Her Fae Prince

Confused

Ember couldn’t figure out why she had felt so angry at seeing Torin kiss someone else. It should really be none of her business. He was a guest and that was it, but when she woke up she felt the urge to go see him. She didn’t even know what she was going to say at first, it wasn’t until she was halfway to the guest wing that she remembered fainting the night before while dancing with him and thought she could use that as her reason. Though when she got to his room and saw his door open and the she-wolf walked out, she saw red and her wolf wanted blood. She decided she needed to hit something, and the warriors here always thought it a fun game to try and take her on. It would be a good distraction.

When she looked up after her spar with Rory she was surprised to meet the prince's eyes as he stood, watching her. She felt a surge of excitement which she swallowed down, remembering her anger. She’d hoped if she ignored him he would get the hint and walk away, but there was that surge of excitement again when she saw he had followed her instead. She couldn’t help the attitude when she talked with him. She wanted to believe him when he told her it was a misunderstanding but his reputation, however, made that incredibly hard. Her mind was spinning and she was feeling confused, she couldn’t figure out why he had tracked her down to apologize to her or why she didn’t know if she wanted to punch him or grab him and throw him up against a wall, it was almost as if…

“Ember? Earth to Ember?” Caleb’s voice shook her out of her thoughts.

“Sorry, I think my brain is still a bit foggy from my drinks last night. Remind me to never have more than one glass of Fae Wine again.” She forced out a laugh and smiled at Caleb who was looking at her worriedly.

“You certainly had me concerned when you passed out last night. I was asking you if you want to play some video games or watch a movie?” Caleb reached over and took her hand with a hopeful smile as they continued making their way to the entertainment room. The entertainment room had two different sections, one had a pool table, foosball, and table tennis. The other side had a 72-inch TV along one wall with a very large couch and chairs surrounding it and it had a few different game consoles and a wall of DVDs plus all the streaming services. They may be in an ancient castle, but they had all the modern amenities.

They decided to play a racing game to start. Ember was fairly competitive, since she was a twin she and her brother were always trying to best one another. They were in the middle of a race and she was neck in neck with Caleb, after missing him a couple of times with missiles she finally resorted to different measures, she jumped up in front of him to distract him when she won he tackled her back down to the couch and started to tickle her.

“That was a dirty move!” He chuckled, as he tickled her stomach.

“But I won! That’s all that counts!” She managed to get out between fits of laughter. Her sides hurt from laughing so hard. Caleb was leaning on one arm beside her with the other over her as he stopped tickling, letting her catch her breath. She wiped the tears from her eyes from the laughter, Caleb was watching her smiling when he leaned in and kissed her. She noticed this time it felt a little different. It didn’t give her the exhilaration it had the last time. He broke the kiss, a strange look in his eye as he leaned back.

“Sorry, I guess I shouldn’t do that in public yet.” His eyes seemed a little sad as he leaned beside her on the couch watching her face. He gently stroked her cheek before sitting back up all the way.

“Well I wouldn’t say this is exactly public, we are the only people in the room.” Ember tried to tease, she wanted to lighten the heavy mood that suddenly settled on them.

“So did you feel anything towards anyone last night?” Caleb asked, suddenly changing the subject.

“No? I don’t think I would be here alone with you if I had met my mate last night. They wouldn’t let me out of their sight.” She tried teasing again, but his smile never reached his eyes. “Did you meet your mate last night?”

“No, of course not. I am still all yours if you still want me.” He took her hand once more and his eyes were searching hers waiting for her response. She opened her mouth to respond but found the words hard to find. She smiled at him and sat back up properly on the couch before gently kissing his cheek.

“Of course. Until we find our mates, right?” Hurt flashed in his eyes and he stood up abruptly.

“I, uh, need to go do something. I’ll see you later?” He asked forcing another smile as he walked away without waiting to hear her response. Ember didn’t know what to think, why was everyone acting so strange all of a sudden? Maybe she should go ask her grandma for advice. She hopped up off the couch and headed out the door in the opposite direction from him.

She was lost deep in her thoughts again when she walked right into a very solid mass. It was too soft and warm to be a wall. The heavenly earthy scent of bergamot and sandalwood surrounded her, where had she smelled that before? Light tingles hit her before she backed up. Crystal blue eyes met hers once more. Torin was smirking down at her. His eyes were alight with humour.

