Free The Day Human King by B. Kristin McMichael

even if it made her mad. Devin was meant to be behind the scenes, protecting people, and he would do everything to let her be the light they needed. The old king might have told Devin he was there to save the sidhe, but in reality, Nessa needed to be the one to do it. Devin was still in shock that she was his and would be forever. He couldn’t hide the love that crossed the bond. She was amazing.
    As Nessa sat listening, Devin watched her, and couldn’t help but think that she was smart and beautiful. She had considered everything about the man’s plea carefully. The older man nodded and walked back to his seat after her decision, and immediately the next person stood and walked forward. She had more to listen to. Devin moved to hide behind the door, but stopped. He could only see the back of the next petitioner’s head, but from Nessa’s face he had to guess she knew the woman. This wasn’t going to go well.
    “I’d like to present my plea that you step down as future queen and back your nephew as the next heir to the throne,” Maureen stated loud enough for everyone in the room to be witness to. Nessa had no nephews. Rhys was her only sibling, and he died unmarried and childless.
    Devin felt his stomach drop, or maybe it was Nessa’s stomach. They were too connected by now to know which one was more shocked. Devin knew about Fiona, but he had yet to tell Nessa, or even process what it meant when he’d found out she was pregnant. Yes, he thought it could be a problem, but he also didn’t think they’d deal with it until after the baby was born.
    Nessa’s eyes flew to Devin at the back of the room. She’d known he was there and had been watching.
    ‘What is she talking about?’ Nessa asked Devin, since he wasn’t as shocked as she was.
    Devin cringed. Fiona was seated next to her mother, and stood to join her. Fiona’s protruding belly answered the question. It was too late to just stand and watch the cases. Devin needed to step in with the fear he had created, and stop the farce before Maureen got anyone to actually join her side. The last thing the sidhe needed was to be divided.
    Devin brushed off the shock that Maureen would be that blunt and hurried down to the stage. Rolf’s mouth was still hanging open, like most others in the room. Fiona hadn’t just hid her pregnancy from Nessa and Devin, but from everyone. Even after they’d dropped their illusions, she was still able to hide it, but was making no effort now to hide her belly.
    Nessa was confused by it all, and couldn’t take her eyes off Fiona until Devin was next to her. He nodded to Nessa, taking a place beside her. Nessa was prepared to deal with the elite sidhe seeking help and answers, but she wasn’t prepared to deal with the likes of Maureen. The older woman was cunning, and had tried on several occasions to take the throne; first through her daughter and Rhys, then through Nessa and her now dead son Finn, and finally through a grandchild that was obviously going to arrive soon. No one was prepared to face Maureen, and that was just the way the old lady liked it. Maureen grinned at Nessa and Devin happily.
    “Rhys was never married,” Nessa finally spoke. Devin hid his smile. Maybe Nessa was prepared to deal with Maureen.
    “He has no legitimate heir,” Rolf replied, joining in on the decision. “The law states only legitimate heirs can rule. Besides, for all we know, Rhys may not be the father.” Rolf was quick to Nessa’s aid. He knew, as well as Devin, that no one wanted Maureen in power but Maureen. The old lady was ruthless and had a heart of stone. The sidhe were doing a good enough job killing each other off on their own. With Maureen in charge there would be no hope to save the sidhe.
    “My daughter only had been with King Rhys. She was a virgin before she met him, and now she is pregnant. It’s his child,” Maureen replied. Devin glanced at Fiona. Did she appreciate her private life being divulged for the sake of the