We stood there for a moment before the awkwardness of what I had just done settled in and I pulled back, staring at the floor, unable to look him in the eyes. Why was it getting easier to touch him? Before, the mere thought of him close made my muscles clench, and now…
“Is that all?” he asked, a question on his lips that seemed to ask more.
Our afternoon together had been strange yet comforting. The emotions between us had shifted, and I couldn’t decide if that was good or bad.
When he gazed down at me with those amber eyes, I wondered what he was thinking—what he thought of me. He hadn’t shared those feelings, and suddenly, I was very curious to know.
Did he find me pretty?
A silly thing to think, but having grown up being told that you were ugly, I couldn't think that the handsome fae in front of me saw me as anything as exquisite as the females he surrounded himself with.
He rubbed the side of my arm, his expression shifting. “Are you all right? You seem flushed.”
Before I could answer, he grazed my cheek with his fingers. “You feel warm.”
My breath hitched. My thoughts jumbled.
Those rough, yet gentle fingers moved up to feel my forehead, genuine concern rippling across his brow. “Today has been a lot. You should rest, but if you need something from me, all you need is to ask.”
“I’m fine.” The words croaked out and I could kick myself for acting so foolish. Now that the fear of him killing me had vanished, it was replaced with an unwanted desire.
I should keep my distance… he’s…
“Good night, then,” he said, breaking the dangerous thoughts flitting about in my mind.
I didn't want to go with Ella, afraid of what she would say. I needed time to come up with an excuse.
Foolishly, I grasped his hand, keeping my head bowed, fearful he would see the lie in my eyes. “You said you wanted to show me something.”
He paused, and growing courage, I peered up at him, trying to be as genuine as possible. I squeezed his hand a little tighter, hoping if I showed an interest, then whatever Ella would say wouldn't matter.
Not only was he fiercely loyal when it came to his pixies, but they returned that dedication with a vicious fierceness of their own. If one of them believed I planned to betray the king, there would be no hope for my survival.
Pixies had pointy teeth just like the rest of the fae who wanted to devour me.
The tightness in Kane's jaw softened, the muscles relaxing, and a hint of a smile touched his lips. “I don't have to leave until later. But yes, there is something I want to show you. I think you'll like it.”
“Tomorrow, then?” I asked.
He held my hand for a moment, his gaze going toward the ivy wrapped around our joined hands. One endless image connecting us for all eternity.
He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Make sure the queen has whatever she wants. Even if you have to wake up the cook.”
“You know he doesn't like to be disturbed,” Ella answered.
Kane’s gaze never left my face. “He will do what I require. Whatever she wants.”
Heat flushed my cheeks. Why was he looking at me with such intensity? Had I gone too far? Had I been too forward?This sweet version of Kane unsettled me. Why couldn’t he stay distanced, bothered, even annoyed?
He released me and gave Ella a nod before leaving us alone.
I stood there, terrified to turn around.
What if she knows? What if she planned to get me alone?
No, even if she does, she wouldn’t attack me, right?
“What would you like to eat?” she asked with no hint of anger or distrust in her voice.
