Page 35 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

He smiles down at me and touches my hand, sparks flying across it like it’s done so many times before. My eyebrows pull together as I grip his hand, not wanting him to let go.

“Why are there sparks whenever we touch?” I quietly say, not wanting to bring any attention to us.

If they find out I was talking to him, let alone touching him, it would be over. I don’t know what they would do to me, but I know it won’t be good for Kieran. They would likely attack him and may put him to death for touching a human, something I really don’t want. Not when he has too many answers that I want and when I have a connection with him I can’t explain.

“We are connected and are meant to be together forever.” He bends down to look at me.

I shake my head, not believing it. “No, that can’t be possible. You are Fae, and I’m human.”

There is no way we are meant to be together. Has he just taken an interest in me and wants to be with me, and will say anything to get that?

“I told you before we got our magic taken that humans and Fae were together,” he gently says. “Some got married and had kids. I can introduce you to some half-Fae if you want. Show you that it is possible.”

“It can’t happen. Even if we were really meant to be together, we can’t be. There isn’t any law, but if they found out, they would kill you and do who knows what to me. I could be banished to Tarravega,” I point out, and shudder at the thought of being banished.

That is where all the criminals are sent when they are caught. Some are killed, but some live a life in the banished realm where they could die at any point. I wouldn’t survive a day there.

“We are meant to be together. Have you felt these sparks with anyone else?” he asks.

I shake my head. “That could be your magic trying to trick me,” I mumble.

“Sweets, I would never use my magic to manipulate you. You are too precious to me. I would cut my own hand off before I laid one on you.” He cups my face with his warm hands. “I know it’s going to be hard for you to believe, but I will get you to believe me, even if it takes a lifetime.”

Warmth floods my heart, and I lean into his hand, loving the way the sparks zip across my skin.

“Fae and humans used to live in peace. We always wanted it when humans came into our realm for sanctuary. We didn’t turn you away but built you homes so you could live on our land,” he explains. “It wasn’t until the witch’s sister died that everything changed, like I told you before. That was the turning point, and mistakes happened. My father made a mistake and deeply regretted it, but no one blamed him, not even my mother.”

His father? Who was his father? What mistake did he make?

With every new piece of information Kieran gives me, I end up with more questions than answers. New information pops up that I can’t ask anyone since they weren’t alive during that time to see if it is true or not. The only person I can ask is Kieran and I don’t even know if I can trust him fully with what he tells me.

“Wait,” I whisper, my eyes going wide as I stare at Kieran. “Your father made a mistake?”

He nods and stares at me, letting my mind whirl.

“That means…” I trail off.

“Yes?”

“That means you’re the High Lord of the Fae,” I state in utter shock.

How have I managed to catch the eye of the High Lord? Why do I feel like I have a connection with him? And why didn’t he tell me in the beginning who he was?

“Yes, I am, but that doesn’t change who I am to you.” He keeps his hands on my face as I try to get out.

By now, Kieran is kneeling on the ground, but he’s still taller than I am.

“No matter what or who I am, I am still your mate and will always be. That is what comes first, and then my title for you,” he gently says. “I want you to think about everything you have seen. I want you to really think about what I’ve told you, and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

I shake my head and pull away. “I may not be home,” I mumble. I don’t know why I told him that. “I’ve got to go to Hellhollow for some supplies before the heavy snow comes.”

Worry flashes across his face, and I sigh.

“I’ll be fine. I do this every year.” I take another step back as I leave out what happened last year. I don’t need reminding of that before I go on the same trip.

“Be safe and think about everything I’ve said. We’ll talk soon.” He stands to his full height.

“Wait!” I slightly raise my voice.