The Dark Fae (The World of Fae #1)(42)

Guards escorted Ritasia, Raglan and the fae trackers in through a side entrance. Alicia’s heart skipped to see Ritasia.

The princess’s face remained stern and unsmiling. Alicia assumed it was because she still feared for her brother.

Then guards led Deveron before the king, dressed in new garments of red satin, heavily embroidered in gold.

Alicia wanted to rush to him, to embrace him, kiss him, and tell him how worried she’d been about him. But something in her reaction to seeing him, caused the king to motion to one of his lords.

The tall man hurried forth, and took her arm, then guided her to stand before the king. She curtseyed.

He smiled. Then his face turned harsh. He motioned for her to sit beside him.

She glanced back at Deveron. An almost imperceptible smile played on his lips and in his dark brown eyes. Most would probably not recognize it for what it was, but she knew. Not only was he relieved she had come to no harm, he seemed to be glad she was being seated at the king’s side. But something more?

Did he think her grandfather was making some momentous overture by welcoming the prince of the Denkar into his throne room? She sat down on the throne and smiled a Deveron.

He smiled brightly.

The king was not amused. He cleared his throat. “We thank you for bringing our future queen back to us, Prince Deveron, crown prince of the Denkar.”

Movement near the entryway caused a low roar of conversation, and the king paused.

A guard rushed forth, bowed hastily before the king, then spoke low for only the king and close courtiers to hear. “Sire, Queen Irenis is here with a force of too many to fathom.”

“Show her in. Tell her to join us for our feast.”

Again the courtiers conversed in a hushed roar as events unfolded.

Ritasia watched the entryway for her mother’s arrival, if her mother dared enter the dragon’s lair. But Deveron kept his gaze focused on Alicia. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Was he trying to make a statement to the king? That he wanted the dragon fae princess and she him?

She couldn’t deny she was totally attracted to him, but she had a whole new life to become accustomed to.

To heck with that. She wanted to see more of Deveron. That’s what she wanted to become accustomed to…more of the same life with the dark fae hunter.

His smile broadened.

And he knew it, too.

Damn him.

Was she so transparent when it came to her feelings for him?

Yeah.

And then boots tromped toward the throne room. Two guards led the way, several more followed as a dark haired female fae walked in between them. She held her head high as her dark eyes surveyed the attendees, her eyes shifting from her son, who didn’t bother to look in her direction, and Ritasia. Seeing her children well, the queen glanced at Alicia, then cocked a dark brow.

Yep, Alicia was the cause of the trouble for all their kingdoms.

Alicia smiled at the queen, dressed in flowing gowns of purple. The queen never smiled, but shifted her attention to the king.

He eyed her with a darkness that disturbed Alicia. They wouldn’t fight, would they?

Then what? She’d want to side with Deveron and Ritasia…but her mother. She took a deep breath, trying to massage her jagged nerves. She couldn’t upset her mother.

The king stood and bowed.

The queen curtseyed most regally.

There seemed to be a deep sigh that spread across the breadth of the throne room. Did everyone think as she did? That war was imminent?

“Welcome to Crislis,” the king said, still standing.

Alicia rose to her feet, realizing belatedly she should have been standing once he stood. She had a lot to learn about royal court proceedings.

She caught Deveron’s eye. He immediately winked at her and grinned.

The queen noticed their reaction at once and stiffened her spine.

The king said, “We would be honored if you would join us at a feast to welcome my granddaughter and my daughter home.”

“I would be delighted,” the queen said, her voice icy.

“It seems, Queen Irenis, I have rather a situation on my hands.” He stepped down the stairs and reached his arm out to her.

Alicia stared at the king’s actions. He was going to escort his worst enemy to the meal?

The queen rested her hand on his arm, and they walked down the carpeted path toward the entryway.

Immediately, Deveron dashed forth to take Alicia’s arm.

“Oh, Deveron, are you all right? They didn’t torture you or…”

He kissed her, stopping her words at once.

A pronounced number of gasps resounded across the room.

No one left the room, not until the king and other royal family members exited. So Alicia’s face burned with a fever of embarrassment that Deveron would kiss her in front of her mother, and his sister, and the whole dragon fae court.

What would her grandfather think? Would he lock Deveron in chains again?

She peeked around Deveron’s arm.

Her grandfather and Deveron’s mother were watching them. And then her grandfather shook his head, and the lady looked at him. The two walked outside of the throne room in conversation.

Alicia’s mother and her ladies hurried after the king. And Deveron followed with Alicia.

Raglan escorted Ritasia after them. When Alicia looked back at Ritasia, she shook her head, too.