Broen paused for several long moments this time, staring at the fire. Then, very quietly, he said, “Because Saris does. She didn’t trust Radre, for reasons. She does trust you. I value her judgment.”
“What about Saris?” Piers couldn’t leave Wycke’s sister behind if she’d fallen from the king’s favor. “What will happen to her?”
A smile crossed Broen’s face. “I believe Queen Saris and I have reached an understanding.”
“So, you won’t dissolve your bond and replace her?” Piers would worry later about blurting out whatever came to mind to the high king.
Broen met Piers’ eyes, his soft smile spreading. “I’d sooner lose my kingdom than lose Saris. She’s everything to me.” The smile fell, replaced by a much more serious expression. “Now, get comfortable. We have details to work out.” He winked. “Prince Pieravor. Or would you rather I call you brother?”
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Piers sat at an elegantly set table on a balcony he’d once contemplated jumping from. The constant winds coming in from the sea caressed his cheeks. He’d never been to the beach before coming to Tirra Neu. If he visited from time to time, he wouldn’t complain. No traffic, few people, a beautiful rent-free suite? Oh, yeah.
Jess sat with Prince Vale, both dressed in human-realm street clothes. She’d even returned the silver rings to her facial piercings.
Saris wore a flowing dark gown, which appeared burgundy one minute, navy blue the next. Her braid wrapped around her head, held in place by a golden comb. When she felt regal, she went all out. Then again, perhaps she intended to send a message to one and all. Her position as Queen Consort Saris wasn’t approaching an expiration date.
Though some in the kingdom were seriously disappointed that Prince Wycke, in fact, wasn’t seeking a mate. Or a throne.
Like Piers, Wycke opted for jeans and a T-shirt. Not a very princely look, but Piers approved. One hell of a lot.
Saris addressed them. “So, the elven, ogre, and other nonhuman tribes have claimed Myrgren for their own, with the king’s blessing. Radre did nothing to repair the damage after the war, and humans fled. The negotiations lasted into the night, but in the end, the tribes swore allegiance to King Broen as allies, not subjects. They’ve begun rebuilding.” She addressed Wycke. “Brother, you and I will be welcome guests anytime we wish to visit, rooms kept ready for our use.”
Saris turned her attention to Piers. “Pieravor. Trusted mages are going through your mother’s belongings. Anything nonthreatening of value will be packed away for you. While you are also ever-welcome at Myrgren castle, the elf queen intends to seal the tower room doors once the tower is empty.”
Was there a way to install magical elevators in the massive castle? Or Wi-Fi?
They quieted as servants brought out their meals.
“Pardon me for my lateness.” The king? He seated himself to the queen’s right. Joining Piers’ ragtag group of misfits? Except for George, who’d claimed a prior engagement.
Chynne lounged in pixie form on the railing, soaking up the sun.
“I didn’t know if you’d accept our invitation,” Saris said to Broen, lips curving up in the beginnings of a smile. “I know you didn’t retire until early this morning.”
Oh?
“How could I refuse such beauty.” The king lifted Saris’s hand and placed a kiss on the knuckles. “Missing also might mean allowing a plot to overthrow the kingdom.” His tight lips almost belied the humor in his eyes. He kept Saris’s hand in his. Wycke cleared his throat.
Saris blushed. Actually blushed! So, her decision to stay with Broen wasn’t solely based on politics. Good. One less thing to worry about.
“What are your plans?” Saris asked Piers, not pulling her hand back, switching to her left to continue eating.
Piers shrugged. “Go back, find a suitable house for a consulate, and return periodically to take magic lessons from Aberfrer.” The thought didn’t bode well. Aberfrer was anti-Uncle Lee. He’d likely never doted on anything in his life, and certainly not Piers.
Maybe he’d send trusted mages instead.
Good thing magic healed bruises and broken bones. Aberfrer threatened that the lessons might be brutal. Besides, the magic under Myrgren castle had much to teach him.
You don’t have to be near us, silly boy. We’re a part of you,the voices said. Nope. Not freaky at all.
“And…” Saris inclined her head towards Wycke.
“I shall spend all my time keeping this one out of trouble.” Wycke hiked a thumb in Piers’ direction. “Or thinking up trouble we can get into together.” He rolled his eyes upward as though thinking. “Yeah, I like that idea better.”
Saris snorted, a sound far too inelegant for a queen. Or so Piers thought, never having met a queen before her.
“And you?” Saris nodded to Jess, who turned a smitten grin on her elf prince. Piers was soooo gonna talk to her later about the dangers of rebound relationships. Long engagement, indeed.