Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(68)
“You found me,” I whispered.
He brings his hand up to cup my cheek and whispers back, “Always, my love.”
I tear my eyes away from him to look around the room at everyone celebrating and jumping around in joy. I honestly didn’t know if I was going to see them again when I was trapped in the depths of my mind. Calista is hugging Elvena and both of them are laughing and crying. Ashur and Finn have smiles on their faces, but the tension around their eyes lets me know they were worried. Ryder walks over to Kalen and pats him on the back. He nods at me and then takes his place by Calista’s side. It feels wonderful to be back in my room, but looking around I realize that this isn’t my home anymore.
Elvena comes to the other side of the bed and leans over to kiss me on the cheek. “Welcome back, child.”
I grab her hand to give it a squeeze and then I murmur softly, “Thank you, Elvena. I wouldn’t have made it back without your help.” She smiles at me once more before taking her leave. I guess this will be the time for everyone to make their rounds. Calista and Ryder both come forward and Calista falls over on the bed and crushes me in a hug.
“I’ve missed you,” she wails. “You were so brave, Mel. All the things you did took great courage, and I will never in my life doubt you.” She stays in my arms for a few minutes but then lifts her head to smirk at me. “But I think I can still beat you in a target contest, even though you happen to be a master of the bow,” she taunts playfully. Calista has never missed a target and neither have I. I don’t think there will ever be a time when we beat each other, but there’s no harm in trying.
“I’m ready when you are, sister,” I taunt back. We both laugh and she gives me one more hug before whispering in my ear. “I have a surprise for you and Kalen. When you’re ready, go to where your heart leads you and there waiting for you is a gift.” She gives me a sly smile and winks before letting me go. “Have fun little sister.”
I can only imagine what she means about her cryptic message, but I’m beginning to have a few ideas. Once everyone leaves I plan on following my heart and bringing Kalen along with me. We have waited far too long to complete our bond. Finn takes this time to approach, and I can feel Kalen tense beside me. His hand grips mine tighter, but when I look at him questioningly he smiles and loosens his hold.
“They had a few altercations while you were gone, Princess,” Ashur informs me telepathically. I quickly look at him and he smiles. “I kept them in line though.”
“Thank you,” I smile back.
Finn sits down on the opposite side of the bed away from Kalen and takes my hand in his. He gives no notice of Kalen when he speaks to me, “Did you mean what you said, Mel… or was it just words?” I know what he’s talking about and I know I meant every word. I just hate it took so long to let him know how I felt. I look up at him and smile, “Yes, with all my heart, I meant every word of it, Finn.” A tear rolls down his face and he shows no shame with letting it fall. He cups my face in his hands, leans down, and kisses my cheek gently. “Thank you, Meliantha. You will always have a special place in my heart,” he whispers in my ear. He pulls back and looks at me once more. “I know I’ve told you this before, but I’m really going to miss you.”
“And I you,” I murmur with a smile.
He bows his head to me and quickly leaves my room without looking back. Kalen is silently fuming beside me, but my reassuring gaze seems to calm him down. “I’m assuming with Finn’s last statement that he will not be joining us in the Spring Court?”
So that’s why he looks so perturbed. I shake my head and laugh, “No, he’s not coming to the Spring Court.”
“Good, I would hate to have to kill him,” he jokes, but with a hint of truth. I’m sure they would fight every day if Finn joined us in the Spring Court. I honestly do believe that in time he will find someone that will love and take care of him.
“He will,” Ashur agrees silently.
“I hope it’s soon,” I reply back.
Ashur takes his place by my side and his face turns from friendly to serious. “Don’t you ever do what you did ever again?” he scolds. I nod my head in understanding, but it’s not enough for him. He opens his soul to show me what I’ve done to him. The anger and worry he felt comes pouring out of his body and into mine. This is what I put him through and it tears me up inside.
“I’m sorry, Ashur. I was only trying to protect you,” I admit desperately.
His face goes soft and he sighs, “I know, but I don’t want you to protect me. I’m here to protect you.” He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “Women,” he grunts.
Speaking of women, my curiosity peaks with the thoughts of Elissa. I wonder what all has transpired since their first kiss. “How are you and Elissa?” I ask curiously.
A huge smile appears on his face and he gladly announces, “She’ll be joining me in the Spring Court. We plan to complete the marriage bond soon.”
I quickly look over at Kalen and he smiles mischievously at me. The marriage bond. Kalen and I will be bonded tonight, and there’s nothing that’s going to stop us.
I turn back to Ashur, excited. “I’m so happy for you, Ashur. I’ve waited so long for you two to be together.”
He bows his head and looks from me to Kalen, “I will leave you two to your peace, but soon I want to know everything that happened when we were separated.”