annoyed tone, taking a
single step toward Keyn.
Even
if he could stand to touch her, he couldn’t just leave her home by herself.
King Carrick was right. She would be defenseless. “That is unwise.”
“I
don’t care. I have to be home in a few days for a...visitor.” She paused at the
last word. “You brought me here. You take me back,” Trillian said and placed
her hands on her hips.
Goddess.
Keyn shuddered. His cock stirred anew at the sight and his heart hammered in
his chest but he couldn’t fight the shiver of fear. Sweat beaded on his
forehead as his mate neared. She was still human, a disgusting creature. Keyn
fought the panic and his raging desire. They battered each other until he could
only sigh and take to the sky. “It is safer here,” he said before taking off.
“You
coward!” Trillian yelled from the ground. “You sneaky bastard, take me home
this instant!”
Her
threats continued until her words were whispers on the wind. He couldn’t do it.
Keyn couldn’t face her. He landed roughly, walking straight past Wick who gave
a lopsided grin and into the palace. There was determination in his stride as
he traveled the corridors. Keyn searched room after room and finally found the
king in the library. The room was magnificent. It was filled with fairy history
and ancient tales of their kingdom. Long golden curtains flowed from the
ceiling to the floor while floral gold-and-white-printed chairs were scattered
among the tall towers that held books. “King Carrick,” he said as he entered.
Carrick’s
blue wings fluttered and he shifted from kissing the queen to staring at the
intruder.
“I
apologize but I must speak with you.”
Carrick lifted a brow but nodded.
Keyn glanced at the queen but Brook remained exactly where she was
with red, swollen lips and the tiniest of bumps at her abdomen. “I must take my
leave of the kingdom.”
Queen Brook gasped, her eyes widening, and Carrick simply frowned.
“I will be at your beck and call at a moment’s notice but I can no
longer reside in this kingdom.” It had to be done. He took a deep breath.
“Are you fucking stupid?” she said. The queen used her human
euphemisms and was quite harsh when she had to be. The perfect woman to rule
their land. “Your mate is here.” She stood to her full, short height. Keyn
still towered over her but she had a presence unmatched and leadership.
“She is not my mate. Trillian is a woman, a human woman that can
see us. Nothing more.” Keyn wanted to believe the words but each time they
slipped from his lips, they became less truth and more honey-covered lies.
“Bullshit,” Brook said and stalked up to Keyn.
He swallowed hard, goose bumps forming on his skin and sweat
trickling down his back. Keyn flinched when Brook came too close, his abs
jerked, and his cock finally deflated to lie against his thigh. “I must leave,”
he said but his voice had gone shaky and timid. “I no longer belong here.”
“You are a mighty fairy warrior,” Brook said softly. “This is your
home.”
“No, my queen, it’s not.” He stepped back. “I will take a home in
the hills just past the willow tree. I can be lookout and backup.” Keyn formed
a plan in his head. A lonely existence as guard but at least there would be no
humans there.
“No.” Finally the king spoke.
“Sir?” Keyn tilted his head.
“I said no. Brook is right. You will not run away from this.”
“Sir...” Keyn tried again.
“You will stay on the outskirts of the kingdom as you have and you
will be Trillian’s guard while she is in our midst. It is now your job to
change her mind about staying in our kingdom under our safely.”
Keyn couldn’t speak for a moment. He was too stunned. Keyn lived
his entire life under Carrick’s command and never once had he disobeyed an
order. Now, that thought trickled through his mind. “I-I cannot.” He stepped
back.
Carrick moved forward to place a hand on Keyn’s bare shoulder.
“You