The Summer King Bundle 3 Stories - Jennifer L. Armentrout Page 0,95

“They make cat bathing suits?”

Tink’s eyes glimmered. “I found it on Amazon, and I cannot wait to see him in his swim trunks.”

I glanced down at the cat, wishing I could be there when Tink attempted to introduce Dixon to swimming. Poor cat.

“My Prince,” a fae said from the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but there is a message for you from the King.”

My stomach did a stupid little tumble at the mention of Caden.

Fabian nodded at us as he stepped around the coffee table. “Please excuse me.”

I waited until he was out of earshot. “He’s always so polite.”

“I know.” Tink widened his eyes. “It’s annoying.”

“Shut up,” I laughed. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”

“It is.” Tink scooped up Dixon. “But his politeness makes me feel uncivilized, like I was raised by animals in the wild.”

“Well…”

He shot me a look as he placed Dixon in front of the carrier. The cat seemed to sigh but climbed in. “By the way, I think that’s the first time someone said ‘the King’ around you where you haven’t muttered ‘asshole’ under your breath. Turning over a new leaf?”

“No. He’s still an asshole,” I said without much heat.

Tink looked at me over his shoulder. “He is trapped by duty. That is what he is.”

“What kind of duty?” I asked, thinking of what Caden had said about the traditions.

“Lite Bright, there is not enough time to talk about all his duties.” Locking the door on the carrier, Tink met my stare. “But suffice it to say there are a lot of things that he has to do and say because of that. He had to sacrifice what he cherished most to become King.”

“What would that be? Freedom to do as he pleases?” Which would be a lot.

A faint, almost sad smile appeared on Tink’s face. “In a way, I suppose.”

Fabian returned then. “It is time for us to leave, Tink.”

My heart grew heavy at those words, and as I looked around my living room, it already felt emptier. “Have fun.” I plastered what I hoped was a bright smile on my face. “And take pictures and send them to me.”

“I’ll take so many pictures, it’ll blow your phone up!” My laugh was cut off as Tink all but tackled me with his embrace. We held onto each other for so long, I didn’t think he’d ever let go, but he did, and I saw that his eyes appeared damp when he pulled back. “Tink,” I whispered, sliding my palms down his arms until I reached his hands. I squeezed them. “I’ll see you soon.”

“And you’ll be okay?”

“Of course. Do not worry one second about me.”

He opened his mouth as if he wished to say something, but then he just nodded. “I suck at goodbyes.” He popped forward, kissing my cheek, and then he hurried to Dixon’s carrier, all but running out of the house. “Oh, there’s a package coming from Amazon with the name Peter Parker on it,” he yelled. “Don’t open it! Just put it in my room.”

I laughed, shaking my head as I turned to Fabian. “I don’t even want to know what’s in that package.”

“Strangely, neither do I.” Fabian came forward, hugging me. “You know, you are welcome to join us if you find yourself with free time. I would love to have you there.”

“I’ll think about that.”

“Please do.”

“Take care of him,” I whispered as I hugged Fabian, thinking how strange it was that a few years ago I never would’ve considered embracing a fae.

“Always,” he replied, pulling back. “I imagine you will be heading out yourself, to the meeting my brother called.”

Meeting?

“I do believe Ivy and Ren are on their way,” he added, reaching down and picking up a tote. “They received word that they believe will lead them to the Ancient who wishes to free the Queen.” His gaze caught mine with meaning. “Be safe, Brighton.”

I turned, watching him leave. Something told me that he knew I was unaware of the meeting and was telling me about it. My stomach knotted. Caden had information about Aric and didn’t tell me. I wasn’t exactly surprised by that. While he may be more accepting of me being out there hunting, that didn’t mean he was going to help me find Aric. But it still stung.

The silence of the house settled around me.

Snapping forward, I hurried to the foyer and snatched the keys off the table.

Uninvited or not, I was not being cut out of this meeting.

* * * *

I knew exactly where to