Twelve

ELLIS

Iwoke up with a raging headache, and my mouth was fuzzy and dry as if stuffed with cotton. Sweat soaked through the heavy satin sheets around me, and in a flurry, I kicked them off, desperate for cool air.

And I was naked again. This was a continuing issue for me, it seemed.

What the fuck?

Outside my door, two voices were arguing in the fae language. My head hurt too much to wrap my head around the lilting sounds, turned harsh by the vehemence of the two females. Feyanna and …

I froze, remembering bits and pieces. There was another female who looked like Feyanna. A sister? She had … touched me.

Shame and embarrassment flushed my face. But why? I'd been a notorious playboy in the past: one who would've jumped at the chance to be with this alluring, strong fae princess.

Had Eve changed me that irrevocably?

Yes.

But it was more than that. Before, I'd used drink and women to escape the dreams and the expectations of my family. My vices were a welcome relief that distracted me from my lack of self-worth and direction.

Even since Eve came into my life, I was a compass locked onto north.

"I ae reve."

The voices stopped after that last phrase, the new female voice switching to my language. Was it a deliberate change to be polite?

"It's not fair. Father gives everything to the boys. If Shyllon and Alihandro get the princess, then I want the prince. What's so wrong with that?"

My door opened, and I balled the sheets in my hand. Naked, what could I do? I couldn't run. I couldn't hide.

Well, I could. I just didn't fancy showing the two fae princesses anything more than they've already seen.

"He is awake."

The new fae female strode into my room, hands on her hips and assessing me critically. At first I thought she was Feyanna's twin, but there were slight differences. Her features were sharper, her chin more pointed. She was taller and muscled like a warrior. Her large doe eyes nearly overwhelmed her face, and instead of gold or silver, her eyes were both; the left one was gold, and the right one was silver. Her hair was black like Feyanna's, but instead of wavy, it was as straight as wheat in a field. It also went down to her shoulders.

Feyanna entered behind her, wringing her hands and frowning.

"On ne pu pa tra," Feyanna grumbled, shooting me a look as if it were my fault I was naked and half-drugged in a bed.

"Nonsense. He liked it. I just think he has misplaced notions of chivalry for his princess. Isn't that right?" The second female smiled sweetly at me, leaning in and running her finger down my chest.

I leaned away, unsure how to act. Did I play along to win her favor? Where did I draw the line?

"Come on, handsome. I'm only trying to help. Feyanna couldn't explain it to you, poor dear. I'm Fallon, the first daughter. The smart and strong one."

Feyanna had nothing to say to that, likely because she didn't understand it.

"What do you mean by help?" I asked gruffly.

Fallon giggled as if I'd just uttered a clever joke. I also didn't miss how she used the opportunity to rest her hand on my bare shoulder.

"We know what Father asked you to do. Wouldn't knowing the fae language make it all so much easier?"

Well … yes, it would.

"You're going to … teach me, then?" I clarified, trying not to let my rising hopes get away from me.

Fallon giggled again. It was an annoying sound that lacked any sincerity or joy. Unlike Eve's, which was loud and unapologetic.

"We don't have time to teach you, silly. Why do it the long way when we have magick?"

Oh. I supposed that made sense.

"Well, magick and a few other … physical techniques," Fallon purred, her eyes slanting as they ran up and down my torso.

"You drugged me, and tried to trick me," I accused her, backing up in the bed and away from her until my back hit the headboard. Her eyes followed the sheet's progress as it slipped lower down my waist, and I snatched at it.

"Like I said, we are trying to help you," she huffed, lips pursing with displeasure as I kept my private parts covered. "It would have made it easier. Once you share a connection with a full-blooded fae, you can understand the language."

I looked over to Feyanna. But what for? She didn't know what Fallon was saying, did she? Her head tilted to the side when I met her gaze.

"You're saying if we … you know, then I'll be able to understand the fae language?" I clarified, turning my attention back to Fallon. I didn't think magick worked like that, but then again, what did I know of magick? All I had were instincts and power I didn't understand or know how to control. Here in the fae realm, I was completely out of my depth.

"Good boy," Fallon drawled, smirking at me.

Again, I shot a glance at Feyanna, jerking a bit when honest distress shone back at me. Her lips pressed together so tightly that they were merely a thin line, and anger brewed in the pits of her silver eyes.

I closed my own eyes, needing a moment. A year ago, I would have been trying to convince her to bed me, and now I was the reluctant one. What would Eve think? We were far from each other's first lovers, but things had changed. In order to make sure we both survived, we might both have to do things we weren't comfortable with.

And the fae princess was quite lovely, and so, so willing.

If I had to sleep with this fae princess in order to help accomplish my mission for Fennis, didn't the end justify the means? I would do anything to save Eve's life and honor, even if it meant sacrificing my own. What little left there was of it.

No. No.

I ran the smooth silk of the sheets between my fingers, letting the watery texture soothe away my doubts. I couldn't agonize over the decision. I had to do what needed to be done in order to survive, and ensure Eve survived.

"I agree," I said tersely, my eyes down on the sheets.

Fallon grinned, leaning down and grazing her lips against my ear.

"Ja ta eu …" she breathed against my skin, and I couldn't help the shiver of need that went through me. She was beautiful, she was offering me something I needed, and gods above, I'd gone so long taking what I needed from syncopates and whores before Eve that I was flattered to have her honest attention.

No one had ever shown me I was wanted except Viana. And Eve.

Eve. Do it for Eve. You need to know the language.

"Va ta fa fo!"

I blinked as Feyanna bit out a retort at Fallon, storming out of the room and slamming the door behind her.

Fallon's fingers under my chin brought my eyes back to her as she swung herself up onto the bed and straddled my hips.

"Ignore her. She's just pouting that father killed her human lover. Let's get started with lesson one."

I closed my eyes and tried to relax.