Orange Spell (Eiloren Clan #4)

Chapter One

The palace was buzzing with anticipation. It wasn’t often that such a big party was organized, and it was even less often that their king had two children.

They were the reason behind the party. Curran was happy for his king and his king’s consort, but he really could have done without the mess that came with the celebrations—people everywhere, the smell of food wafting through the hallways, loud music.

Curran was too young to have been at parties like this because the old king hadn’t allowed the clan to participate in celebrations, but he’d heard stories, and he knew how they went.

Maybe he was a prude, but he didn’t see anything interesting in getting drunk and spending an evening throwing out every inhibition. There was no appeal to any of it, and as soon as he’d found out about the party, he’d wondered if he could get out of participating.

He didn’t know yet, but he was going to try.

He just wasn’t in the mood. The king’s kids weren’t Curran’s, and considering the clan was still rebuilding part of the palace, Curran thought there were better things to focus on.

Other people didn’t share that belief, but they didn’t have to.

It wasn’t like Curran wanted the king to cancel the party. He just wouldn’t go.

“I can already tell what you’re thinking from your expression,” his mother said.

Curran turned to Alaina. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, yes, you know. You also know what I have to say about it.”

Curran groaned. “I just don’t see why I need to go.”

“To celebrate our king. To celebrate the fact that, since he has two children, our clan will be safe and sound for the next generation.”

“You can’t know that. The kids might be terrible rulers.”

Yarra snorted from where she was putting together their lunch. “Do you really think any child of Killian’s could be a bad ruler?”

“Well, his father sucked, so I don’t see why not.”

“But Killian isn’t his father.”

“That’s the only reason the clan is still standing.”

Alaina shook her head. “I don’t understand why you’re so negative.”

“And I don’t understand why everyone is supposed to be happy. I mean, yes, I am happy, but I don’t see the need to spend an entire evening getting drunk and making a fool of myself.”

Alaina arched a brow. “Do you think that’s what’s going to happen if you go to the party?”

“Isn’t that what usually happens at parties?”

Curran’s mom sighed. “It’s been a long time since there’s been a party like this. You don’t know what it’s like when the entire clan celebrates together, but you should.”

Curran had seen enough celebrations to be sure that he didn’t want to find out.

The old king might not have wanted the clan to celebrate, but he and his friends had never hesitated to do so.

“Look, you can do what you want, but there’s no reason for me to go.

I can stay home, have fun by myself, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning. ”

“Your brother will be disappointed not to see you there.”

That was a low blow, and Alaina knew it. Curran didn’t want to give her the satisfaction, though, so he smiled sweetly. “Birch is working today. He won’t even notice I’m not there.”

“How about Marlin? Is he working?”

“He’s not.”

Curran knew it had been the wrong thing to say when he saw the smile his mothers exchanged. Dammit. They knew about his crush on Marlin—he was pretty sure the entire clan, except for Marlin, knew—but they’d always stayed out of it. Hopefully, they’d continue doing so.

Curran did not want to be humiliated in front of half the clan.

He especially didn’t want to be humiliated in front of his brother since Birch was going to be there and would be sober.

His job was to protect the king and the king’s family, and while Curran didn’t expect Hedley and the children to be at the party, the king would have to make an appearance.

Birch would be with him since he was his bodyguard.

A knock on the door should have made Curran feel like he was saved, but he knew who it was, which meant he knew that his situation had just become worse. He groaned when Alaina got up from her chair and went to open up. “You should leave him out there,” he muttered.

“I know I didn’t just hear you telling your mother to abandon me outside in the cold,” Deryn said as he walked in.

“In the cold? We’re inside the palace.”

Curran’s best friend shook his head. He looked disappointed, but Curran knew he was just playing around. “The hallways are really cold, Curran. Why would you want to do that to me? What did I ever do to you? I’ve always been a good friend.”

“Right now, you’re a good friend who’s going to force me to go to the stupid party.”

“It’s not stupid. Don’t you want to celebrate the two princes?”

“We don’t even know if they’re male or female.”

“That’s why we have to go to the party.”

