Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)(11)
“I say the things I do about Merrick because it’s true, and yes, you must be blind,” my father says, and then he points to the stranger. “The young man you are referring to over there is Prince Ryder from the Winter Court.”
Shocked, I turn my head abruptly from my father to look at Prince Ryder. He sure does look like a prince, more of a Greek god, if you ask me. My heart flutters just looking at him and the way he’s staring at me makes my body tighten. It’s like he’s trying to devour my body with his seductive blue eyes. I can only imagine what else he could do to me. He smirks at me like he knows what I’m thinking and I quickly look away, squirming in my chair. I need to ask Elvena if this is normal because nothing like this has ever happened before. I’ve never felt this strongly for someone I didn’t know.
My father looks at me, wrinkling his brow.
“Calista, are you well?”
Breathless, I respond, “Yes, father, I’m fine. It’s just a little hot in here.” I’m not lying about being hot. Watching Prince Ryder look at me the way he did sent the blood boiling throughout my body and it was definitely in a good way.
I shake my head to stop thinking of the way Ryder makes my body feel and to concentrate on the fight. Merrick fights with such passion and it’s down to him and Ashur, just like my father said. Merrick is graceful with his movements while Ashur is aggressive and a little sporadic. Both warriors look tired, but I see the determination in Merrick’s eyes. What everyone says about Merrick having feelings for me pulls at my heart. I guess I’ve been in denial about his feelings. Thinking about Merrick and the way I’m feeling about Prince Ryder actually has me feeling guilty.
A few minutes later, Merrick makes the final blow and takes Ashur down. The fae heal very quickly so Ashur and the other warriors will be as good as new by tomorrow.
Breathing hard and sweaty from the fight, Merrick comes up to the dais and kneels before my father.
“Your Highness, I have defeated my brethren, and ask to be awarded the title Guardian to Princess Calista.”
He bows his head and waits for my father to speak. My father looks to me for approval so I nod my head for him to continue. My father stands and walks to Merrick.
“You may stand, Merrick. Congratulations, warrior, you have won the title of Guardian to my daughter, Princess Calista. You are to guard her with your life and put her needs before your own. Once the ritual is completed, you will acquire some unique and extraordinary abilities. Your thoughts will become hers and hers yours. This bond is sacred and special and you are both very honored to be given this gift. Now go, Merrick, collect your thoughts and clean up. As soon as you return, we will continue with the blood ritual.”
Merrick looks at me with the biggest grin I have ever seen, and I can’t help but snicker. He was cute when he looked like that.
He turns to my father and says, “I understand my duties, Your Highness, and I shall return shortly.” He turns and walks out of the Great Room with his head held high.
I lean back in my chair.
“I am so glad that’s over,” I whisper to my parents. I finally look over at Drake and he’s trying to hold back his laughter. I give him a scowl so he will know that I don’t find it humorous.
“Sister, you are the most stubborn and strong-willed person I know. I’m sure the warriors appreciate your concern for their well-being, but they wanted to do this. You should have seen them before the ceremony started. I thought they were going to explode with excitement.” He pauses and lowers his voice. He can see the concern in my face so he continues, “They didn’t care if they got hurt, Calista. You need to stop worrying about them.”
He passes down a beautifully carved wooden box to my parents so they could hand it to me. It is a box made by the dwarves.
My mother takes this time to speak.
“Durin made this for you. He took great pride in the metalwork and also with the carvings. He also wanted us to tell you that he hates he couldn’t be here today, but he and King Madoc had important business to tend to in Endelyn.” I understand he couldn’t be here and I’m kind of glad King Madoc isn’t here because if he was, I’m sure Prince Ryder wouldn’t be.
I open the box to find the dagger Merrick and I will use to complete the blood ritual. It’s laid across a soft, purple, velvet cushion and there are lots of crystals and gems of numerous colors splayed across the handle along with intricate designs of vines and leaves. It must have taken Durin a great deal of time to construct the dagger. A tear escapes my eye as I stare at it. Durin definitely made this dagger to appease me. He knows of my love for color and he made sure there was a lot of color on it. I wonder how Merrick is going to feel carrying it around. I laugh silently at the thought of Merrick wielding a jeweled dagger. The look on his face is going to be priceless. I close the box and wait for Merrick to return.
While I’m waiting, I see Prince Ryder talking to his friend and I wonder what his voice sounds like. I bet it’s deep and sensual, like a caress, and I bet it will sound even better in a more intimate setting. I will make it a goal tonight to hear his voice because one way or another, I will speak to him.
Blood Ritual-Calista
Merrick finally enters the Great Room, looking washed up and clean. He watches me the whole time as he makes his way to the front. He kneels once he reaches the dais and my father, mother, Drake, and I all stand as a show of respect and honor to the man who will become my guardian. My father reaches out and takes my hand. He leads me over to Merrick, who is still kneeling with his head bowed.