Page 110 of Chosen By the Fae King

The conspirators who murdered Nox's father and sought to destroy his line would not escape justice if I had any say.

Nox squeezed my hand again, a silent show of support. I breathed deep and met the expectant gazes of the fae below with defiance. Let them look their fill. I had nothing to prove to them.

Today I stood at the side of my king. Above them. Literally, I laughed to myself as we watched from the top of the stairs.

The next carriage to come through the gates expelled a family dressed in frothy pinks and blues. Ribbons and lace adorned their hair and clothes. The female inside the coach stared up at me with unveiled disgust, her lips pinched. I inclined my head in greeting and she turned her nose up with a haughty sniff.

Beside me, Nox tensed. His eyes glinted dangerously and his hand tightened on mine.

I leaned into him, murmuring under my breath, “Maybe try not to look so murderous before we even begin.”

He huffed out a breath but relaxed his stance. “As you say, mate.”

The next three carriages passed in a similar fashion, a riot of color and judgmental stares. With each scornful look, Nox bristled until he fairly vibrated with tension at my side.

I didn't need to touch him to feel the thrum of aggression in his veins or glimpse the beast prowling behind his eyes, waiting to be unleashed.

Odds were they were simply pompous assholes who were upset their line would not be tied to the crown. I doubted they all carried themselves so haughtily because they were conspiring to take out the royal line.

After the tenth carriage, Nox muttered, “It's like they want me to rip out their throats.”

“Do they always carry themselves like this or is it because I'm here with you?”

He hesitated.

“I see.”

“Aeryn—"

“We came out here early so we could watch them, to observe their behaviors over their daughters being sent home, remember? The majority of the families are simply happy to see their daughters and paying us hardly any attention.”

Lorne came up behind us, speaking low. “You still have ten minutes, Your Majesty. What happened to my calm and cool brother?”

“He mated a female that he fears he put in danger and that danger might be rolling up in front of her, hiding behind a fake smile and silk pantaloons.”

“Ah. That explains it,” Lorne stated solemnly. “Silk pantaloons are worrisome, indeed.”

I pressed my lips, chest shaking. “I didn't know you were capable of making a joke, Sir Lorne.”

“It wasn't meant to be one.”

I coughed trying to cover the laugh. Nox’s lips twitched.

“Liam and I can adjust our positions, if you want. Just give the signal.”

Nox shook his head and Lorne went back to his post.

When the last carriage came through the gates, I turned my attention to the order in which the families were lining up. It was difficult to tell with so many crowded together, but I was thankful Nox had dictated my favorite family would be seen first.

The carriage door opened and Sofiya's mother emerged, her brunette waves tumbling over her shoulders in artful disarray. Brigid's eyes lit with love.

She hurried out to throw her arms around her daughter's neck, soon followed by Alistair, Sofiya's father. I couldn't hear what they were saying but I could see their joy at being a family reunited.

A small pang rippled through my chest. I was so very thankful Sofiya was safe in their arms.

Liam motioned to Sofiya and the Quinn family began ascending the stairs. Brigid and Alistair followed their daughter at a sedate pace. While this wasn't an official ceremony, it certainly had a formal feel.

Sofiya introduced her parents to the king. Then, though Nox knew exactly who these fae were to me, he said, “And allow me to introduce you to my mate and soon to be wife.”