Shadows of Discovery by Brenda K. Davies
Chapter Forty-One
Lexi staredat Cole’s hand as those words sank in. He wanted her with him.
As much as she’d prefer not to see the council, and especially Becca again, she couldn’t say no to that. He looked much the same as he had before he left. His face was thinner, and his clothes were baggier, but she didn’t see so much as a scratch on him.
She sensed looks were extremely deceiving as the tiredness in his eyes wasn’t there before. Those eyes also held a knowledge that spoke of things she couldn’t imagine. New lines marked them, and there was a pinched set to his mouth.
He also emanated a lot more power.
He’d always been one of the most powerful beings she’d ever encountered; she’d sensed that from their first encounter, but there was so much more here now.
The strength of his newfound power caused the hair on her arms to rise and left a metallic taste in her mouth. When she first met the dark fae king, she’d sensed Tove’s power, and at the time, it was more than Cole’s.
That wasn’t true anymore, and this was so much more than Tove once possessed.
She didn’t know if it was because this power was still so new in Cole or if surviving the trials somehow caused it to manifest stronger in him than in his father. She didn’t know how that was possible.
Did the others sense it as well?
They must. The beings in this palace were full-blooded immortals, whereas she wasn’t. If she felt it this strongly, then what did it feel like to them?
Goose bumps broke out on Lexi’s arms as she pondered this. And if they sensed it more strongly than her, would it make it so they wouldn’t fuck with him, or would they see him as a challenge to take down?
Either way, she would be by his side, fighting for him.
She slipped her hand into his and squeezed it as she sought to convey her love to him. The dark fae intimidated—no, she couldn’t lie to herself, they unnerved her, and she did not want to see Becca again, but she would stand by his side… for as long as he would have her there.
He might change his mind when he learned about Orin. Until then, she would do everything she could for him.
“You should come too,” Cole said to Brokk.
Brokk fell in to walk on the other side of Cole. They entered the great hall together. The first time Lexi was here, it was packed with immortals and lit up with a beautiful night sky of shifting constellations.
Now, the dome-shaped ceiling was completely black, and only the torches on the walls lit the room. She suspected the night sky wouldn’t return until the mourning period for King Tove was over.
The dark fae at the table watched their approach with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. Becca looked like a cat sharpening its claws as she eyed Lexi like she was a goldfish in a bowl.
When Cole stopped at the head of the table, she expected him to release her hand, but he kept it.
“You all know my brother, Brokk,” Cole said. “And I’d like for you to meet Elexiandra Harper.”
The council members exchanged a look.
“You’ll be seeing her often around the palace,” Cole continued.
The man with the dark brown skin rose and bowed his head before extending his hand to her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Harper. I am Elvin.”
She clasped his fine-boned hand, and he gave it a small squeeze before releasing her. The other men at the table rose and introduced themselves, but they didn’t extend their hands to her. Becca remained seated.
When Elvin turned toward her, Becca crossed her legs and kicked her foot as she twirled a strand of hair.
“I’ve already met the half human,” Becca said.
They lifted their eyebrows, and Cole glared at Becca. She ignored him.
“We will start my father’s memorial service at noon tomorrow,” Cole stated. “It will be a subdued affair as will my coronation, which will be the following day. I will invite all of the Gloaming to attend both events,” Cole said.
“We’ll make sure to spread the word,” Elvin said.
Lexi couldn’t decide if she liked him or not. The others were openly disapproving of her, but he took her presence here well. Was it too well? Was he as helpful as he seemed, or was it all a ruse?
“What about Aelfdane’s seat at the table?” Durin asked.
“He had no children,” Alston said.
“His brother can take it, and if he decides he doesn’t want it, then it will remain empty until we can agree on a suitable replacement,” Cole said. “That is enough for tonight.”
Having been dismissed, the dark fae rose from their chairs. Most of them wouldn’t look at her, but Elvin didn’t hide his curiosity. She met and held his black eyes as he studied her.
“Until tomorrow then, milord,” Alston murmured before turning and walking out of the room.
When the others followed, no one spoke again until the sound of the front door closing drifted down the hall.
“Can you have the servants ready the hall for the memorial tomorrow, Brokk?” Cole asked.
“Yes,” Brokk replied.
“We’ll have a glass coffin and place some of father’s things inside.”
“I’ll have them take care of it.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
With that, Brokk walked away. He slipped out the double doors and into the hall. Left alone with Cole, Lexi didn’t know what to say or do. It had been a while since she felt shy or uncertain around him, but he was different from the Cole who left her, and she wasn’t sure what to make of him.
Cole clasped her chin and lifted her face to him. “Will you stay here, with me, for the next couple of days?”
“Will that cause problems for you?”
“No.”
“Cole, these are your followers, and you’re going to need their support. If I’m going to be a problem—”
“You’re my mate, which means you will never be a problem. They will have to get used to seeing you by my side because that is where you belong.”
The vibrant, Persian blue of his eyes held her captive as she stared into their penetrating depths. “I’ll always be here for you, but don’t put yourself at risk for me.”
“I would die for you, Elexiandra; do not doubt that.”
His words stole her breath. She knew she was in love with him, but right then, the depth of her love for him hit her like a punch to the gut.
“I’ll stay,” she whispered.
He smiled before kissing her.