Chapter Twenty-Eight #2
Tristan had just set Austin under the sheets when Liam flashed through his mind. Austin rolled toward Tristan as he tried to climb into bed with him and put a warding hand against the merman’s chest. “The cat has to be fed.”
Tristan rubbed Austin’s arm. “Alright, I’ll bring Liam back. Perhaps Eli could lie down with you?”
“I told you I’m not interested in him like that.”
“I do not mean for sex,” Tristan said with a wry tone. “Just company. I’d rather you not be alone.”
Austin didn’t like the sound of company. Tristan didn’t move an inch from the bed, gazing determinedly at him. Austin didn’t have the energy to fight him.
“All right,” Austin muttered. “Eli and Reba can have tea in here.”
Tristan kissed his temple. “I won’t be long.”
Eli and Reba replaced Tristan, and Austin found himself utterly incapable of falling asleep.
He tossed and turned and eventually hugged a pillow and listened to Eli’s account of the night, including Kas’s threat.
According to Eli’s retelling, Austin had firmly established that Eli’s position was higher than Kas’s.
Austin wasn’t entirely sure whether Eli was exaggerating or if he had done just that.
Reba had been with the other guards outside the hall and had little snippets of gossip of his own to share.
“Oran was there.”
Austin tensed.
Eli asked, “Did he approach you?”
“No. I saw him talking to one of the Asar guards.”
“I bet he’s seeing if there’s work going,” Eli said. “And given what they’re dealing with, I’d say they’ll take anybody who’s capable of fighting. If they hire him, that’s the last we’ll see of him, and good riddance.”
Good riddance was right.
“Apparently, Desor is about to lose his position as chancellor,” Reba shared, then cast a wary look at Austin. “Not to talk badly about Tristan’s father. I don’t mean to gossip.”
“I hope he falls down the palace steps, rolls all the way to the ocean, and drowns.”
Eli and Reba exchanged matching looks of surprise.
Eli recovered with a grin. “I also heard that he’s in danger of losing his position.
He’s been promising the queen that he’d bring Tristan back to their court to be part of their army.
This is his last chance. If he doesn’t get Tristan back to court this time, then he’s out. ”
A thin ray of sunshine pierced his black mood. Austin made an agreeable sound.
“How did Desor end up with Tristan and Hal?” Austin asked. “Do you know?”
Tristan had made it sound as if Desor had bought him and his brother, but who on earth would have merfolk to sell?
“They’re related by blood,” Eli said.
“What?”
“Distantly. Desor’s uncle mated with a mermaid, and they had Hal and Tristan together.
A lot of this is speculation, but I know for sure that when he died, she vanished.
A family member had them then—a human one—and they went from there to Desor.
” Eli paused in thought. “I wonder if that’s why they spend so much time on land?
” He cast a curious look at Austin. “Are both of your parents merfolk?”
“My father was human.” And he had two mothers. One a dead human, one a dead mermaid.
“But you’re more drawn to the water than Tristan.”
“Tristan has to swim every day. I don’t.”
Eli and Reba exchanged knowing looks.
“You get very grumpy if you miss a day,” Eli said.
“No, I don’t.” Did he?
“You—”
Austin growled. Eli wisely changed the subject, continuing to chatter about the delegations.
“Can we invite any of them here?” Austin asked.
“You can do whatever you like. Do you want to gloat over Desor?” Eli asked.
“Nicias can come for a meal,” Austin said. “Tristan didn’t get the chance to talk to him at dinner.”
“Let me grab some paper. Reba can deliver the message tonight, inviting him to…breakfast? Lunch?” Eli asked. He cast a quick, assessing look over Austin. “Lunch.”
Eli left.
“I’m not as good at gossip,” Reba admitted.
“Your wings are sore?” Austin noticed the tremble in them from this morning had remained. “I thought they were shaking because you were scared of me.”
Reba’s brows rose. “Scared of you?”
The sincerity of his surprise made Austin sit up, silk sheets falling and bunching at his waist. “You aren’t?”
“No?” Reba’s eyes widened. “Wait, do you want me to be afraid? I’m aware of your power, of course! It’s great indeed, but—”
“Great, but not scary?” Austin glared at his personal winged guard.
“Tristan is intimidating, but he’s fair,” Reba said after some thought.
“And you’re powerful, but you…” He hesitated, as if deciding whether to continue.
He went on. “You notice when my wings are shaking from exhaustion. And you’re worried it’s because you told me to learn to fly before I can eat Lassie’s cooking again.
You gave me a horse that isn’t afraid of my wings, so I can go in formation with the others when we travel to the city.
I no longer have to follow on foot. I think you’re good-natured and caring. ”
“And scary.”
“Powerful. Intimidating. Beautiful.” Reba smiled. “But not scary.”
His personal guard was incredibly annoying.
“Go deliver the letter,” Austin said. “On foot.”
“Will do.” Reba stood, everything in his expression indicating that Austin’s order didn’t perturb him in the slightest.
He was in the doorway before Austin bit out, “Take one of the ugly horses.”