Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(12)
“You know why she’s not here, Kalen. Her direct quote was,” he clears his throat and mimics my mother’s voice when he continues, “‘I don’t want to have to spend any extra time with that Summer wench than I have to.’” I can’t help but laugh at how well he mimics my mother. Brayden smirks and looks off into the distance at our oncoming guests. My mother and Queen Tatiana have never really gotten along, so hopefully there won’t be too much drama between them tonight.
“That is definitely something she would say,” I say to my father.
My thoughts are cut off quickly when the contingent of Summer fae come into full view. My fae vision is immaculate, but I can’t be seeing what I think I’m seeing. That can’t be Meliantha on the horse coming this way, can it? I close my eyes and blink them a few times because surely that’s not her. My eyes have not deceived me…it is her. Her long, beautiful, auburn hair is pulled back in a tight braid and her clothes—she’s wearing warrior gear with the leather and everything. Her upper arms are bare and I know she has to be cold. Surprisingly, she’s actually showing no signs of discomfort. She hasn’t looked at me yet and by the way her face is averted, I can see she is trying to avoid it for as long as possible. There is one thing I know for certain, I can’t seem to take my eyes off of her. I feel mesmerized like I did all those years ago. The connection I felt then feels like it’s igniting in my chest all over again. The feelings are too strong to ignore. She may be with another man, but I know she can’t be happy, just like I’m not happy with Breena.
It feels like I’m defying all balances of nature with keeping my distance from her. I should have pursued her more and demanded to know what I did wrong all those years ago. I left like a coward and didn’t listen to my heart. I don’t plan on doing that anymore. Now all I need to figure out is what I’m going to do about Breena.
The carriages are pulling up and I see Meliantha in the back riding along with the warriors. I bet the King and Queen didn’t like that at all. Her face is turned away, but I can see the tight grip she has on her reigns and the rigidness of her body as she sits regally atop her black faerie stallion. Even with the harsh expression on her face, she is still as beautiful as I remember her. She’s riding in between her Guardian, Ashur, and her lover, Finn. I remember seeing them both fight Merrick during the Guardian Ceremony for Calista. I look at Ashur and he nods his head at me in greeting, but Finn just gives me a blank expression and remains stoic upon his horse. It doesn’t look like we’re going to be friends. I honestly don’t give a damn if he likes me or not. If Meliantha is meant to be with me, then there is nothing he can do about it and neither could Breena for that matter. I can’t stop my eyes from travelling back over to Meliantha. She’s looking at her Guardian with a serious but pleading look. They must be having a silent conversation, and by the look on her face, she doesn’t look happy. I notice that her face has lost the sharp angles it once had and has now filled out to be soft and full. Her lips are still as pouty as before, and I remember how I had longed to kiss them when I was in her presence. Her body has also changed from gangly to well-toned and curvy. She was always beautiful, but now she’s breathtaking.
I heard that she’s been training all these years and I see that it’s definitely changed her both mentally and physically. She seems to be more confident and obviously stronger. Her bow and arrows are strapped securely on her back, and I can see the special arrows I’ve heard so much about. It was a good idea by the dwarves to not only make the guardian daggers but to also make other special weapons to be used as protection. Looking at her proud posture and arrogant expression I can tell that she’s not the same Meliantha I knew before. She could almost belong here in the Winter Court with the ice-cold vibe I’m getting from her.
King Oberon and Queen Tatiana step out of the carriage and my father greets them with a welcoming smile.
“Greetings King Oberon and Queen Tatiana of the Summer Court. I hope your journey went well.”
Queen Tatiana smiles at my father then at me and Brayden. King Oberon addresses my father and clasps his forearm in the warrior greeting.
“Yes, King Madoc, our journey went well, thank you. I look forward to enjoying the festivities with you tonight, my friend.” He gives my father a wolfish smile and they both laugh.
“As do I,” my father laughs. Those two together can be quite a show. The parties are never boring when my father and King Oberon get together.
My father puts a hand on Brayden’s shoulder and says to King Oberon, “My son, Prince Brayden, will show you and the queen to your quarters.” He looks over at me and continues, “And my son, Prince Kalen, will show the princesses to theirs.”
I heard a hiss come from Meliantha, so I jerk my head to look at her. She closes her eyes for just a second and pulls her bottom lip between her teeth biting hard. I can tell she wants to object. Damn it, I wish I knew what the hell her problem is with me.
King Oberon nods his head at my father and turns to clasp Brayden’s forearm.
“Thank you, Prince Brayden. It’s been years since I have been here and I look forward to the tour.”
Brayden bows his head and murmurs, “It is my pleasure, Your Highness. Feel free to venture anywhere you please. I’ll show you to your quarters now so that you can rest up before the ball tonight.”