Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)(19)
Not again. I take a deep breath and let it out.
“I have thought about that and many people have told me so, but he’s one of my dearest friends and I care for him deeply,” I say warmly.
Ryder’s face falls.
“Do you love him?” He asks.
I look in his eyes so he can see the truth.
“I don’t love him in that way. He would be the perfect person to love. He’s strong, caring, loyal and the sweetest person I know, but my feelings just don’t go beyond friendship.”
Ryder breathes a sigh of relief and bows.
“Well, on that note, good evening, Princess Calista. I had a wonderful time and I will meet you by the willow tree at midnight.”
I curtsy and reply, “Good evening to you, Prince Ryder, at least until midnight.”
He leaves to save my sister and I laugh at the thought. The rest of the evening is spent dancing with several of the warriors and council members and carrying on with Xylia and my sister. My mother and father do not come back to the party, which is not uncommon. They miss their own parties all the time. I save my last dance for Aelfric, the leader of the Elvan Kingdom. We talk about my upcoming visit to his land in a few days and all the wonderful things he and Rhoswen have planned for us to do. The elves are wonderful people and I enjoy my visits there so I make it a point to visit any chance I get.
The night is winding down and the party is finally over. I bid farewell to all the guests. Merrick and I make our way to my part of the palace since he’ll now be living there with me, but in a separate room. The entire time we’re walking I try to figure out a plan to get away from him without alerting him of my absence.
Chapter 10
Ryder
The vision with Calista was both amazing and confusing. I knew it was me in the vision, but the woman I was with appeared blurry. I have no doubt that it was Calista because I could feel that it was her. Our surroundings were different from anywhere I have ever been. I don’t think a place exists in the Land of the Fae like the place in the vision. The leaves had color and the air was cool, not hot like the summer days and not cold like the winter days, but somewhere in the middle. It felt nice, and I felt like I belonged there. I belonged with her and with the land; it was ours.
In the vision, we lay on the grass together and I want to take her right then and there. Her body lying halfway underneath mine is so tempting. All I want to do was run my hands all over her and explore every inch of her golden skin. The vision went by quickly, but as soon as I lean down to kiss her, the vision stops and I am sucked back to reality. Everyone was going crazy trying to figure out what happened. I can tell Calista doesn’t want to reveal what was in the vision so I go along with her and say I can’t remember as well.
The king announces to Calista and Merrick that I will be staying as a guest in their house until tomorrow. Calista seemed shocked and happy about the news, but Merrick, on the other hand, was livid. He tried to get the king to reconsider where I was to be staying, but the king waved him off and told him not to worry. My triumph only lasted for a second because the king then offered Merrick the right to stay in Calista’s wing of the house. This infuriated me, but I know he is her guardian. He also has feelings for her, and with him being that close to her, especially at night, sends a fire blazing through my veins.
I am saved from bringing a snow storm down on Merrick’s ass when Xylia, the princess’ best friend, asks me to dance. Xylia is a great dancer and I enjoy her company. Calista is dancing with Merrick, but I know I am going to cut in at some point.
I ask Xylia questions about Calista so I can see what she’s like. She sounds amazing coming from Xylia and she tells me something I am not expecting. It seems that the princess is a skilled fighter. I would love to see her in action. I look over at the Calista dancing with Merrick and I see that he has his hand resting extremely low on her back. Merrick smirks at me over Calista’s shoulder and I scowl back at him, secretly wishing he would fall on his sword. What a jackass. He’s obviously trying to claim his territory, but I can already tell Calista is a stubborn female and no man will be laying claim to her.
The man that Calista doesn’t like cuts in to take Merrick’s place. I can see the look on her face and she’s not happy. I can’t help but wonder why she doesn’t like him. Xylia smiles and lets me leave to rescue the princess. Calista thanks me for saving her and tells me she doesn’t like the vibe she gets from their counselor. I could sense the bad vibe as well because it’s the same vibe I get around Warren. I really hope Heyflred can help us figure out the problem with Warren when we get back to the Winter Court.
Dancing with Calista feels natural. It’s like our bodies fit together perfectly. Her hair smells lovely with the arrangement of flowers throughout and her dress is stunning on her curvy figure. Her body is amazing and I wish I didn’t have to keep my hands in a respectful position. I tell her all the secrets Xylia has told me and she isn’t surprised one bit. We discuss our love for spaghetti and I tell her that I can cook an amazing bowl of spaghetti. She is shocked that I can cook at all.
I mention to Calista that we need to talk about the vision. She agrees and arranges for us to meet in secret by the big willow tree out by the lake. I hope she can get away from Merrick, but if not I might need to devise a plan to ensure that she gets away. I’m looking forward to meeting her in secret and being alone with her.