CHAPTER ONE #3
Ilain chortled merrily. “Auden, Isla, and I hardly constitute filling a hotel, Maurus.”
The man scratched his graying beard, lips lifted in amusement. “I suppose that’s true.”
“But then again,” a man’s voice called from the staircase. Tall and trim, he leaned against the railing with a regal air. Bright, clear blue eyes stared at them underneath golden brows. A well-kept blond beard graced the jaw of his narrow face.
Evylin’s heart lurched, and Deckard’s hand clamped onto her arm, drawing her behind him as Thom, Ethenn, and Rafferty gaped in shock.
They’d been betrayed.
Blount started down the carpeted stairs, a familiar wry grin on his lips. “You’ve forgotten to include me,” he said, his Waulden accent somehow less posh than Evylin remembered.
Deckard, Thom, and Ethenn went for their weapons, and Auden and Ilain rushed forward—but then Evylin realized it wasn’t to attack. No, the pair were laughing. They were excited.
Meeting at the stairs, Ilain crashed into the prince first, their arms going around one another. And that’s when Evylin understood.
Grabbing Deckard’s wrist, she halted him from drawing his sword. “Wait,” she instructed.
Pausing at her word, Deckard glanced from her and back to the Calders and Blount—who was not Blount. His posture remained tense even as he hesitated.
“Oh, firebrand, you smell fearsome,” the man was saying, laughing along with the woman. He pulled back and took her face in his hands. “How are you ever going to snag a man looking like a drowned rat?”
Ilain slapped his cheek playfully. “I’m doing just fine, thank you,” she retorted. “Believe it or not, I had two men fighting over me recently. Granted, it wasn’t as romantic as you might think.”
The man looked genuinely impressed. Then he turned and swept Auden into a rough, masculine embrace. “Auds,” he said, scanning him. “How many times have I told you? You look horrid with a beard.”
“What about you?” Auden said, gesturing to the man’s blond scruff. “Since when have you gone wilding?”
“It’s just temporary,” he defended. “I didn’t feel that your arrival warranted a shave. Now, if you’ll excuse me—” He pushed Auden and Ilain out of his way, those sharp blue eyes landing solely on Isla. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Isla, ever calm and collected, met him halfway. He stood nearly a whole head taller than her, his pale complexion contrasting heavily against her bronzed skin. “o, love,” she said. And with that, he took her in his arms, kissing her soundly.
Deckard’s brow rose, and Evylin smirked.
When they’d finished their passionate embrace, the man and Isla drew apart, and the Blount look-alike faced the Ephrians.
He seemed to grasp immediately that Deckard was the leader, holding his hand out to him.
“Vayden Calder,” he said, his smile revealing a kindness Evylin doubted Blount could ever possess.
“You’re the folks traveling with my siblings? ”
Shaking the man’s hand, a slow smile spread over Deckard’s lips. “Yes. I’m Colonel Jonn Deckard,” he returned. “It’s, uh—well, it’s a surprise to meet you.”
Vayden’s eyes crinkled, giving away his age and distinguishing him from Prince Blount even further. “Same here,” he replied. “Welcome to the Alliance.”
“Thank you,” Deckard said. Reverting to his natural role, he angled to introduce his troop. “This is my wife, Evylin, my brother, Thom, and our friends, Ethenn and Rafferty.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Vayden said, eyes passing over them each with curiosity.
“You look just like—Ow!” Rafferty cried as Evylin’s heel connected with his shin.
Though he didn’t know the Calder family’s backstory, she didn’t want him to offend the man.
“No, it’s all right,” Vayden said with a laugh. “You’re right; I do.”
Thom eyed him with interest. “You’re their brother?”
“I am.”
“Why do you look like Blount then?” Rafferty demanded.
Vayden leveled him with a calm stare. “Because I’m his brother too.”
Rafferty’s nose scrunched, turning to Auden and Ilain. “Your father is King Blount?” he demanded, and Evylin saw his mistrust growing.
“Biologically,” Vayden interjected, drawing the weasel’s attention back to him, “he’s my father. However, my true father is Daultun Calder.”
Isla slid her hand around her husband’s arm. “Shall we move this conversation somewhere more comfortable?” she asked.
Watching the exchange from the sidelines, Maurus the clerk perked up. “Graicelle is in the kitchen, preparing for noonday,” he said. “I’m sure she’d have a little something to restore your energy, should you like.”
Vayden surveyed his siblings and the Ephrians. “What do you think? Food first? Or would you like me to show you to your rooms so you can rest?”
“Food,” Evylin, Rafferty, Thom, Ethenn, and Ilain all chimed in.
Jarrad stood. “You all have a splendid time,” he said. “I’m off to check in with Birde before the evening festivities.”
“Did Emmaas head out too?” Vayden asked.
Isla nodded. “He wanted to see his family.”
Vayden smiled at his siblings, wrapping an arm around his wife. “I know the feeling.”
Then he turned to the Ephrians. “This way.”