The Summer King Bundle 3 Stories - Jennifer L. Armentrout Page 0,201

or so lap around the room, I returned to the bed, surprised by how much that had worn me out.

“Like I said, you’re going to be weaker than usual,” she told me, slipping the vial of blood into a small bag. “But I have a feeling you’ll regain your strength quicker than even I expect.”

“The Summer Kiss, huh?” I leaned back against the mountain of pillows.

“It’s a kiss of life.” Luce placed the bag on the counter and then crossed her arms. Her gaze fell to the small table. I’d engaged the blade earlier, just in case. It was only a few inches in length, but it was long and sharp enough to do its job. “I wish you would’ve told me about that, and yes, I know I already said that, but I feel the need to restate it. I could’ve told you then that you had nothing to worry about when it came to our King choosing you—that I had nothing to worry about.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that changed things. Caden never told me,” I explained. “And I get why he didn’t. He was trying not to overwhelm me after everything, but I wish he’d told me.”

“And I’m sure he wished you’d told him about the child,” she replied, and I flinched. “I meant no offense by that. What I mean is that it seems like you and Caden could’ve benefited from a very in-depth conversation.”

I laughed dryly. “No doubt.”

“But you have both been processing a lot,” she said, picking up the bag.

“Have you seen Caden?” He hadn’t been back.

“I believe he’s still carrying out the questioning,” she answered.

I wondered who was standing guard outside because I doubted Caden was relying on a locked door. But who had Caden deemed trustworthy enough? I picked at the blanket. “Who’s playing babysitter?”

She arched a brow. “Kalen.”

A slight smile tugged at my lips. “I owe him a lot. If he hadn’t…”

Luce inclined her chin. “He would make a fine Knight for our King.”

As far as I knew, Caden hadn’t chosen any of his Knights yet. I had a feeling Aric’s betrayal all those years ago played a role in that. “He would. I’m glad to see that Caden trusts him.” I watched Luce slip the vial into her pocket, thinking about what Tink had said. I actually hadn’t really stopped thinking about it. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

“Do you really think the choice of poison had nothing to do with my pregnancy? That it’s possible that no one who knows spoke?”

“I’ve thought about this. It’s an herb that’s widely available—actually grown in our greenhouse as it has amazing healing properties. Some of the other poisons that Tink mentioned are simply not easily accessible. That could be the reason.” She smoothed the lapel of her coat. “But if Tink is right, that one of those who knows did speak, who would they have told that would’ve done something like this? Would it then be a coincidence that the person unknowingly told the fae who has been working with the Winter Court, and if not, then are we dealing with two fae who have done the unforgivable?”

I nibbled on my lower lip, mulling it over. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. “Maybe this has nothing to do with the other fae. I mean, I’m sure there are tons of fae who would probably act upon the knowledge that I was pregnant.”

“You don’t seem to have a high opinion of the fae,” she replied, “if you think there are so many who would wish to harm an unborn child. If you’re to be our Queen, I hope that changes.”

Chastised, I realized that what I’d said hadn’t come out right. “I didn’t mean that I think there’s a ton of fae who would gladly harm a child, but I bet there are many who would do anything to protect their Court, right? Isn’t that what Kalen said about Benji’s family? That they wouldn’t even keep their own child alive if it was a risk to the Court?”

Luce’s brows puckered. “Yes. Many fae are willing to protect their Court,” she said slowly.

“And how many fae would see me as a risk to the Court? Even before the pregnancy. After all, Tatiana came to me before I knew I was pregnant,” I reasoned. “Without them knowing I’d been given the Summer Kiss, wouldn’t they see this child as a threat to their future? It’s why I hadn’t told Caden