Page 46 of A Fate of Wings

I shrugged out of my gown. “He is handsome and fierce.”

“He makes you smile and laugh.” She picked my gown up off the floor. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you happy.”

I removed my crown and lay it on the mantlepiece over the fire. The rubies winked at me as though they saw my secrets.

“Me either,” I sighed.

I recalled my childhood being full of laughter with parents who loved and doted on us twins. Those days changed the moment we discovered our father dead. The shock had changed all of us.

“It’s a good thing, this Beast of yours.” She ushered me into the bath.

I sank under the rose petal water, the saccharine scent soaking into my skin.

“I believe so.”

“The Winter Court differed from what I expected.” She poured water onto my hair and lathered the long strands with soap. “The demons too.”

“They know how to party,” I agreed.

“That wasn’t what I meant.” She massaged my scalp, helping to ease my tension. “I expected them to be as vicious as us, but they were warm and welcoming.”

I chuckled. “They are more vicious than sirens. Don’t let that party fool you.”

She rinsed my hair in quiet sullenness.

“Raelin don’t sulk. I couldn’t bear to have you upset for tonight.”

She squeezed my fingers. “I don’t want to contradict my queen, but they did not fool me. If anything, they opened my eyes to another way of being.”

“You know as well as I do, those sirens would go on a murdering spree if left unchecked.”

“Perhaps in time you and the Beast will show them another way of being.”

“Mayhap, Raelin. Let me claim him first and place a crown on his horned head.”

Raelin blushed. “Is what they say true about their horns?”

I grinned. “Very true.”

Her face turned crimson to match the rose petals floating in the bathwater. A knock rapped on my bedchamber’s door, saving her from further embarrassment.

“That will be your gown.” She beamed. “It’s the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m looking forward to wearing it.” I patted her hand.

She pushed off the floor and left the bathing room. I sank back into the water. Would the Beast and I be happy together? Love each other? If I was honest with myself, I’d say those small sparks of feelings associated with love were already starting. Would he feel the same way about me? Could I make him happy? Would he be content to live as the siren king? With me as the ruler? And him as a lesser royalty? Or would his royal lineage demand he took the power from me?

I hadn’t sensed that desire in him.

No, the only desire I’d sensed coming from him was for sex. He’d exceeded himself there. My body hummed with anticipation of our union tonight. Of me claiming him in front of the royal council, and my meager family. And placing a crown on his head and giving him the authority to help me rule the sirens. Could we change the ways of the Autumn Court and sirens?

I’d aimed for a mate, an heir, but now I wanted it. Wanted him. More than just for a ruthless partner in this hostile world, but to have him as mine. A lover and friend, protector and confidant, a mate to love.

Love?

I sat up with a start.

Was love possible between us?