“Guess I should try the stone again,” Aledwen said once she’d calmed down a little. And she did mean a little. She was definitely still on edge from everything, and even more so because whether or not her magic would work now, could end up making all the difference.
Slowly, she approached the stone, the guys, including Fane, trailing along behind her. She braced herself as she placed her hands on it, drawing the magic from within it. This time, something battered against her skin, wanting out. It was almost like what she’d felt earlier, but not quite.
The stone reflected that. It sparked green in places, just like it had when it was just her and Drey, though this time, it was sparking a little bit brighter. Because of the twins? That seemed likely. Which meant she was probably right about the real link between her and Fane. Now all she had to do was get him to see that too.
Aledwen let go of the stone, and the little lights faded to nothing.
“Fane?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Is there a reason you’re not acting on the mating bond between us?” she asked outright, trying to meet his eyes, but failing. Mostly because of him. The elf was still doing everything possible to avoid looking at her. There was definitely something else going on.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Really?” Drey interrupted. “Then why are you refusing to look at her?” He sounded amused, and Aledwen held back a smile. Drey would definitely be an asset if she just needed someone to come out and say something. Though maybe not if tact and diplomacy needed to be engaged. She wondered if dragons were all like that. It could explain why the dragon wars were happening still. That was still perfectly ridiculous in her eyes.
“I shouldn’t be looking at what isn’t mine,” he answered instantly, drawing a barking laugh from Brandon.
“That’s an archaic rule, Fane. It’s not going to wash with me. Now, tell me the real reason.”
“I can’t, Dwen.”
His use of her shortened name shocked her a moment. The only people who’d ever thought to use it were in this room, and it was odd hearing it from someone who always came across so formal.
“Leave, please,” Aledwen told the others.
They each kissed her on the cheek as they left and she caught herself smiling. She could definitely get used to the amount of small indications of love and affection. It was kind of a lot to take in compared to how little she’d received up until now. But that didn’t matter. Deep down, she knew how true their feelings were.
“You wanted to talk to me alone?” Fane asked, his voice shaking slightly.
“Yes. Will you tell me why you won’t accept it now?”
“No.”
“But it is there.” She didn’t ask. There was no question as far as she was concerned.
He stayed silent for a little too long. “No.”
“Very well. Tell me about the High Lord.”
“Why?” Fane frowned at her, but she ignored him, moving over to sit back on the smaller of the two thrones. She didn’t sit formally though, instead, she leaned backwards, making herself comfortable.
“Just because my mother is mostly dealt with, doesn’t mean the High Lord is. He’s still going to pose a problem. And if what you’ve said is true, he still has the magic that should be a part of me. And still wants to marry me.”
“I don’t know what you want me to tell you.” He sighed, and slumped against the wall next to the Birthing stone.
“The truth.”
“He’s my brother,” Fane blurted out. “Telling you feels a little bit like a betrayal.”
“Oh.”
“Yet there’s part of me that wants to. You confuse me, Dwen. Every part of me is begging to be near you, and I want to listen, oh so badly. But my sense of duty says I can’t. That betraying my people will end badly.”
She stared at him, not quite sure how to process that one. Or what to do about it.
Rising from the throne, she moved towards where Fane was sitting, and slumped down next to him. There wasn’t much space between them, but she was respectful in leaving a small gap, even if she didn’t want to.