“We won’t find out at the party. The babies aren’t going to be there. Hell, it’s going to be a miracle if the king is.”

“Well, Killian has better things to do, but he was nice enough to organize all of this for us. You wouldn’t want to disappoint him, would you?”

“The king won’t care if I’m there or not.”

“One of his personal bodyguards’ brothers not being there is something people will notice.”

Curran squinted. Was Deryn making fun of him, or did he actually believe that? “Why would they?” He wasn’t important. Hell, Birch wasn’t important. He was a bodyguard.

Deryn pouted. “Please? At the very least, you need to come with me to make sure I don’t do anything stupid.”

That much was true. Curran might not want to celebrate, but nothing would stop Deryn from doing so. He should be safe in the palace, but knowing Deryn, he might find a way to get himself into trouble. As his best friend, it was Curran’s job to ensure he didn’t.

Even though there was nothing he wanted less than going to the party. “I hate you,” he muttered.

“You know that’s not true. You love me.”

“Sometimes, I wonder why.”

“You don’t need a reason why. I’m adorable.”

“You’re too old to be adorable.” Deryn gasped, but he was smiling, and Curran couldn’t help but smile back. “You know I don’t like parties.”

“I know, and I’m not saying you need to stay the entire night. Hell, I don’t think I will.”

Curran snorted. “Sure you won’t.”

“I do like parties, but I’m not going to force you to stay there with me the entire night. We can have fun for a little bit, and then you’ll go home.”

“Aren’t I supposed to keep an eye on you?”

“Then we can go home together.”

Curran knew how annoying Deryn was when he didn’t get what he wanted from experience, so he doubted he’d be able to convince his best friend to go home before the party ended. He could still make sure that Deryn was safe, though.

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll come to the stupid party. Just know that I won’t be having fun at all.”

Deryn’s smile was evil. “We’ll see about that.”

* * * *

MARLIN WAS GLAD HE wasn’t working. It wasn’t only that protecting Killian was going to be harder than usual because of the people celebrating the king and his children.

It was also because he couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone to a party.

There hadn’t been many reasons to celebrate before Killian became king, and even after he had, things had been hard.

The clan had gone through a war, had lost people, and welcomed others, and they were still rebuilding their home.

They’d lived through hard times, but things had started looking up, and now, it was time to celebrate.

This wasn’t only for Killian’s children, although their birth was the official reason for the party. It was about celebrating the clan and everything they’d gone through. It was about celebrating how strong they’d been.

All in all, Marlin was looking forward to it. He’d try not to do anything too stupid because even though he wasn’t working, he was still Killian’s bodyguard, but he could relax and let go for one evening.

He grinned and swallowed what was left of his drink. He needed a new one.

He felt warm and relaxed, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

He loved his job, but some days, he thought he should have chosen something less stressful.

Not that he’d had a choice. He’d been handpicked by the old king to protect the future king, and that had been that.

He hadn’t had a say in what he’d do with his life, but he couldn’t say he minded.

Things weren’t always easy, but he worked with his two best friends, and his job was important.

He glanced around the dining hall. The party was already in full swing, but Killian hadn’t made an appearance yet.

Hedley wouldn’t come at all. He was too busy with the children, but then, no one had actually expected him to come.

Most people had accepted him as their king consort, but some dragons were still wary of him since he was human.

It was stupid, but people could be stupid sometimes.

Marlin wasn’t looking for anyone in particular, but his gaze stopped on Curran. Marlin was surprised to see him there. He hadn’t expected Birch’s brother to be, but maybe he should have. Curran was young. He should be partying now that he had the opportunity to do so.

Things would have been very different for him if Killian’s father had still been in charge.

He would’ve been forced to have children—hell, it was a miracle he hadn’t been before the old king was killed.

It was probably because he was Birch’s brother, but the thought of Curran having children with someone he hadn’t loved or even disliked made Marlin want to punch the wall.

He eyed the stone wall behind him. He knew it was the alcohol speaking, which probably meant he should slow down.

Curran wouldn’t be forced to have children with anyone.

Hell, he didn’t have to have children at all if he didn’t want them.

The clan was free of Killian’s father. He would never hurt them again.