Caledonia Fae 03 - Enemy of the Fae by India Drummond Page A

you to be discrete when you’re wearing my face,” Munro grumbled. Did Griogair encourage Ríona to seduce him? Surely he knew Munro had always been faithful to Eilidh.
    “It might,” Griogair said.
    Did Griogair want Munro to fall into bed with Ríona? Only one thing would explain why that would be the case. “Do you love her?” Munro asked quietly. He took some fruit and ate, despite not feeling particularly hungry. He needed an excuse not to look at Griogair.
    “I barely know her,” Griogair said, brushing a speck of dust from his dark tunic. “We met a few moons ago when she accompanied one of the keepers here to receive an honour. I admit I find her appealing but never had the opportunity to pursue her.”
    “I don’t mean Ríona, and you know it.”
    Griogair shifted slightly, an almost imperceptible sign of discomfort. He raised his gaze to meet Munro’s. “What do faeries know of love?”
    Munro never considered Griogair might resent him. Six months ago, the prince suggested their arrangement, and they had a friendly relationship. He knew Munro and Eilidh shared an ancient magical bond. But if Griogair loved Eilidh, seeing her with Munro, being asked to step aside day after day so she could bed another man, would torture him. “I’m sorry,” Munro said and looked away. He breathed in deeply, taking his turn to switch topics. “I’ve missed Caledonia. The air in the Halls of Mist is thick. Do you know what I mean?”
    “Yes,” Griogair replied. “I do.”
    Munro wasn’t sure which question the prince was answering. Yes, he loved Eilidh? Or yes, he understood about the air being thick on the other side of the portal? Munro knew, if he was honest with himself. Why else would Griogair take such delight in spreading rumours about Munro’s supposed escapades? “She cares deeply for you. I think if we hadn’t bonded first…” Munro didn’t like to admit it, but he knew he was right. If he and Eilidh had never met, she might be happy with Griogair. On the other hand, if he and Eilidh hadn’t met, Griogair would still be married to Queen Cadhla, Eilidh would be an outcast, and Munro would have been murdered six months ago.
    He pushed aside the remnants of food. His appetite had abandoned him.
    “Shall we go meet the queen?” Griogair rose and gestured toward the door.
    Munro followed suit but wasn’t ready to let the subject drop. “I know everything you do is for her benefit, even sending me away. You wouldn’t if you thought it would hurt her.”
    Griogair inclined his head. “I serve her always.”
    “Serve her any way you need to. I can be a selfish git sometimes. But, like you, I’ll always put her first.”
    “ Any way?” The question rang with an equal measure of disdainful disbelief and a challenge.
    Would Munro really give Griogair permission to bed Eilidh? Not that Eilidh needed permission. She was the bloody queen. But he doubted Griogair would pursue it behind Munro’s back. He hadn’t really intended his words to come out this way, but there was nothing he wouldn’t sacrifice for her. She wasn’t a regular woman. Hell, she wasn’t even a regular faerie. “Whatever she needs. Besides, who are mere mortals like you and I to refuse a request from a queen?” Munro asked with a chuckle.
    “A request she’ll never make. She is bound to you in ways none of us fully understand. But thank you for your attempt at camaraderie. I can see how it has pained you to be apart from her this past moon, and how much your offer cost you, despite your sincerity. One thing I find refreshing about humans is how bad you are at lying.”
    Munro grinned. “We’ll have to share our pain like brothers then.” He’d intended it as a joke, but despite the surprised look on Griogair’s face, he meant it. They were brothers, of a sort. They shared more than Eilidh. They helped her carry burdens and secrets no one else understood.
    “What pain?” Griogair said with a smile, then added,