“Fancy running into you, or should I say you ran into me?” He teased, she couldn’t help the blush that rose to her cheeks.

“Prince Torin.” She nodded at him and went to step around him.

“Wait, please? I don’t know my way around and don’t know what to do with myself while my father is in conference with your grandfather. Would you mind directing me somewhere, or better yet I would appreciate a tour so I could find my way around a bit better on my own?” He shrugged his shoulders and gave her a half smile. She rolled her eyes and sighed, getting a strange feeling again about being around him.

“I guess that would be the polite thing to do. All right, follow me. We might as well start at the beginning.” She headed towards the front entrance. As she gave Torin a tour of the castle they kept up an easy flow of conversation. She had learnt that he also had a brother although he was a bit older than him. His brother has married already and his father wanted him to settle down soon too. She almost let out an involuntary growl at that and had to pinch herself. What was that? She thought to herself. He didn’t seem to notice as he went on to say he would only marry his Fated mate from the goddess.

“You just want to play around with every girl you meet until you find her instead?” Ember raised her eyebrow and gave him a pointed look. Why couldn’t she seem to figure him out, or at least her feelings toward him?

“Not everything may be as it seems.” He put his hands up in defence. “Don’t tell anyone this but I am not as bad as it sounds.”

“Right, and that’s why I found a wolf coming out of your bedroom early this morning in nothing but a nightgown.” She shot back at him, the jealousy building up again.

“I already told you, she was there uninvited and I was asking her to leave.” He raised his eyebrow at her. “Are you and Caleb mates?”

“No, we are just friends.” She suddenly felt uncomfortable with that question, but why? Ember was starting to get confused.

“Ah, so his jealousy as he stood on the side of the dance floor, as you danced with wolf after wolf, is just normal friendship jealousy?” Torin pushed, two could play at this game. “He was rather protective of you, when you fainted he almost lost his mind.

Ember stood there staring at him fuming. Why does he make her so agitated? “You know what how about all this is none of our business. Let's change the topic.” She started forward again at a bit quicker pace her anger and discomfort distracting her. They found themselves outside the grand ballroom doors Torin stopped again as he looked at his surroundings and saw the intricate carvings.

“These are beautiful. They almost look Fae made the way the wood looks formed not carved, The craftsmanship is remarkable.” He said as he walked closer to get a better look, running his hands gently over the curves and designs.

“I’m not sure of their origin but they tell the story of the first pack blessed by the goddess Selene. She saw men and wolves killing one another in a great slaughter, instead of punishing one or the other she decided to choose a select few to bless with a joining. She combined the spirit of the wolf with the body of a man and created the first werewolf. We used to be able to speak with them you know, our wolves.” Ember’s soft spot for the door's story softened her mood once more. Especially as Torin was looking at the doors with such tenderness and care. Ember was surprised to see this soft side of the arrogant prince.

“Do you wish you still could? I feel like it would be hard enough being able to link your pack like you can let alone having another conscience stuffed in the back of your mind all the time.” Torin smirked at her with a raised eyebrow. And the arrogant prince was back. Ember rolled her eyes.

“We were stronger when we could communicate with our wolves. We are still strong but…”

“What does your wolf look like?” The question caught Ember off guard. He seemed genuinely interested and she felt her wolf perk up.

“She is an alpha wolf which means she’s very big, she is also a soft silvery grey colour, and the base of her fur is dark like my father's, it gives almost a rippled look.” Ember smiled as she thought of her wolf. She hadn’t shifted since she got here she would love to go for a run.

“I would take you to the woods to show you, but I am not supposed to leave the grounds. Apparently because of the border issues we have been having with your people.” She cast him a slightly suspicious glance pursing her lips. Torin grinned wide showing off his perfect teeth.

“Ember, there you are dear. David is looking for you. Oh perfect and you are with the Prince, both of you follow me.” Clary spoke from down the hall, she looked like she had been searching for them.

“Is everything ok Grandma?” Ember asked as she quickly caught up, Torin on her heels.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Was all she said as she gave a forced smile. The look of worry shone through and Ember frowned. She wondered if it had to do with the border issues.