Adrian Westergren #2
Nori’s face split into a wide grin at Adrian.
“I knew you would return. I am glad, though, it wasn’t because Haru had kidnapped you.
” He turned his attention to Shey, and his expression grew a little more reserved.
“It is our honor to have a member of the Caspagir royal family visiting us. We hope we can make you feel at peace during your stay with us.”
He turned slightly and motioned to the two women who’d accompanied him. They stepped forward. “This is my chief advisor and Haru’s older sister, Omari Megumi.”
Shey’s eyes flared. Haru had a sister? He’d had no idea.
The woman sighed wearily. “He never mentioned me, did he?”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to insult you.”
She snorted, and her lips twisted into a devilish smile that was a faint echo of Haru’s. “You didn’t. My brother is a pain. He views all the dragons of the Omari clan as brothers and sisters. Why would he view the dragon born of the same parents as anyone special?”
“I’m sure he has a special place in his heart for you.” Shey’s attempt to console her made her laugh.
“The only one who has my brother’s heart is that one.” She pointed directly at Adrian, who was shooting her dark looks and shaking his head.
Nori chuckled but quickly covered it with a cough. “This is my other advisor, Omari Uki.”
The three of them bowed to Omari Uki, though not as low as they did to Omari Nori.
“It is an honor to have all three of you staying with us. We hope you can help our dear child, Haru, as well as shed some light on what is happening in your part of the world.”
“We will endeavor to help the Omari clan in any way we can.”
With introductions out of the way, Nori took a couple of cautious steps toward Tyche. The god edged closer to Shey, his shoulders pulling inward as if trying to shield himself.
“You are a god,” Nori announced, and Shey almost laughed because his statement reminded him so much of how Haru had reacted to Tyche that first time.
Tyche’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Yes, but a small one. Not even a powerful one. And definitely not one of the gods who started a war with you all those years ago.”
Nori grinned. “Yes, I know. Haru said you are the God of Luck. I believe we could all use some good luck right now.”
Shey’s lips parted as he prepared to explain that luck didn’t work quite like that, but Tyche surprised him by bowing his head.
“I will do what I can. But…luck is a fickle thing. Even for me.”
Nori nodded. “Haru has been unclear on many things, but he stated two things about you that were clear. You are his friend, and we must get you coffee. If you are a friend of Haru, you are a friend of all the Omari Clan. You have nothing to fear.”
Tyche lifted his hands and bowed to the clan leader. “I am deeply honored and will endeavor to always live up to that friendship.”
Nori looked over at Caelan and wiggled his shoulders slightly. In what could only be called a stage whisper, Nori said to Caelan, “The Omari Clan has two gods as friends. Let the Ito clan top that.”
Caelan snorted and choked on a laugh. “Grandfather, I think it would be best for all of us if the Ito clan doesn’t compete with you on that front.”
Drayce leaned past Caelan, flashing Tyche a huge grin. “I brought the coffee. You’re not gonna find a bean on this island otherwise.”
Tyche’s head snapped up so fast, Shey thought he heard the god’s neck crack. “Are they Besan beans?” Hope danced in his words, and Shey snickered.
“Oh my gods, not this nonsense,” Adrian groaned.
“What kind of beans?” Drayce asked, and Tyche immediately wilted.
“I have no idea what kind of coffee beans they are. I snatched two big bags of beans out of the royal kitchen as we were packing to leave. The cook said it’s what they use to make Rayne’s coffee, so I figured it had to be good stuff. ”
It was like watching Tyche on a roller coaster.
Joy at the promise of coffee. Despair at hearing that Drayce didn’t know what kind of coffee it was.
Joy again to learn it was from the royal kitchens.
And then a dark cloud moved in at the mention of Rayne.
The reactions didn’t make much sense, but Shey didn’t have the chance to ask him about it.
“Let us go inside and have some refreshments. You must be tired from your long journey. We will talk for a while,” Nori announced.
“Actually, I was hoping to see Haru. Cael—” Adrian cut himself off, wincing. “His Majesty stated I needed your permission.”
Nori made a tutting noise and wrapped an arm around Adrian’s shoulders, which was kind of impressive since Adrian was several inches taller than Nori. It forced the royal guard to bend down awkwardly as he walked with Nori.
“Soon. Soon. You need rest. Haru must rest. After you’ve regained your strength and have a clear head, we’ll be happy to take you to visit Haru,” Nori reassured him.
Shey glanced over at Tyche to find the god standing straighter now and looking at the clan grounds with what seemed to be fresh eyes. His body wasn’t huddled in fear, and there was even a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Not bad,” Shey murmured. “You’re getting quite a collection of friends.”
Tyche added a bounce to his step as they followed the others. “I know. If we become real friends, I wonder if Omari Nori would give me a tiny piece of land. I bet they have great soil and rain here. Just perfect for growing coffee beans. The Besan coffee plants would love it here. I can feel it.”
Shey put a hand on Tyche’s shoulder and squeezed while urging him forward. “And if you’re living here with the dragons, how are you going to visit me in Sirelis?”
Tyche’s face scrunched up as he tipped it toward Shey. “That’s a good point. I’ll need to work that out. Of course, you could always borrow a boat and come pick me up.”
The suggestion was insane. Ridiculous. He was the crown prince.
When the world stopped being so chaotic, he would need to return to Sirelis and take on his former duties of helping to rule the kingdom.
He couldn’t go gallivanting off to pick up a shifty god from the Isle of Stone so they could run around Sirelis snacking and drinking coffee.
And yet, the idea was tempting. Simply to see the smile bloom on Tyche’s face. To see the way his eyes glittered with joy and excitement.
But Shey bit his tongue and ushered his companion into the grand house behind Nori and the others.
He marveled at the beautiful wood floor and the elegant paintings that covered the walls.
After winding through several corridors, they ended up in a large room with thick cushions on the floor, positioned by a low table set with tea and delicate snacks.
A servant hurried over to a far wall and slid aside some doors to reveal a breathtaking courtyard with a pond and lush vegetation.
Large gold, white, and orange fish darted through the clear water. It was like stepping into a dream.
“Sit. Sit. Don’t worry. We will serve a proper dinner soon,” Megumi admonished, shooing them to the cushions. “These light snacks will help to settle your stomach after your voyage. We have also sent food to the men on your ship.”
“Forgive us for not offering better accommodations for your entire party,” Nori said as he poured some tea into a cup in front of Caelan. “We are still very cautious about allowing outsiders freedom to explore our home.”