Thorns of Frost (Fae of Snow & Ice, #2)(80)
The crown prince leveled his father with a glacial glare. “She’s more magical than any female here.”
Georgyanna bristled as Beatrice and Meegana remained quiet but shared anxious glances.
Lady Wormiful straightened to her full height and said icily, “Shall we begin the second test? Perhaps we’ll know more about the strength of each female after its victor emerges.”
Sir Featherton explained where we were to mistphase, and everyone disappeared one by one. Those who excelled at the magical means of transporting disappeared faster than others. But this time, when my magic transported me instantaneously across the realm, I didn’t land with confidence. My legs shook when I materialized on the Bay of Nim.
Crashing waves reached my ears as soaring hills rose alongside the body of water that cut deep into the northern land of Mervalee Territory. I was the first to arrive at the bay, first to step foot back on my home soil, and a moment of relief hit me. My magic had transported me here before all of the others, even Norivun, but that consolation was short-lived.
Because all I could think about was what if the king was right. Perhaps my affinities weren’t that strong. I’d worked extensively at mistphasing in my training with Matron Olsander, so it made sense that I’d become so proficient at it, but it was possible that was where my superior capabilities ended.
Maybe I couldn’t fulfill the bargain I’d made with the prince. Maybe I’d never be able to restore our land’s crops because I lacked the inherent capabilities to do so.
The age-old feeling that had plagued me my entire life, the knowledge that I was magicless and weak, reared its ugly head. I thought I’d finally squashed that insecurity, but the Isalee field was dead. That was a fact. My affinity hadn’t saved it, so that meant all of the other fields I thought I’d been healing could fall sickly once more too.
“Stop.” The crown prince’s quiet voice brushed against my ear.
I jumped at the feel of him, not even realizing he’d just reappeared only inches behind me. His large hands gripped my hips as he leaned down more to whisper in my ear. “Don’t let him play his mind games with you. This is what he does. Stop second-guessing yourself.”
I nearly choked on the tears that threatened to fill my eyes. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”
“Worry is coating your scent.” His grip tightened. “But look at how strong you are. You arrived here first, even before me, and no one else is here yet. Their magic isn’t as powerful as yours. Your mistphasing is nearly instantaneous.”
My shoulders sagged, some of the tension oozing from me. He pulled me back against his chest, and I melted into him, my form aligning perfectly against his hard abdomen. A low, satisfied-sounding purr rumbled in his chest as his nose drifted down to inhale along my neck.
He placed a soft kiss right beneath my ear, and that lulling feeling of safety cocooned around me once more.
“Come here.” He spun me in his embrace, his arms closing around my waist as his lips met mine.
I clung to him, desperately molding myself to him as our tongues danced together while I chased away all of my old fears and anxieties. I soaked in his belief in me. He’d always believed in me, and I used that to align my thoughts with his own.
Snow and cedar wrapped around me as a smile parted his lips. “Your scent’s changing.” He nipped at my lips again, and I moaned.
“In what way?”
“You smell more confident and—” His breath sucked in. “And fuck, your arousal is giving off the most delicious aroma. I need to taste you again tonight.”
My pulse pounded as my core throbbed. Mother Below, I wanted this male.
“When?” he asked as he kissed down my neck. “When can I fully claim you?”
“Soon.” My breath hitched just as he pulled back.
Magic rippled in the air around us, alerting us to the others arriving.
With lips pressed to my ear, the prince said, “You’re strong. You’re powerful. And you’re mine. Don’t forget any of that.”
With that, he released his grip on me, moving two feet away just as the king appeared, followed by the rest of the group as they arrived one by one.
The last to appear was Lord Pinebeer, the archon of Harrivee Territory. He gave a sheepish smile when Lady Busselbee, my territory’s archon, smirked. Nobody commented that the queen wasn’t present, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they’d made the connection that the queen never mistphased anymore. She couldn’t with her magic suppressed.
The king stood stoically, watching me, but I made myself step closer to Meegana and concentrate on the test and not the soothing words from the powerful prince or the way desire pounded through me.
The mate bond that tethered us was clouding my vision again, and right now, I needed my head to be clear.
“Daughters of the Solis continent!” Sir Featherton clapped his hands in delight. “Welcome to the second test in your Trial. Today we shall see just how strong all of your affinities are, because the test we’ve created for you cannot be completed by any fairy who holds only one affinity. Oh no, today’s test will truly push you to your limits.” His smile turned razor-sharp. “Within the Bay of Nim, the treacherous waters known for sucking fae to its depths and never letting go, waits a trinket. It’s lying at the deepest part of the bay, over a thousand feet below sea level. The first female to find it, retrieve it, and arrive safely back to shore and present it to the king will win the Trial.”