Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 24 - I did not need to imagine that

King Edward thought it would make him disoriented, but he wasn’t dizzy at all. Before he could fully adjust his sight from all the glittering lights, something huge slammed into him. Or someone, as he felt arms around his neck. He was about to push the person away when the beautiful face of his wife came into view. She pressed her lips against his and he held her against him. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her and bear her weight.

King Florian cleared his throat, but it would seem the couple is lost in each other. He gestured for everyone to leave, dismissing the counsel early.

Nate pulled Vince away, they had to give them time and some privacy. Vince’s expression was conflicted. On the one hand, he’s happy for the two of them. He can tell how much they missed each other and how much they still love each other. On the other hand, he didn’t want to witness them acting like this.

As the door was closed behind them, Nate couldn’t hold back from teasing him.

“What are the chances you’ll have a sibling soon?”

Her words made his expression uglier. She laughed out loud. When he was the one teasing her, she was somewhat mad about it as well. But then, she’d welcome another heir to the throne. She can pass it on. To Vince, though… He’s still first in line even if that happens, but… he just didn’t want to imagine his parents doing what couples do.

“I did not need to imagine that.” He stated grudgingly.

“But you have to admit, their love stood the test of time. For them to still…”

Vince didn’t let her finish. He knows. He’s glad, actually. He’d seen his father rule the kingdom alone in the last ten years. It was a lonely endeavor. If he had to rule alone… he turned to look at Nate. Would they… would their love stand the test of time as well?

“How about you two take a walk as well? You haven’t seen the gardens yet, have you? After your walk, you can come to the dining hall. Erik, would you escort our guests?”

Erik complained, “What guests? Isn’t he your grandson? They can find their way.” He stomped away after saying his piece.

King Florian sighed, that son of his still acts like a kid. Did the time suspension affect his brain? Did it stop his growth development and maturity?

“We’re fine on our own, your highness.” Nate replied, not at all bothered by Erik’s hostility.

“I’m worried about something.” Vince voiced out as they took the stairs to the gardens.

“Yeah? What is it?” Nate kept looking through the windows they pass by. The garden looked amazing. Those glittering lights would always look awesome.

“How long do you think we would be staying this time?” Vince finally stated.

Well, there’s the rub. Hopefully, they’ll be here long enough for King Edward and Queen Elise to properly settle things between them.

“Don’t jinx it. If the time we can stay depends on our energy as the magic consumes it, I’d say we can stay longer than last time.”

“I hope you’re right.” His parents do need the time to reconnect, though from the way they reacted to each other earlier, he’d say they would finish talking early.

Neither King Edward nor Queen Elise know which of them is drowning. They kissed for a long time. He held her by the waist and on her back while she clung to his neck. They only pulled apart when she was tickled. Edward’s hand moved upwards to touch her wings. Technically, he only wanted to hold her nape and kiss her deeper. Who knew his hand would touch something else entirely?

His expression froze at having touched something unfamiliar to him, Elise noticed his expression.

“Do my wings bother you?” She fidgeted.

Edward stared at her. She really didn’t change much. It was still the face he remembers very dearly.

“No. They look wonderful on you.” He only managed to look at them so closely, but their colors do mesmerize him.

She breathed deeply in relief. She stared into his eyes.

She had read his reply to her letter. Did he mean what he had written in there?

“Do you hate me?” She tentatively asked. She wanted to move back and have a breathing space, but Edward held her tightly.

“Never. I have always loved you, my dear.” He kissed her again and she gave in. Her tears flowed with relief, and she smiled, too. She is very happy to see him again, and to know he still loves her. His kisses are wonderful.

King Edward only paused to wipe her tears. He felt them against his skin, and he didn’t want her to shed tears. In all the years they were together, she rarely cried. She did, but not often.

“I missed you.” Elise declared with sincerity as she hugs him.

“And I, you. I love you.” King Edward replied, their noses touching.

There was companionable silence between them as they simply touched each other, felt each other’s warmth, hugging each other close, caressing their faces…

“Let me down.” Queen Elise requested. Her legs do feel a bit uncomfortable. King Edward’s expression darkened as he noticed her exposed skin when her skirt was pulled up in her previous position. He didn’t want to think who saw it earlier. It barely registered to him that there were many people when they appeared. Standing on her own, the flowy dress covered her down to her toes. The king pulled her by the waist and tucked her close to him.

