Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
The oracles have advised this should be so. Once I’m married, it’s only a matter of time before the throne becomes mine. I’ve dreaded the day for so long.
Because of a broken heart, my father has unwittingly cursed me. To marry is to seal my fate. I will be bound to the life of my wife. When she dies, so will I.
It was the blood decree my father set forth after losing my mother. The nobles assured him it was the right thing to do. I wouldn’t mind this if my betrothed were… stronger.
“Another year will not change who I’m to marry.”
“The nobles have picked wisely. If I could have just gotten that rose…” His eyes become distant. He shakes his head. “The nobles seek the truth from the oracles. They have chosen from the best.”
“But they have not chosen the best. Why her? I still believe….” I clamp my mouth shut.
This isn’t the time for me to get into this with my father. I’ve had my suspicions, but I will let that go for now. For now, I need to get him home to safety.
I will deal with my engagement and impending wedding when I return home. I kiss my father’s forehead and pat his shoulder. Standing back, I watch as the horses begin to move forward.
“Argon, Argon.” He turns in the seat to look back at me as he calls my name. “We will come for you. When I am well, we will come for you. I’m so sorry, my son.”
Chapter 4
A Man
Blaise
“It’s a man, Blaise,” Hiasha squeals. “He could be the one.”
I unfurl my tail from around my waist and start to pace. Yes, it’s a man. A gorgeous man at that. Tall with blond locks in the front that spill into his face and dark-brown locks that hang down his back.
His corded muscles caused my belly to ache. His scent almost buckled my knees and caused my tail to tighten protectively around my waist as if my womb were in danger.
His face is a work of art. Too gorgeous for words, with his thick but neat brows and blue-gray eyes that rest beneath them. His lips—even parted in anger—called for my attention with their fullness and pink color.
Yes, a man indeed.
“Finally, I’ll be able to get some life-sized pussy,” Dinesh grumbles. Hiasha and I glare at him. “What? My tiny balls are blue. I need this curse to end. My hands aren’t even big enough to rub one out.”
“You could always get some fairy ass,” Soila purrs.
Dinesh glares at her. Then raises a thoughtful brow. “Is that an offer, woman? I may consider it if this curse isn’t broken and I’m doomed to be a tiny fae for the rest of my life.”
Hiasha groans. “Don’t talk like this. He is the one. I can feel it. He will break the curse.”
“He’s the one?” Dinesh snorts. “He better be. He’s the only one who has come along in a hundred and fifty years who hasn’t shit his pants and run. Oh, gods. Has it been that long?” His face crumples and he reaches for his crotch.
“Enough.” My voice comes out in a roar that echoes around the space, giving the room a bit of a shake with it.
A room I once savored standing in. That, I can remember in all of its mundaneness. The size of two chambers fit for a king, my walk-in closet used to be a place I would spend hours in. Trying on the latest fashions that were sent to me, having custom garments made.
Walking along the walls of shoes, handbags, gowns, and pretty things. I nearly held parties right here in this closet. These walls have been friends.
I would stand before these mirrors and bask in my own beauty. I was spoiled rotten from the day I was born. Nothing was too great for me to have. My father pampered me with material things out of guilt.
“Your mother would have wanted you to have this,” he would say. “Nothing is too good for you, my princess.”
I grew up thinking the world belonged to me. Now, two of the floor-length mirrors in this closet sit smashed and the other. The other, I avoid as often as I can.
I look at the people in my life who have been forced to fly around with tiny wings and little bodies because of me. Full-grown adults, now little pixies—all with the exception of Hiasha, she’s but a child in comparison or at least she was when we were cursed.
One hundred and fifty years have passed on this plane. I’ve been this monster for one hundred and fifty years. I walk over to the mirror and push my hood back. I turn away from my reflection.
“Not even I can stand the sight of me. How is he to fall in love with this?” I say brokenly.