“I’m fine now,” he assured them all. “Just hungry.”
With that, the group ushered them across the room to the table they had been occupying. Immediately upon sitting, the Kyra and Anya began filling plates for both of them. Sonya was about to protest, but Ethan leaned in to whisper, “Let them fuss. It’ll help to ease their residual worry.”
Impishly, Sonya teased, “You do realize you’re being served by the queen herself.”
Ethan’s eyes widened, and he paled slightly.
“Oh, hush,” Kyra chided before Ethan had a chance to respond. “It doesn’t really count within our group, anyway.”
“Like hell it doesn’t,” Cale disagreed.
Sebastian slapped him in the back of the head.
“I could have you charged with treason for that,” Cale spat, although his eyes held too much amusement.
Sonya glanced around at the makeshift group of merchants, pirates, royalty, and warriors. This was her family, and she loved them all. And if anyone thought to take them from her, she would unleash a wrath the likes of which had never been seen before.
“I’ll be right back,” Kyra exclaimed and then disappeared into the crowd.
Sonya picked up a fluffy white ball from her plate and bit into it. The fruity middle tingled her taste buds.
“Those are my favorite,” Ethan declared. She snatched another one and held it out for him. He bent forward and took it into his mouth, along with half of her finger, and then sucked lightly before pulling back.
She gave him a roguish look as heat pooled between her legs. It would be just like him to keep her hot and bothered all evening.
“Ugh,” Cale grumbled, leaning back in his chair. “I can’t watch this.”
“Then don’t,” Sonya shot back.
Kyra reappeared then, seeming a little out of breath. “Ethan.” Her voice sounded too sweet. “Follow me, please.”
Ethan’s brows knit, but he stood and following Kyra to the stage that housed the band.
“What’s going on?” Sonya swiveled her gaze around the group.
A secretive smile played on everyone’s lips, but no one responded.
Kyra motioned for the music to cease and called for the crowd’s attention. Then she addressed the room in a loud decisive voice. “We have all sacrificed something during these last dark days. We have lost homes, loved ones. And there is still much strife ahead.
“My father, King Alestar, had the keen insight to designate one among us as his champion, Ethanule of the Guard, otherwise known as the Pirate King. Without Ethanule, we would never have made it this far, and the Kayadon would still be strolling our palace halls. He has worked tirelessly, risked his life on more than one occasion, and never lost hope. His courage and devotion to the Faieara nation leaves me awed even now. There is only one way I can think to honor his unwavering dedication and loyalty.” She turned to Ethan. “Kneel, Ethanule of the Guard.”
Brows still creased, he sank to one knee. She opened her palm to reveal a thick gold ring with a square red stone. Ethan stared at it for a moment and then shot Kyra a questioning look.
“Give me your hand,” she ordered, smiling down at him.
He hesitated, then raised his hand. She slipped the ring on his finger.
“I offer you my father’s ring, and from this point on, you will be addressed as Prince Ethanule, and I would call you brother.”
“You may rise, Prince Ethanule.”
He stood, but remained speechless. The crowd erupted in a roar of cheers, and Kyra pulled him in for a hug. He seemed to come to his senses then, his lips curling into a roguish grin.
As they left the stage to rejoin their group, the band started back up, belting out an enthusiastic tune that mirrored the excitement unfurling around the room.
When he returned to his seat next to Sonya, she inquired, “What’s with the grin?”
He shook his head and chuckled. “I should have never doubted the king. That sneaky old man told me this would happen. He just muddled up the details.”
“Well, congratulations, but I’m not calling you prince.” She lifted her chin.
His eyes sparkled in challenge, and a shiver raked through her. She got the very distinct impression she’d be doing just that later tonight.
“What about you?” he said. “Technically we aren’t wed by Faieara standards, but still. How do you feel about your new title?”
“What title?”
“Princess, of course.”
Her head jerked back, and she shot to her feet. “Ugh. No one is calling me princess. Got it!” She aimed her finger at everyone in turn.
They all burst out in laughter.
Ethan put his arms around her waist and tugged her onto his lap. A rumbling groan reverberated through his chest. He whispered into her ear. “My sweet Sonya, you are the temptress of my heart.”
She slipped her arms around his neck and met his gaze. “You’ve just plain stolen mine, pirate.”
He placed his lips against her in a tender kiss that spoke of dark promises to come. Then he gave an arrogant smirk. “And I don’t plan on ever giving it back.”
Note from the author.
This book is dedicated to the fans. Thank you for your amazing support of authors such as myself. We work hard to create entertaining stories for you, and will continue to do so as long as you are there to read them.
My Shadow Quest series is just getting started, and I can’t wait to teleport you to ever more intriguing lands and sensual interludes.
About
Kiersten Fay has been a fan of the paranormal all her life, from watching sci-fi and supernatural television shows with her eccentric mother, to reading almost every type of romance she could get her hands on.
Currently Kiersten is working on her steamy romance series called Shadow Quest, based loosely on mythology and lore, with a little sci-fi thrown in.
To learn more about Kiersten Fay, or to get info about upcoming release dates, go to
www.kierstenfay.com
Or follow her on Twitter @KierstenFay,
Table of Contents
Cover
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Note from the author
About the author