Prince of Cats - Tasha Black Page 0,39

feel differently now,” Killian said.

“Ashe has always seemed kind,” Heath remarked, as if trying to convince himself. “I will find her, and I will try to love her. If you give me your blessing to leave you for a time, that is.”

“That blessing is not mine to give,” Killian said. “Father is still king.”

“He has already given his blessing,” Heath said. “I want yours.”

Killian turned to gaze into the eyes of his younger brother.

Heath had always been full of merriment, but now his face was solemn. And there was a strange hunger in his eyes.

“Of course you have my blessing,” Killian said. “But you must take care. The Winter Court is devious. Promise me you will keep your wits about you.”

“Yes, of course,” Heath said, looking relieved and a bit more like his jovial self.

Killian wrapped his free arm around him, and the brothers touched foreheads as they had when they were children, as baby Kieran banged a chubby fist on his uncle’s chest.

Then the players began their tune, and Heath stepped back so that Killian and Kieran could watch for Piper.

She appeared at the top of the path, swathed in white satin, with flame colored roses in her hair and around her wrists.

She paused, as if waiting for Killian’s heart to burst. Then she moved slowly down the petal strewn path, passed the hushed crowd, to join him at the edge of the trees.

“Mama,” Kieran cried, breaking the solemn mood.

The crowd tittered as Killian surrendered his son to his betrothed.

Kieran cuddled his mother close and tried to get a better look at the flowers on her head.

“Mama,” he said again, trying to use her face as a ladder to reach the blooms.

“Oh, little princeling,” Ruthyr cried, handing another well-wisher her taper. “Come see old Ruthyr.”

Kieran chuckled and put his arms out to her. Ruthyr always sang to him and showed him the most interesting things around the castle. He already loved her passionately.

Piper surrendered him gratefully, smiling after the two of them as Ruthyr carried the little prince back to her place in the front row of guests.

The words of the ceremony were intricate and lovely, but Killian’s mind was too wrapped up in Piper to soak them in.

The stars were twinkling above when he was permitted at last to take her in his arms.

He tucked a hand under her chin, tilting her face so that he could see her beautiful eyes.

“I love you, Piper,” he told her. “I will always try to make you happy.”

“Too late,” she said with a smile. “I’m already always happy when I’m with you.”

He kissed her, and the sweet feel of her arms going around his neck as she kissed him back nearly took his breath away.

At last they drew back.

The crowd cheered and the players launched into some upbeat music for dancing.

“I just want to take you to bed,” he growled to her.

“Soon, my love,” she told him. “But first we dance. Everything is about to change. We might never have another chance to be so carefree.”

The Winter Court. His intrepid bride had been a member of the Autumn royalty for less than a minute and she was already thinking about peace negotiations and war.

“Heath is trying to do something about that,” he told her quietly.

“Do you think he will succeed?” she asked.

“Yes,” Killian said, realizing he meant it. “Yes, I think he will. But I have no reason to believe it.”

“You have good instincts,” Piper said.

“I spotted you from across the veil between worlds, and every instinct told me to take you,” he mused. “I suppose they are pretty good.”

She kissed him again and as the crowd cheered in delight, he knew that whatever adventures awaited, they would face them with good spirits.

Together, they could handle anything.

***

Thanks for reading Prince of Cats.

Are you ready to find out what happens when Heath chases Ashe into the mortal realm, and finds that a dangerous bounty hunter is already hot on her trail?

Then keep reading for a sample of Prince of Bears.

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Prince of Bears (Sample)

1

Willow

Willow gazed out over her section of the Barry White Diner with satisfaction.

It had been a busy night of waitressing, but all her tables were cleared and reset, ready for the overnight shift to take over.

Willow had a nice little bundle of tips in her pocket, and she was going to be home in time to watch at least half a movie before falling asleep.

She had a couple of murder mysteries and a dance documentary cued