“It’s best if we talk in private. Not here. The walls have ears. Come, I’ll show you my room.” Queen Elise pulled him forward and they exited the hall. Aside from guards, they met no one on the way.

Edward frowned, where could have Nate and Vince went to?

“Don’t worry about the children. We’ll see them later.” She hadn’t changed. She could still clearly see what he’s thinking.

He missed his wife. Terribly. As soon as they got to her room, he kissed her again. Elise melted against him. He aged well. He might have looked older than the last time she saw him, but it showed his maturity. He looked very reliable; someone the kingdom could depend on. His strong arms enveloped her and she moaned as he lifted her up. He did touch her wings again, but this time he didn’t stop. His hands remember the structure of her body as he presses against her.

“The bed.” Elise managed to say against his lips. Their wings might look fragile and thin, but they’re actually sturdy. They’re magic, after all.

She pulled against his clothes. She chuckled lightly. Is it really the time to make love? They haven’t seen each other in ten years, according to Vince. But the moment she saw the desire in his eyes, she wanted nothing but to feel his love for her. It was as intense as they used to share. His attentiveness to her needs and pleasure, the strength of his body, the way he lavishes kisses to every inch of her skin…

They were both panting as they lay next to each other. She rolled over to prop her head on his chest, and he wraps an arm around her shoulder, just above her wings. He pressed more kisses on her face. She giggled.

If there was any reservation or doubt in her mind on what Edward currently feels for her, they were all obliterated by the passion they have just shared.

“Thank you, love.” She was a little exhausted, but this isn’t the time for them to rest and sleep.

King Edward kissed her deeply one last time, before getting up and dressing again. The children did tell him how they do not know when they will be taken back. He told Elise as she watched him dress, and she chuckled again. Yes, it would be a sight to see the king returning to his kingdom without clothes. She quickly dressed as well before helping him with the many buttons on his shirt.

“Where is your crown?” She reached into his head, running a hand through his hair, which only served to make him want her again. He kissed her hard as he pressed her body tightly against his. He loved how soft she is. A pity he couldn’t risk any more time with her.

“I left it at the castle. I have no use for it here. When I return…”

Elise stood on tiptoe to kiss his chin. She could easily finish that sentence.

She led him towards the dining hall, expecting the others to be there. They were joined at the hips as they walked. The happiness was clear on their faces. Nate could almost feel their love. Vince sighed in relief, happy to see them together.

Before they sat, Elise introduced him to her father and brother. King Edward courteously greeted them. The fae prince doesn’t look welcoming, almost sizing him up. He could only raise an eyebrow at Elise, who whispered to him not to take it to heart.

“My son and Nate mentioned the situation to me, but I would need more information about this dark fae prince they mentioned.” He went straight to the heart of the matter as he sits down, directing his words towards the fae king.

“There’s not much to say. We are unable to infiltrate his territory.”

King Edward contemplated for a moment. “So, we must infiltrate his territory to move forward?”

“Yes.” Prince Erik replied with a roll of his eyes. No one looked at him.

“Would you be able to provide me with maps? Up to the edge of his territory, if possible.”

“Of course.” King Florian immediately called a servant on the side to give instructions.

“What do you plan to do, father?” Vince watched his expressions closely. He knew his father is a man of action.

“I will scout the enemy territory.” He replied simply.

King Florian admired him, but still, “We’ve sent many warriors before, none of them succeeded.”

“I understand, which is why I have to do it myself.” He was serious. When they told him about the problem before, he promised himself that he would do everything he can to bring his wife home.

“It is dangerous.” Elise knew her husband’s triumphs, but the dark fae prince is still a different matter he hadn’t faced before. She held his hand tightly.

“I will go with you, father.” Vince knew why his father is determined. He is, too.

“Well, then, the humans will go on an adventure.” Nate concluded, but King Edward narrowed his eyes on them.

“The two of you will remain here while I explore the dark lands. Is that what you call it?” He turned to Elise for confirmation.

She nodded, “I will go with you. You need someone familiar with the place.”

“I would like to go as well.” Vince offered again.

“I go where Vince goes.” Nate needed to say her piece.