I blink against the brightness as his mate bond sparkles to life. There are no shadows at all, no woven threads of darkness strangling his light. Something sparkles forth within him, and strikes me in the heart, and a tingling happy sensation courses through my body.
“Hey, why does he get to be all sparkly?” Dayton chides.
I can’t answer, lost in the warm light of our tether, the strength of the starlight beaming in Kel’s chest.
“Rosalina, I’m not the mate you deserve,” he says slowly. Then he bends down and picks up three of the Friar’s Lanterns flowers. “But tonight, you can pretend to have a bond with those much more worthy of your affection than me.”
My mate proceeds to tuck a flower behind Farron’s ear, one between the slats of Ezryn’s armor, then one into the messy knot of Dayton’s bun.
The light in my chest splits more, a golden line pointing to each of the flowers, to each of my princes. Tears brim in my eyes, and Keldarion reaches out to squeeze my hand.
“You bastards better give her a good dance tonight,” he says, then his voice grows more serious. “And protect her with your lives if I cannot.”
“Of course,” Farron says.
“On my sword.” Dayton smirks.
Ezryn bows his head slightly as he mutters words in another language.
I grip Dayton’s hand, who grabs Ezryn’s, who takes Farron’s, who connects the circle by holding Keldarion’s hand.
The will-o’-wisp burns brightly in my chest, bursting forth a light to my mate beside me, but also to the flowers on each of my princes. And there must be more fallen flowers on the ground, because a fifth light darts down through the brush below.
I give a secret silly wish to the fire blooming in my heart that I can keep us woven together like this for always.
41
Rosalina
Despiteallthetragedythey’ve been through, the Autumn fae sure know how to celebrate. I sit on a log off to the side, a cup of spiced cider in my hands. The clay mug warms my cold fingers as I observe the festival.
The smell of cinnamon, roasted pumpkins, and wood smoke fills the air. The party is outside the city walls in a grove of twisting trees. Golden ribbon wraps the trunks, and lanterns dangle from the branches. A crackling bonfire lights the center. Tables of food, wine, and ale dot the clearing, while logs and squishy mushrooms have been positioned around the perimeter to rest upon. The music is a merry jig played on flutes and pipes. Fae dance in the flickering light of the fire.
I’m so grateful we made it in time for this celebration and the princes’ curse is held back by the full moon.
Once we arrived in Coppershire, I’d had just enough time to get ready with Astrid and Marigold. I chose a beautiful gown, the bodice adorned with intricate beadwork that shimmers and sparkles in the firelight. The skirt is full and flowing, with layers of tulle and chiffon that resemble the changing of leaves with hues of red, orange, and gold. Even the fabric rustles like crispy leaves in a breeze. My hair falls over my shoulders in cascading waves.
And this time, Marigold and Astrid also got ready with me. In fact, I spy Marigold dancing with a burly fae man with bright red hair.Trust me, girlie,she’d told me as we headed to the party,you’ve never truly been fucked until you’ve had one of these wild Autumn fae.
I’d laughed and reminded her she’d said the same thing about the Summer fae. Now, another giggle bubbles up from my chest as I watch her. I hope she has a fantastic time tonight.
“Enjoying the party?” a voice asks, the command in it drawing me from my thoughts.
I look up at Farron’s mother, the former High Princess of Autumn. She’s wearing an elegant green dress, her silver and brown hair woven in a crown atop her head.
“Oh! Yes, very much so,” I tell her. “It’s magical.”
She takes a seat beside me, and I flush, cupping tight to my drink. I’ve only seen her a handful of times since we’ve been here. She might be content to let us roam free now, but I’m under no illusion that at the first hint of trouble she won’t slap Keldarion—and the rest of us—back in chains.
“I’ve been watching you,” she says, her golden eyes so similar to Farron’s.
“Watching me?”
“Yes. Tonight, you’ve made everyone you’ve talked to happier than they were before.”
“I’ve just been having fun.” I shake my head. “It’s the atmosphere.”
It truly has felt magical. Like Kel made them promise, I danced with all three princes. Farron was so sweet, teaching me the steps in time to the music. I had to remind Dayton to grab my waist and not my ass, though I didn’t really mind. Ezryn and I finally got to have the dance Caspian interrupted at the Winter Solstice Ball. Though, I can’t help but wonder if he’s going to crash this party, too.
