Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(11)

“By your tone, you make it sound like she’s changed in a really bad way. What do you mean exactly?” I ask, pleading.

They both look at each other and then back to me.

“Maybe you should see for yourself when she gets here,” Ryder insists.

Calista grabs my hand and squeezes. “I’m going to talk to her when she gets here. I want some answers, too.”

“Thank you,” I say, squeezing her hand in return.

Ryder nudges Calista in the side and says, “Alright, love, we need to go and get this little one to Elvena so we can get ready for the ball.” He looks at me with serious eyes and his tone grows urgent.

“If you’re only going through with this engagement because of Meliantha, you really need to back out of it. Please think before you jump into it, because once you say the sacred vow, you’re bound for life.”

I don’t love Breena, but I don’t want to hurt her either.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I quickly reply.

Merrick reaches over from Ryder’s arms to give me a hug goodbye.

“Bye, Uncle Kalen,” he squeaks.

“Bye, little man. Maybe I’ll show you the wolves later?” I ask. He squeals so loud I have to put my hands over my ears to keep them from bursting. I guess the squeal means yes.

“We’ll see you tonight, Kalen,” Calista says while taking the squealing Merrick with her out the door. Ryder waves goodbye as well and follows them. Again, I’m left alone with my thoughts until I hear the horn sounding off from the palace tower. The sounds of the horns make my chest tighten with anxiety because they signify there are people approaching. Since I’m the leader of the Winter Court Army, it is customary to meet all approaching guests. I don’t mind in this case because I know I’ll get to see Meliantha, but I’m nervous about seeing her.

I don’t know what to expect, but I’m also glad she’s here because she’ll have no choice but to talk to me. It’ll give me some closure if I understand her hostility toward me. I leave my room and head down the stairs. It’s snowing like always, but the cold doesn’t bother me as I step outside. The Winter fae are not affected by the cold, but the Summer fae will find it more difficult to handle. I walk along the path that heads to the back palace entrance. From there I’ll walk through the palace to the front doors where our guests will be entering. As I’m walking through the main palace entryway something stops me mid-step. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and a strong uneasiness washes over my body. This is really odd. Why would I feel this way?

I try to get an idea where it could be coming from, but I don’t find anything unusual. I look at both warriors standing guard, but nothing seems amiss other than the prickling of my scalp sending off warnings. I haven’t had these feelings in a long time, not since everything started with Calista. A revelation comes to mind, and I can’t believe the thoughts haven’t been discussed before now. This would be the perfect time for the dark sorcerer to strike. We all know he will come again, but with it being five years, I think some people have lost their fear and moved on. I need to ask Calista if she has sensed anything since she’s been here. She’s had first-hand experience with the dark sorcerer, so I’m sure she would know. What are we going to do if he’s here?

“Kalen.”

I am brought out of my reverie at the sound of my father’s voice calling my name. He walks toward me with my brother, Brayden, in tow.

Brayden is about two years younger than me making him twenty-four now, and he looks exactly like my father with his short, chocolate brown hair and dark brown eyes. Brayden looks at me with a serious expression just like he always does. That is one thing that makes me completely different from him. He’s always serious, whereas I normally joke around. Unfortunately, I haven’t been my usual self for a very long time. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen Brayden smile or myself for that matter.

When they reach me my father looks from Brayden to me and commands, “When the Summer fae get here we will greet them, and then you,” he points to Brayden, “will take King Oberon and Queen Tatiana to where they’ll be staying and I will let you,” my father then looks at me, “escort the princesses to their quarters since they will be staying in the cottage beside your cabin.”

My heart starts beating frantically with the thoughts of having to escort Meliantha to her cottage. I have no idea how our reunion is going to be, but I put on a smile and respond, “As you wish, Father.” Brayden just nods his head in reply when my father looks at him.

He claps us on the shoulders and says happily, “Alright, boys, let’s go meet our guests. The dwarves and the elves should arrive soon as well.” My father has always loved to have a good party. It’ll be very entertaining to see King Oberon and him carrying on and having a good time.

We walk out the front doors of the palace to await our arriving guests. We stand at the top of the steps with my father in the middle, my brother and I flanking him. In the distance, the Summer fae are heading through the palace gates. There’s a contingent of warriors on their horses and four carriages, but they are still too far away to get a good look at them.

“Where, may I ask, is the Queen?” I ask my father sarcastically.

He clamps his lips together like he’s trying to hold in a laugh and shakes his head.