Chapter Six

Kerren did his best to appear calm around Brook, but inside there was nothing but panic flowing through his veins. Humans were so rarely called to appear for the King and Queen, it had never before happened in his lifetime.

Usually, it had to do with crimes against the court—but Brook had done no such thing. Whatever Artur and Catriona had in mind, it was a mystery.

Kerren would be lying if he acted as if it wasn’t entertaining to have the opportunity to show Brook the fae world. She’d been fascinated by every little detail he’d shared, and if any human deserved to see it for themselves, it was her.

He adjusted his dark russet formal coat one last time in the mirror, brushing his fingertips over the embroidered edge of the collar that designated him as the protector of Weylan Barrows. It was a hollow title, really. Since the wars had ended centuries before he was even born, he’d never had to protect anything.

He owned the land, he respected the people, that was it. Being away had been nice, but since he’d stepped foot into his house he’d immediately begun to wonder what unforeseen consequences could come of him leaving.

Just because he didn’t think he mattered individually as a leader, didn’t make it accurate.

Stepping out of his room, he searched for Brook. The amazement in her eyes had been like a bright light, and he’d welcomed her to explore.

He found her in the library, staring at the expanse of silk-bound books.

“This is breathtaking,” she said, turning to him.

“You would be drawn to the section that details fae history, of course,” he pointed out, making note of where she stood.

She ran her hands along the wooden ledge of the nearest shelf. “I can’t read them, though.”

“The language of the fae,” he explained. “But it’s easier for humans to learn than for us.”

“How so?”

He smirked. “How do you think?”

“Magic?”

He nodded and walked to her. She looked him over with a soft expression, one he recognized.

“You like this, don’t you?”

“Everything is just… wow.” Her hands landed on his coat and she bit her lower lip. “You look good. Very important and formal.”

“And you look stunning.”

Pink bloomed on her cheeks and she looked away. “I feel out of place.”

“You’re not. There are other humans here. Some from Earth, some from places quite similar,” he reassured her.

“No, I mean in this house. With you. I guess I didn’t consider it when we met, because I was told that once you were on Earth long enough, you’d no longer be royalty. You’d just be another guy, albeit ridiculously rich. And to be fair, I’ve never seemed to get along with the wealthy. But here, this is you and your life, and it’s an entire world of wow.”

He cupped her jaw and tilted her face up to look at him. “This isn’t my life. This is my past.” He combed through her long ruby hair. “It’s nothing to feel slighted by.”

She leaned into his hand, eyes closed. He wanted to kiss her but knew where that would lead, and they didn’t have time for it. The moment they’d arrived on Prism, word would have spread. They were expected elsewhere.

As much as he wanted to throw Brook onto his bed, they needed to hurry and get to the bottom of her summoning.

* * * *

Two tall fae men stood guard at the entrance to the throne room where Brook would stand before the court.

“You may head in,” one of them announced the moment they came close.

Kerren took a deep breath and drew his shoulders back. Brook did the same, then stepped forward, allowing the guards to open the doors before her.

Kerren followed a few steps behind. He had not been summoned, and was in attendance only in support of her, after all, but he wasn’t going to sit off to the side and leave her alone.

Brook’s shoes made loud, echoing taps across the ivory marble floor, and she stopped at the engraved emblem at the center of the room as he’d advised her to.

He quickly scanned the room, noting that almost every seat was filled with royal bloods. His heart raced at the ominous sign. The heads of crown-related houses rarely sat for minor matters. For them to be here meant something big had occurred.

King Artur shared a look with his wife, who offered a wide smile to Brook. Artur scratched his thick beard, so dark it looked black at a distance. Artur was half forest element, a rare fae, and he looked the part. Rugged and woodsy, even in his formal tunic. The crown couldn’t hide his primal aura. His brown eyes were turned to his wife, and he whispered.

Seeming to ignore her husband’s whispers, Catriona studied Brook with open admiration. She smoothed a hand over the tightly woven complex braids of gold and russet hair that held up her crown, clearly envying Brook’s long and loose style.

Catriona’s bright green eyes sparkled, putting Kerren at immediate ease. Though a descendant of a line of fae warriors, she was built small and delicate. Still, Kerren knew that Catriona was capable of laying down the law when needed, and he was thankful that unless her mood was deceiving, there would be no punishments tonight.

“Welcome, dear,” Catriona said loudly.

“Oh… thank you for the summ—invite.” Brook dipped into a wobbly curtsey, which made the Queen’s smile grow.

Already, there was the gentle rumble of whispered chatter through the room, and Kerren knew why. Though there was a subtle tremble to Brook, she stood tall and confident. Even not knowing the purpose of this meeting, she revealed no fear and only a hint of anxiousness.

