Veiled Fae (Fractured Fae 2)

A living area sits on one side of the spacious main floor. They brought in fluffy couches that I have no idea how they procured, along with a huge fireplace that’ll be so cozy on cool nights.

The kitchen is in the far corner with counters separating the space. A large table that seats twelve rests on the other side, big enough for family meals and even meetings.

A large staircase rests against the far wall. I admire the room for a moment before I head for the stairs, eager to see the rest.

The second floor isn’t as open, instead we step out into a large hallway. Doors line both sides and the end is another staircase.

There are signs marking the doors, probably so we know who lives in each room. Andras and Jacob’s suite is first. He pulls us inside with a squeal. They must have taken trips to the villages in Spring or even to Earth, because there are real beds and couches. Their suite has a common room, washroom, giant closet, and bedroom.

Next is a room for each of my knights. Their rooms aren’t as big as Jacob’s suite, but just as beautifully done. They’re also fairly plain, but I assume that’s so they can make them their own.

Finally, at the end of the hall next to the staircase, is my suite. My heart pounds as I push open my door, admiring the crown carved into the door.

My mouth drops at the room before me. The suite is bigger than any of the other rooms. I have a large common room that’s definitely decorated with me in mind. The colors and style are perfect and I turn to Jacob, knowing he had a hand in this.

“Thanks for this.” He smiles softly as he looks around, happy with his work, even if he wasn’t here to put it all together.

On one wall, someone painted a gorgeous mural that represented each of the courts… all four seasons and castles represented in their original glory. The vibrant colors match the accents in the room, bringing it together beautifully.

The best part of my suite is the bedroom, or rather, the bed. They must have created a custom bed just for me and the guys. It’s big enough to sleep all five of us, with room to spare. The canopy around us sports a beautiful teal silk. The entire space is bright and classy, with pops of bold colors that I’m a sucker for.

“Come on, it’s not over yet,” Jacob says, pulling me away from my room. I blink back tears as I follow, so incredibly grateful that they’ve all done this for us. Our journey may not be easy, but with a home to come back to, how can I complain?

The floor above ours has several guest bedrooms and a communal washroom. In the middle of the floor is a comfortable common room with comfortable couches and a small fireplace. I can already picture my parents or Lilly and Elsie coming for visits. Saying goodbye to that sweet little girl wasn’t easy either, but having a place for them to visit someday is amazing.

The attic is still empty, ready to be turned into whatever we need it to be. Right now it stands completely empty, just a huge window overlooking the city below and another stairwell that goes straight down to the ground floor.

“This place is perfect,” Maddox says as he stands next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

“I couldn’t agree more. It’s perfect,” I agree.

“And ours,” Bowen adds.

“Tell me we get to appreciate it before we run off to Autumn?” Gerwyn asks with a slight groan.

“We need to get this done,” Emrick starts, but catches Maddox’s hard stare. “But it couldn’t hurt to spend a few days here catching up and checking in,” he relents.

When we turn toward the stairs, I catch Tristan’s eyes as he waits for my reaction. I can see a hint of vulnerability in his face, which morphs into surprise as I launch myself at him. I give him the biggest hug I can manage.

“Thank you for giving me my first real home," I say in a shaky whisper. I can’t stop the tears this time.

“It was my honor. You deserve the best," he says back, with an awkward pat on my back.

“What are the other buildings in town?” I ask as I pull away and give him space, curious what else he managed. The man is a miracle worker

“A council hall, school, barracks, a kitchen and mess hall, and a housing complex. Outdoors we’re working on a park and picnic area," he sounds so proud and I can’t help but beam at him. It’s exactly what I wanted for our people.

“Thanks, Tristan. You really are amazing," I say as Jacob belts out Wind Beneath My Wings. Tristan looks equal parts confused and embarrassed by the display and the rest of us just smile at Jacob being Jacob.

“Rein it in Jacob, you’re going to break him," I say before heading down the stairs. The moment we get down there, Tristan promptly leaves.

“Why do I have a feeling you’re going to get us kicked out of Faerie?” I joke, giving him a serious look. He rolls his eyes.

“I have a feeling the queen will let me stay,” he snorts. He gets quiet for a moment and his face falls.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as I lead him to sit on the couch. The guys all disperse, giving us a minute.

“What if I want to marry Andras?” he asks softly. My heart breaks that he even has to worry about that. It’s openly accepted on Earth, but Faerie is a new land.