"I feel like the wardrobe could've provided me with something a little more formal." Bailey muttered as they made their way into the large dining hall. She felt under-dressed as a fae in a gorgeous gossamer outfit sidled past them. Eostre hadn't been kidding when she said there would be an event that evening. The hall was filled with fae of every type, all of them trying to get a look at the newly sithen-crowned Queen of the Spring Court.Jayce stood at her side, stiff and unyielding. His face was a mask of bored indifference as lines of fae made their way to greet them. Bailey felt distinctly uncomfortable as the denizens of the Court chatted and mingled around her. "Remind me why this is necessary."Jayce smiled down at her, his mask slipping as his eyes softened. "They are curious. They want to know who I've sparked with.""So this is the Halfling." A whiny voice rose above the din of the crowd, and Bailey felt her jaw tighten automatically. The nasal whine set her teeth on edge. A

"She's what?!" Bailey flinched back at Viridios' tone. It wasn't that he was loud, but there was a vehement incredulousness that made her hackles rise. "That can't be possible, she wouldn't be able to hold the portal Magick. The Halflings are of both worlds, so their bodies can support the wild Fae Magick without being torn to ribbons. She would have imploded if she were a changeling.""Has that theory ever been tested?" Beckett gripped the back of a plush armchair. "Has any fae with enough of their own power been brought to the portals? Or did we use low fae and decide it wasn't viable?"Jayce sighed, scrubbing his hands over his face. "Is it possible, instead, that being raised in the human realm has changed her genetic makeup in such a way to allow for her body to handle the influx of portal Magick?" He looked so tired that Bailey itched to reach out and touch him. "There's a simple spell we could perform to check, isn't there? One that proves the veracity of changeling claims?""Yo

Bailey stared at the portal in front of her. The mirrored surface shimmered with a rainbow of colors. It was different than the portal into Faerie. The magick that swirled in the air around her was tamer by comparison.Jayce leaned against the wall, and her eyes sought him out. He gave her a soft smile that did funny things to her stomach. There was something between them, something new and unsaid. It was exciting."As much as I enjoy watching you eye-fuck Spring, you need to get your thoughts under control." Beckett leaned into her.She lifted her hand and stroked one of his antlers. They were so velvety that she couldn't stop herself any time she was close enough. He groaned, hands snatching at her waist. "We don't have time for this.""We should make time." She grinned up at him, unrepentant.A loud cough at the doorway startled her. Viridios smirked as he sauntered in. "Hope I'm not interrupting."Jayce chuckled, straightening up from his slouched position on the wall. "Of course n

Bailey pressed her back into the wall behind her. Danu continued to chatter about her upcoming nuptials but all she could hear was Beckett telling her that Arawn would have to go through them to get to her. It was beginning to look like that wouldn't be much of an issue, with Danu's plans. "No." Bailey interrupted Danu's monologue. "I will not marry Arawn. I have three mates already. I don't need a fourth. Especially someone I don't even know." "Sweet girl, I know you have three mates. I selected them for you specifically with this marriage in mind." Danu crossed her arms. "You will need others in your corner. Arawn is temperamental at best, and an ogre on his worst days. Your other mates are your buffer. With your marriage, you'll have a complete set." Bailey shook her head, squaring her shoulders. She could feel the infamous Fee stubbornness stiffen her spine. Even if she wasn't Jonas' blood, he still raised her. "I meant what I said. I will not marry a man, or God, just becaus