She was behaving the opposite of how many humans new to Prism behaved, and the fae responded with interest.

“We only have a few questions,” the Queen explained. “Humans rarely appreciate the nuances of formality, so we will make this ‘painless’ as they say.”

Brook nodded.

“How familiar are you with the history of Prism?” she asked.

“Not at all familiar, your majesty.”

“How did you learn of the fae and this world?”

Brook’s head tilted slightly. “I knew the fae existed, but I only really learned of Prism within the last week, when I was asked to be Duke Kerren’s guide.”

“And how much were you told of the Duke and us?” Artur asked.

“I was told only the basic facts. That the Duke had decided to move to our world, and that our city was a fair match for him. I didn’t pry into his business, if that’s what you mean.”

Catriona crossed her legs and gave her husband a look.

“How dangerous is your city?” he asked.

“I’m not sure… I suppose not very? Our crime rate is about average, if not below that,” she replied carefully.

“Did you prepare for these dangers when you decided to offer your services?” Catriona asked.

Kerren stepped forward to Brook’s side, gently touching her elbow as she frowned and seemed to be flustered at the question.

“Guide is not her official position in the human world,” he pointed out. “She isn’t responsible for the safety of each human, nor could she possibly be expected to account for them.”

Artur cleared his throat and leveled a stare at Kerren. “That’s not what we asked. We are aware of Ms. Donovan’s position in her world.”

“Please answer,” Catriona pressed.

Brook shook her head. “I didn’t think my world would be a danger, in honesty. Many of us live our entire lives without being grievously harmed. I certainly didn’t place him in danger, though. I could share my itinerary for the week.” She shifted on her feet and glanced to Kerren. “No war zones or base jumping,” she joked.

The King and Queen didn’t appear entertained but were silent for a moment. Brook’s words stirred an idea in Kerren’s mind, like a memory he couldn’t grasp. There was something he should understand, but it escaped him.

The Queen looked to her right and made a slight gesture with her hand. Vevina came forward and judging by the flame-like flicker of her hair, she was in a flustered mood.

“Vevina of the house Freagh, please tell the court what you witnessed on Earth.”

Vevina’s eyes were glued to the floor, as if avoiding Kerren altogether. “I, Vevina of the house Freagh, loyal servant to the family and lands of Kerren of Weylan Barrows, witnessed this human, Brook Donovan, save the life of His Grace.”

Everything clicked, and Kerren swore under his breath. Vevina had invoked a human right, even though Brook had no idea she had access to it.

“It’s not proven that I was in mortal danger,” he announced. “I very well may have just been injured.”

Artur peered at Brook. “How many humans die from being hit by cars?”

“I have no idea.”

“Do they often survive?”

“I… I really can’t say. I’ve never met a person who was hit by a car.”

“There would be a repository of information,” Kerren pointed out. “I’m sure I wouldn’t have died.”

“I don’t know, Kerren. They were moving so fast…” Brook said honestly.

He groaned.

“Vevina?” Catriona asked.

Vevina gnawed her lip and raised her head to face the Queen. “Ms. Donovan is correct. From what I can tell, the odds of a person surviving impact of a car on that road, given the speed of travel, it would be around five percent.”

Kerren’s heart flipped, both from hearing that he’d been closer to death than he was willing to accept and because Vevina had solidly sealed her case. He couldn’t imagine her goal, but she had single-handedly redirected Brook’s life.

Brook took his hand, staring into his eyes. “But you didn’t get hurt. That’s the point, right?”

He nodded. She was clueless.

The King and Queen stood.

“I can’t even remember the last time we had such wondrous news,” the Queen announced gleefully. “By the right of the court, and in the act of saving the life of noble blood, Brook Donovan is hereby indoctrinated into the court. The newest Lady of Weylan Barrows.” She clapped her hands together. “And of course, the official ceremony will be in… hmm. Let’s say three days.”

“Excuse me?” Brook whispered. “I’m what?”

Kerren couldn’t speak, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt. He watched Vevina slide from the room like a snake. After everything he’d been through, her treachery was the worst. He’d finally had what he wanted—a new beginning, a perfect woman in his arms—and now he’d have nothing.

The room filled with overlapping conversations, no longer whispers but now a steady roar. Confusion spread across Brook’s brows and she tugged Kerren’s coat.

“I’ll explain,” he promised. “We should leave.”

“Is something wrong? It didn’t sound like bad news,” she pressed. “I’m a member of the court? How? As a human?”

“I’ll explain,” he repeated, taking her hand.

He led her away, through scattered applause and excited congratulations. Of course it was wonderful news to them. The Pure fae court loved humans who somehow rose above the rest.

Brook would be the topic of discussion for the next decade.