I looked at him, unsure of what he wanted. He gave a soft smile and glanced down to where our hands were still entwined.
“Oh. Yes. Sorry.” I released my grip and stepped closer to the king, who caressed my hand with his thumb before he released me.
Tarrin and Nevander made their way to either side of us.
“King Thaddeus,” a booming male voice echoed through the vast open atrium, “welcome to my home.”
Hishome.
It wasn’t just anyone greeting us, then, but the high lord of the Summer Court.
Chapter 21
Summer’s Origin
The power that thrummed from the high lord was charged like the still air of an imminent storm. There was no mistaking what court he hailed from.
His skin was a lustrous golden hue born of a symbiosis with summer’s caress, while his hair was the color of golden barley. But of all the clues pointing to his heritage, his eyes were by far the most striking. The never-ending depths held the raw majesty of a summer storm, illustrating the paradox of a season that could both nurture and devastate.
“Happy solstice, High Lord,” the king said, inclining his head slightly. I realized then that he would not bow to those who held the same rank.
“Thank you, King Thaddeus. Please, call me Caius.”
“Thank you for receiving us, Caius. Allow me to introduce my companions. This is my second-in-command, Tarrin.” Tarrin took a half-step forward and offered the high lord a formal bow before stepping back. “And this is my third-in-command, Nevander.” He followed suit. “And this is Nyleeria.”
I made to curtsy, but Caius stopped me.
My companions tensed. We’d discussed at great length the dangers of me coming, knowing we hadn’t the faintest clue if the fae could detect the ancient power that slumbered within me—but there was no turning back. I was here, standing before one of the most powerful beings that roamed Lumnara, and his attention was fixed on me.
“It’s been a time since I’ve laid my eyes on a human woman,” he mused.
From only a pace away, his fierce eyes bore into mine. Even from that distance, he towered above me. There was an unnatural grace and stillness to him that seemed familiar in a way. I had to stop myself from stepping back when I realized where I’d witnessed such characteristics before—they were those of a natural-born predator.
“But I don’t remember them being as stunning as you.” He brushed the back of his hand across my cheek. At the touch, I felt his power surround me, as if asking a question. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly before he pulled the power back. “It seems the Mother favors you.”
Forcing calm into my veins, I said, “I should hope she favors all of her children, Lord Caius.”
The high lord’s broad smile met his eyes before he took my hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “Welcome to my court, Nyleeria.” His words simultaneously caressed me and sent a bolt of electricity skittering down my spine.
Releasing my hand and focusing on us as a group, Caius said, “Artton and Sidrick have placed your belongings in your suites. Please, take a moment to get settled in, and I’ll see you shortly at the celebration.”
No sooner had my fae escort left than a knock came at the door. When I opened it, all three of my companions poured themselves into the suite.
“Are you okay?” the king asked.
“I’m fine.”
“What happened?”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re a bunch of mother hens.”
“Nyleeria.”
I sighed. “I’m not sure exactly, but I can sense their powers, see them even. When Caius touched my cheek, his power encircled me like it was probing for an answer. It wasn’t invasive at all, and I don’t think he learned anything.”
“What question do you think it was trying to answer?” Nevander asked.
“I think…ummm…it was almost like…Have we met before?”
