Speaking of spouses...
The grin that spreads across my face is impish as I picture Fi’s reaction when I call her our collective wife. The image of her flustered face followed by the inevitable heated reconciliation sends a thrill down my spine. At the same time, a spike of energy hits my aura, something familiar yet elusive brushing against my senses. I shake it off, focusing intently on Amethyst as she drones on. I can’t afford to miss a beat; one slip and she might commit me to some ludicrous obligation.
“Fine. I will attend the damn thing,” I cut her off before she can finish proposing another unwanted event. “But remember, I will be escorted by my friends and no one else. I’m not here to schmooze people, despite what you all seem to think.”
“Of course, Revelin,” she replies, a forced smile not reaching her eyes. When I glare, she clears her throat. “I mean,PrinceRevelin.”
The meeting drags on, but finally, mercifully, it ends. As I stand to leave, I let the mask of princely decorum slip slightly, anticipation for the evening ahead lighting a fire within me. These meetings, these people—they’re nothing compared to the real treasures waiting for me atThe Twig & Berriestavern.
Finally steppingout of the suffocating atmosphere of the Town Hall, I draw in a deep breath of fresh air, trying to dislodge the stifling cobwebs from my mind. The sunlight is a sharp contrast tothe dimly lit chamber I’ve just escaped, and for a moment, it blinds me. But even as my vision clears, the irritation lingers, festering like a thorn in my side.
“Dezi,” I mutter under my breath, the decision firming in my mind with each step I take away from the building. His wisdom, his age-old experience with deception and intrigue—I need that now. And he’ll listen without overreacting, a calm in this storm of oddities.
“Revelin, darling, wait up!” Amethyst’s voice, too bright, too forced, cuts through my thoughts. I slow my pace, just enough to keep it courteous, but not enough to invite a cozy stroll.
“Amethyst, you must be worn out after such a... thorough meeting.” I force a smile, one that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”
I don’t want to order her to fuck off, but I definitely will if she makes me.
She sidles up next to me, her presence an unwelcome weight. “Oh, but I want to make sure you’re well taken care of. Do you have plans for dinner? Maybe we could?—”
“Plans?” I parry smoothly, veering toward a shop window displaying an array of trinkets I couldn’t care less about. “You know how these small towns are. Charming, unpredictable. Best to go with the flow, don’t you think?”
“Of course, but—” She tries again, persistent in her pursuit of my destination.
“Ah, look at this!” I exclaim, feigning interest in a particularly gaudy bauble in a store window. It’s enough of a distraction, and she follows my gaze, frowning slightly at the tacky display.
“Revelin, that’s not really your style, is it?” she probes, her confusion a clear sign she’s lost the thread of our conversation.
“Isn’t it?” I answer noncommittally, already moving on, taking us down a winding path that loops back on itself several times. I canfeel her frustration growing, a palpable thing between us. But I can’t allow her close—not now.
“Really, Amethyst, I insist. Take some time for yourself.” I steer us towards a quaint cafe, knowing she despises the local coffee blend. “I’ll be fine. I’ve got to meet people, anyway.”
“What people?” Her eyes narrow, suspicion blooming. The energy coming off her is ridiculously hostile, considering she hasn’t even met Fi or any of the guys besides Tiernan. I could get being put off if my girl had read her the riot act, but they haven’t even spoken yet. This hostility isn’t warranted, but it seems to get worse by the minute.
“I have guests to entertain,” I reply smoothly, the words sliding off my tongue like honey. “You understand.”
Her lips purse tight, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. With a reluctant nod, she finally backs down. “Fine, Prince Revelin. But we’ll talk later about tomorrow’s schedule; that cannot wait, I’m afraid.”
“Of course,” I agree, watching as she heads into the cafe with a huff. I have zero intention of meeting with heragaintoday, but she doesn’t have to know that. Once I’m ensconced in the bus, I can make certain she can’t find us while we wind down from the day.
Just another reason I let my parents purchase the crazy thing when we first started touring—it’s full of fucking surprises.
As soon as she’s out of sight, I dart down an alleyway, taking a circuitous route that has me doubling back more than once. Only when I’m absolutely certain I’ve shaken any potential tail, do I head towardThe Twig & Berriestavern, eager for the comfort and chaos of my chosen family.
“Freedom,” I breathe out a sigh of relief, slipping unseen into the bustling warmth of the tavern.
I weave through the throng of merrymakers, my every step light and unnoticed under the veil of the invisibility charm.The Twig & Berriespulses with life—boisterous laughter, clinking glasses, and the sweet,heady aroma of Fae brews. I can’t help but smile at the sight of Fiadh perched on Tiernan’s lap, her laughter chiming above the din, her cheeks flushed with delight. Khol, ever the mischief lover, navigates the crowd with a tray laden with drinks that shimmer like captured starlight.
The urge to shed the charm grows as I near them, but caution holds me back. Not until I’m close enough to touch, to share in the circle of their camaraderie. As I slip into the seat beside Fiadh, the illusion falls away like a discarded cloak.
“Who the fuck…” Fiadh’s voice pitches high, a mix of surprise and mock outrage. Her fist comes out of nowhere, connecting with my jaw in a punch that reverberates through my skull. I swear I taste stars. “Oh. shit, Rev!”
“Ow! Is that any way to greet your prince?” I rub my jaw, offering them all a roguish grin as their laughter erupts around me.
“Only when he’s being a sneaky bastard,” Fiadh retorts, but her eyes dance with unspoken affection. I love that she actually apologized this time and meant it, but she cracked me a good one. The happiness in her eyes makes my pain worth it, though.
“Guilty as charged,” I admit. “But you’ve got to admit, lass, it keeps things interesting.”
