Read Online Faery Kissed by Lacey Weatherford - Free Book Online

the distant shore. “One of the guards is on his
way.”
    I felt bad that someone was coming to fetch
us when I could have easily taken us over. “It was no trouble to
row you.”
    She smiled. “This is the way things are
done, Bran.”
    I clenched my teeth and closed my eyes for a
moment while I waited for the shivers that moved over my skin to
pass.
    “ Join me.” She beckoned.
“Now is the time to begin your charade.”
    I stepped behind her, slipping my arms
around her waist, and bent to kiss her throat. “I won’t have to
pretend, Eirian.”
    She shuddered, just as I hoped she would,
and leaned back into my embrace, caressing my arms.
    “ Your highness,” a voice
called from the approaching boat as it came along the
dock.
    A tall, Fae man in a burnished shade of
armor reached toward Eirian.
    “ Allow me,” I said, helping
her into the slim craft.
    I followed after, standing behind her small
seat, my hands on her shoulders. The guard paid me no further
attention but instead turned the boat back in the direction he’d
come.
    Aside from the occasional “clunk” of the
oars, we slipped silently through the water. As we got closer to
the castle, I could see a large metal gate looming ahead of us. The
silver crisscrossing slats gleamed with perfection despite the
close contact with the water. It spanned the width of a large stone
archway covered in trailing vines that ran up the wall and
disappeared over the other side. When we were almost upon it, the
gate lifted, dripping little rivulets of water as it emerged.
Sprinkles rained down upon us as we slipped through, and it shut
immediately behind us, hardly making a sound.
    We were now in a moat, traveling in what
appeared to be a perfect circle inside, channeled by a short stone
wall that ran nearest the castle. This time I noticed the guards
everywhere, standing by lit torches of burning faery fire, mounted
on both the low inner wall of the moat, and the high walls
overhead, with weapons ready at hand. We pulled up to a large,
stone landing platform jutting out from the castle wall. There was
a small detail of guards standing there, and what appeared to be a
few maids-in-waiting. The ladies quickly rushed to the edge of the
dock, carrying a robe and slippers. One of the guards leaned
forward to help Eirian from the boat, and I followed up behind
her.
    “ You are dismissed,” she
spoke in an authoritative voice to the women. “I have no need of
your services this night.”
    “ Milady,” one spoke with a
bow. “Your father requested that we prepare a special suite for
your arrival. He would like you to send for him as soon as you’ve
arrived.”
    She held the regal robe and slippers up to
Eirian again. “Very well,” Eirian replied with a sigh, allowing
them to add to her wardrobe. “You may tell my father I am here now
and will see him when he’s ready.”
    A distinguished looking Fae man approached
from the castle. “Milady, the king has noticed your arrival and
awaits you in the prepared chamber.”
    Eirian nodded.
    No one said anything to me, and other than a
few cursory glances, paid little attention to my presence. I
stepped closer to Eirian, grasping her hand. “You look divine, my
love,” I whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, and I
bowed to kiss her wrist.
    “ Welcome to Castle Naveen,
Bran of Glynshire.” Eirian smiled.
    “ I am most happy to be here
with you, your highness.”
    “ Please. I dislike all the
formalities. Call me Eirian.”
    “ With pleasure, Eirian.” I
couldn’t help my sly smile at her maid’s attempt to disguise her
abrupt laughter when Eirian shivered.
    She punched me. “You did that on
purpose.”
    “ Yes, I did, and that was
not very well mannered.” I chuckled as I rubbed my arm, amazed at
how strong she was. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
    She blushed, turning away to head for the
castle. I hurried next to her and slipped my hand into hers, giving
it a squeeze before looking