Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)(18)
My heart accelerates with the thought of Ryder training me. I would love for him to show me some moves and I would love to show him some, but I know Merrick would be livid if I asked Ryder to join us.
“I would love for you to, but Merrick trains me and I don’t think he would appreciate you being there. It would most likely end up you two fighting each other rather than training me.”
A gleam sparkles in his eye and he gives me a wolfish grin.
“I might show up anyway. That sounds like a good time to me,” he says.
I smack his arm playfully and he twirls me around the dance floor. We both start laughing and I know we are drawing attention to ourselves, but at this moment I don’t care. He’s an amazing dancer and I wish I could dance with him all night.
He dips me low and whispers in my ear, “Oh yeah, and I cook my own spaghetti. You wouldn’t have to travel to the mortal realm to search for the best,” he says and winks.
My mouth drops open. I’m shocked that he actually cooks his own food and best of all, he can cook spaghetti. I would love to be able to cook, but the brownies that prepare our food refuse to let me help and they won’t make anything from the mortal realm. Brownies are very prideful and they consider it an insult if you try to help them.
“I am amazed, Prince Ryder, of your cooking abilities. I might have to take you up on your offer someday, but out of curiosity, what are your affinities?” I ask.
He laughs.
“I thought you would never ask. I can control the weather and I can also,” he looks at me and smiles wagging his eyebrows. “Make myself invisible.”
Wow. That’s a rare gift and I can only imagine the kind of trouble he has gotten into because of the capability. I wonder how many naked women he’s spied on. A feeling of jealousy spikes in my gut, but I let it go quickly. I do not want to know about him and other women.
“Those are some interesting affinities and I bet you thoroughly enjoy being invisible. You better not try spying on me,” I say playfully.
“I wouldn’t do that. Contrary to what you might think I do have a little more respect for women than that,” Ryder says.
I can tell he is being honest with his statement. Maybe he doesn’t spend his time spying on naked women, so I decide to change the subject and ask about the men he travelled with.
“Who are the companions you travelled with? I know you mentioned a man named Warren. Is he the guy over there?” I say and nod my head in the man’s direction. I noticed him staring at us the whole time we’ve been on the dance floor.
Ryder turns to look and shakes his head, “Yes, that’s Warren. He’s been acting a little strange recently and he actually told me to stay away from you.”
It got my attention.
“Why would he say that? That makes no sense.” I turn to look at Warren sitting off by himself. He does seem a little odd, he’s all by himself with a brooding expression on his face.
“That’s what I thought, but I’m going to have my advisor take a look at him when we get back to the Winter Court. Heyflred, my advisor, is very good at figuring things out.”
I nod my head in understanding because I consider Elvena to be the same way. I look around to find Ryder’s other companion when I see him flirting with my sister. I bet the guy is his brother. They look so much alike and Meliantha seems to really like him. He looks like he would be a heartbreaker though, and I wouldn’t want Meliantha’s heart to get crushed.
“Might I ask who your other companion is that is so graciously flirting with my sister?” I ask.
He inwardly sighs before looking in the direction I am pointing.
“That would be my brother, Kalen. He’s a good man, but an obnoxious flirt. I might need to steal him away before he puts your sister’s virtue at risk,” he groans.
I nod my head in agreement.
“That may be a good idea. Well, I guess this is good night, Prince Ryder. I do have other men that I must dance with. You can’t keep me all to yourself, you know,” I tease.
“I wish I could keep you all to myself, Princess,” he whispers. I take in a sharp breath because I wasn’t expecting to hear him say it.
He continues, “We need to talk about the vision. I know you remember everything about it, as do I, but I don’t have much time here tomorrow. Is there any way you can meet me tonight? Pick the place and I’ll be there.”
I would love to spend more time with him. My heart is beating so loud that I know he can hear it. The whole room can probably hear my heart pounding. I know the perfect place we can meet.
I make sure my mind is shielded when I whisper, “There is a big willow tree by the lake, and we can meet there. I always go there to think and read sometimes. My kelpies are in that lake and they sometimes come ashore to sit with me, but they don’t seem to like anyone else other me and my sister, Meliantha. Be careful when you get there and do not approach them. To get there, go around the south side of the house and continue on the path until you reach the lake. You’ll see the tree I’m talking about. The real problem here is that I don’t know how I’m going to get away from Merrick. He’ll be so close to my room.” His eyes narrow at the mention of Merrick being so close to me.
“If I can get away, can you meet me there at midnight?”
“Yes, I’ll be there, and I will wait for you.” He pauses. “I think Merrick enjoyed patronizing me earlier about staying close to your room. I believe he might be in love with you.”