine light.
With my daughter, I know I will be her father.
I’ll try to be the best I can be for my child.
But when she cries, it breaks my heart.
Thank the Fae my soul mate is made of stronger stuff than I, where our child is concerned. I would be a mess without her.
Iclinked my goblet of shifter wine against Queen Mikko’s sister’s—a caster I honestly couldn’t stand to be in the presence of for more than five minutes. But I was polite and said happily, “It is a glorious day, is it not?” Because I was happy—so very happy.
“It is, it is!” Her laugh made me want to choke myself. Too loud and attracting all attention nearby. “It only took you hundreds of years to have an heir. I was beginning to think you were impotent.”
The musicians started playing in the corner, jerking me out of my shock. I stared and smiled with my fangs. “Well, now.” I pointed off to the side—where more shifter wine lay in wait; it looked like I would need it for tonight’s celebration. “I think I see my…parrot. I must make sure it’s enjoying the party. So if you’ll excuse me, Kera, I hope you enjoy the festivities.”
Turning on a quick heel, I pretended I didn’t hear her spluttering in confusion and maneuvered straight for the alcohol, slipping around all the elaborately attired guests celebrating with me inside my castle. I plunked my almost empty goblet down onto the bar and ordered the elf serving drinks, “Fill it all the way up.”
He dipped his head respectfully and quickly filled it, carefully ensuring a drop did not land on the counter.
“King Traevon, where is this new heir of yours?” King Athon asked directly behind me in his distinct, rough shifter tone. Yet another individual who had to be on the invite list for civility’s sake. “That is why we are all here, correct?”
Sighing under my breath, I held the elf’s gaze before me and took a long draw from my full goblet before I turned and faced the King of Shifters. Lowering my drink, I stared into solid black eyes and explained regretfully, “My daughter decided tonight was the night to start teething. While it was poor timing, she is currently rather fussy, demanding her mother’s undivided attention.”
“So that is why your soul mate is nowhere to be found. That does make sense. Poor timing, indeed.” The shifter king cocked his head, and his long, white hair slipped over his large shoulder as he squinted through the crowd. “Was that Kera Boone I saw you speaking with?”
“Don’t remind me.” I snorted softly.
Humor lit his dark gaze as he turned back in my direction. “Do I want to know what that ninny said this time?”
“It was particularly unflattering.” I took another sip of my shifter wine, enjoying the sweetness on my tongue. “Apparently, she thought I couldn’t have childrenif you understand my meaning. Because it took so long.”
All humor vanished from his features, and hesnarledsoftly. “She truly said that to you?”
I lifted my eyebrows high on my forehead and nodded heartily at his outrage. “It even surprised me.”
“What a Fae fucking idiot.” He huffed indignantly. “It is hard enough to even have children, and then to say something that uncouth is beyond ill-mannered.”
Eyeing his features—and gauging his reaction—I asked carefully, “I take it you want to be a father one day.”
He didn’t flinch, merely staring me in the eyes. “I will need an heir. That is obvious.”
“And that is not what I asked.” I smirked and watched his face. “I asked if you wanted to be a father.”
King Athon cleared his throat and crossed his arms, balancing his weight on his heels. “If it happened, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” An answer that wasn’t really an answer—but actually was a Fae damned answer. He paused momentarily, then scrunched his nose slightly and blurted, “What is it like? Being a fatheranda king?”
I didn’t laugh at the man before me—not when I had once been him. But I felt a certain amount of amusement deep inside, the shifter king unable to appropriately conceal this private want from an enemy, failing quite miserably. Though, I did allow the biggest Fae fucking smile to spread across my lips, joy gripping my heart in warmth and light. “It is more than I could have imagined.” I shook my head slightly and explained, “Finding the time for everything is hard. I’m constantly exhausted, but it is more rewarding than anything I’ve ever done. And even though I have done much as a king, this is…more.”
A flicker of envy dashed through his eyes before he hid it. He smiled politely and bowed his head, stating cordially, “That truly sounds wonderful, King Traevon. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. It is appreciated. I will let Minnie know you said as such.”
The King of Shifters glanced to the side, someone catching his attention, and he sighed quietly. “Bishop is beckoning. I must take my leave.”
I chuckled softly. “Enjoy your evening, King Athon.”
