Free The Lynx Who Purred for a Sidhe Prince by Scarlet Hyacinth Page B

backing.”
    “I really don’t know.” Winter sighed. “This is all so confusing.
    Just a few hours ago, I knew where I stood. But now…God, it’s too
    much.”
    Corbin felt for the younger man. Since the decision had been
    made, everything had turned into a whirlwind, until Corbin had
    completely lost direction and forgotten why they were doing this in
    the first place. It was as if he’d become a leaf whirled around in a
    tornado, involved in issues that were far too big for him to fully
    comprehend.
    But Corbin wanted to understand. He wanted to be the mate
    Winter needed. “Do you trust your uncle?” he asked.
    “Not really, no,” Winter replied. “I still don’t know why marrying
    Shea was so important to him, especially since Shea is only a baby.”

    64
    Scarlet Hyacinth
    Winter gave Corbin an almost desperate look. “God, Corbin, I don’t
    want to involve you in this mess, too.”
    There was no point in saying Corbin had become involved ever
    since he’d set eyes on Winter. That wouldn’t make the sweet fae feel
    any better. Instead, Corbin wrapped his arms around Winter and
    kissed the Sidhe’s forehead. “We’ll be fine as long as we stick
    together. It’s all very confusing now, yes. But our marriage is
    supposed to cement an age-old alliance, something your uncle won’t
    be able to block.” He paused for effect and added, “And personally,
    I’m quite happy being your mate. If you’ll have me.”
    “Oh, Corbin. Why are you being so great about this?” Winter
    asked. “You should hate me for messing up your life, for lying, for
    pushing you away.”
    Corbin arched a brow. “It almost sounds that you want me to hate
    you.”
    “Of course not.” Winter looked away, seemingly troubled. “I
    just…I’m sorry. I really don’t know how to handle all this.”
    “How about we start from the beginning?” Corbin suggested. “If
    we go by Mr. Cunningham’s suggestions, we’re going to have to get
    married soon. So teach me everything I need to know so I don’t
    embarrass myself, or you. I learned a few things as basic education,
    but it’s hardly enough.”
    “You’re right.” The task seemed to center Winter as the Sidhe
    suddenly looked more collected. “We’re very keen on ceremonies, so
    we’ll start with that. Okay?”
    “That’s fine with me, sweetheart.”
    Winter smiled at him, and Corbin’s heart melted. For Winter’s
    sake, he would learn ten different languages if he had to. Having
    Winter as his teacher would just be an excellent plus.

    * * * *

    The Lynx Who Purred for a Sidhe Prince
    65
    That evening, the entire family gathered, prepared for everything.
    The guests had been told there would be an important announcement
    later that evening, but no one except close friends knew what it really entailed.
    The Cunninghams were of the opinion that Corbin and Winter
    should remain separated until that moment, but Corbin decided
    against it. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with Winter
    now that it had become accepted.
    “Do you think they’ll take it well?” Winter asked in a whisper.
    Corbin shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. But I think that eventually,
    everyone will realize this is a good thing. Twenty years ago, no one would have thought shifters could live in peace with each other, but now it’s true. Sure, we don’t always get along, but we’re not actively at war, either. Openness toward other species is the natural next step, and having Sidhe as allies is amazing progress.”
    Just minutes before the actual event, Isaac and their swan friend,
    Reed, discreetly joined them. “I hear you’re making plans to join the ranks of the traitors,” Isaac commented.
    Corbin was startled by the comment until he saw the look on
    Isaac’s face. “That’s right,” he replied cheekily, “and quite happily so.”
    “Our parents haven’t stopped badgering us all day.” Reed sighed,
    his eyes scanning the crowd as if he were looking for