Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Reeve leans forward. “The loyalists heard that Cian is fading. They know that if Cian dies, you will be half a man. Symbiotic twins are very powerful, my liege, but everyone knows that if your intellectual half fades, you will not be fit to rule.”
“Hence my long ride through that bloody forest to get here,” I admit. “Cian is fading because we have no woman. We’re long past the age when a suitable bondmate would have been found and our triad formed. He has lost hope. He’s dying. Your summons could not have come at a better time, old friend. We’re desperate.”
I polish off my second sandwich and give serious consideration to making a third. But I stop myself. It seems rude to eat the majority of the meal.
Reeve pushes the plate toward me. “Please, Your Highness. I’m not the richest man but allow me to aid you. Our food is plentiful. My wife will make sure your mate has suitable clothing. My son has ensured that your steed is stabled and well-fed. You will find your saddle bags filled with everything you need for the journey. I’m pleased to serve my king.”
A deep sense of gratitude fills me. Reeve’s family had once served the King of the Seelie Fae, and Reeve and his family had preferred exile to serving Torin, the Pretender. “I don’t know how to thank you, old friend. If you ever have need of a sword, I trust you will call on me.”
The gnome grins. “I know who to call, but no one bothers us. The deal we made with the Planeswalker clan protects us.”
I know the deal well. The Planeswalkers come from a plane many call Hell. They’re a demonic clan and quite mercenary, but easily controlled with an ironclad contract. Demons can access all planes and are great believers in contracts. Reeve and his tribe of ex-patriots serve as salesmen for the demons’ wares. The demon tribe travel and gather items of interest. Reeve sells them and takes a cut. It’s a partnership that works well for both sides.
I finish the last of the food and take a deep breath. It feels good to be full. Now I can use a nap. The tourney isn’t set for another several hours. A nap and food will make me sharp and ready. I just have to be sure of a couple of things before I find a corner to curl up in. “I want my mate covered.”
I can’t stand the thought of her beautiful body on display. She’s mine. I should be the only one to enjoy her loveliness.
Reeve frowns. “You know I cannot, Your Highness. The female must be properly displayed. If the Planeswalker discovered I was treating you differently, he would accuse me of breaking our contract.”
I don’t like the answer, but I suppose I’ll have to accept it. I’ve been forced to accept many unsavory truths since the day the world fell apart. “Do the vamps know she’s here?”
“Yes,” comes the quiet reply. “I had to inform the Vampire Governments as well. I gave them short notice, but fifteen have already shown up. You know they can move very quickly when they want to. You were the first to see her. I have to open her to public view soon. I must have at least ten warriors in the tourney to see a profit.”
“Well, you’ll have that if fifteen vampires are here. They’ll all fight for her.” It’s a sad coincidence of fate that bondmates are so alluring to vampires. Since my uncle closed the Seelie homelands to all outsiders, it’s become difficult to find a bondmate, and the practice of vampires wooing faery bondmates has disappeared. Luckily it’s not all vampires, just the ones of royal blood who require a woman like Meg as a mate. I asked a vampire once why they need Fae bondmates to procreate. I was told that there was something about their blood that strengthens the vampire. They call the women “consorts.” A vampire of royal blood can form a psychic bond with the woman, much as I intend to form with Meg. “The vampires will all fight and they will all lose.”
Reeve nods his head. “Yes, sire, they will. I’ll make you a deal. I will personally ensure that no one else is allowed physical access to the bondmate. The other suitors will only be allowed to view her. I will tell the other Fae that we’ve had an expert prove her ability to bond. You are certain she can form the bond? The demon seemed sure. He said she glows to him, and that is how he knew.”
“I’m certain.” I felt her response to my every touch. She was open and vulnerable. She didn’t hold anything back. “The vampires say our bondmates glow, as well. I can’t see it, but I feel her. She’s perfect.”