Chapter 43
Aiden
Parts of my soul were still battered and bruised,
unhealed from betrayal and woes,
The King announces that we will be hosting our cousins bonding ceremony next week.
All territory leaders will be in attendance.
Except Cinder, of course. What could go wrong?
While he, Nykholas, and Kaed discuss security measures and seating plans, Rhory enters the dining room arm in arm with Agni.
My eyes widen. Her clothes are clean, but far too big for her.
Everyone stands, even me, as they approach the table.
Her green eyes dart nervously around the room, and it is impossible not to notice how much she resembles me beneath her grime free appearance.
Especially with her dark, curly, unbound hair and sandy skin. We could be twins.
My uncle’s chair screeches as he stands, and I rub my ear against my shoulder.
His eyes flick over her clothing, and he pulls out the two chairs between himself and I.
I swallow the urge to frown. Just like Kaed, who sits across from me, eyebrows pulled down, eyes zipping between the pair.
I wonder if he will be a better male than I was, or if Cook should count his days.
I would miss him. The King rests a hand on her arm and goes utterly still.
The air in the room ripples like the current above.
Mind magic. Nykholas and Kaed both shoot subtle glances at each other.
Agni, however, remains oblivious and self-absorbed as usual, smiling a little as the servers fetch their plates.
“I am so happy you have joined us, Ashley. And, of course, you, Rhory. It makes my heart glad that Aiden’s partner in crime will still grace us with his presence, even during his time off,” the King says warmly, finally removing his hand from her arm. I wince at the phrase but Cook grins widely.
“My pleasure, Your Majesty. This is my home thanks to you, and you have taken good care of my family, so I’m more than honoured to sit at your table.” He glances at Agni, pulling a face and piling food onto her plate.
Uncle raises a hand. “Please, allow me. It’s not every day my niece joins me for dinner.
” With the same care he uses for his own, he pours her drink and arranges her plate.
When she isn’t looking, his hand hovers briefly over the food, a glow flickering at the tips of his fingers.
Whatever he finds seems to satisfy him, and he begins eating, telling us one of his tales from his younger years.
When the meal concludes, he toasts to Nykholas, thanking him for his service whilst the Captain was held hostage and his efforts in Agni’s rescue.
When Cook offers to walk my half-sister back to her room, Kaed’s jaw locks so tightly a muscle jumps in his cheek.
He and Nykholas excuse themselves shortly after.
When the door closes behind them, I study the King’s face.
It appears that whatever he sensed from Agni earlier is eating at him.
But you will never guess what. I do not care.