Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 105164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
That stopped Caelan in the center of the hall. “Have they arrived? Have you seen them?”
Adrian kept his eyes locked on his phone as if the list of updates were absolutely critical to him functioning for the next several seconds. “I haven’t, but I’ve heard that several have arrived.”
“Anyone in particular?” Caelan drawled as he continued to the elevators. He reached out to push the Call button, but Adrian quickly stretched around him and pushed it, earning a roll of the eyes from Caelan. Six months back and he was still getting used to everyone doing things for him again. Life on the road had spoiled him in some ways.
But that didn’t matter right now.
The only thing that mattered were the dragons. His extended family was finally in Stormbreak.
“I’ve heard your cousin is already creating chaos in the Towers,” Adrian grumbled while his cheeks turned pinker with every word.
Caelan cackled and stepped onto the elevator. Adrian didn’t say anything, but there was at least the smallest hint of a smile.
His bodyguard had been a broody grump for the past several months, ever since Haru had left shortly after the battle of the Ordas. Caelan’s inner gossip was dying to pull all the thoughts and details out of Adrian, but he kept his mouth shut. If Adrian wanted to talk about Haru, he knew he could come to Cael. It was likely that Adrian probably didn’t want to complain to Caelan about his cousin.
Mentally, he shrugged. He had no doubt that Haru would keep things plenty interesting while he was in town.
“Do you know what Queen Noemi wishes to discuss with me? I thought I had time scheduled with her about trade contracts and expanding the rail lines between our countries for tomorrow morning.” It felt safer to change the subject if Caelan wanted to hold on to his few shreds of kingly dignity.
“Not a clue. Rayne says he got the impression that it was a personal matter and that she’s upset. I’m sure he wouldn’t have disturbed you if it wasn’t important.”
There went the last of his shreds.
Hopefully the knowledge that Rayne had disturbed him while in the middle of sex didn’t go beyond their family.
Rubbing his eyes, Caelan blindly walked into the king’s official study. A number of assistants greeted him warmly, bowing as he walked by. The only one missing was Rayne—but then, his ever-busy advisor wasn’t supposed to be working today. He was supposed to be preparing for his wedding.
Gods, he was going to miss Rayne.
He knew he shouldn’t feel that way. He should be happy that his friends were getting married and heading off on a month-long honeymoon away from kingdom responsibilities and worries.
Sadly, his first thought was, How the fuck was he supposed to run the country without Rayne there to help him? His second thought was how much he was going to miss both of his friends during that month.
The doors were opened, and he stepped into the office that was filled with warm woods and comfortable furniture as well as a massive desk and long conference table. In many ways, it reminded him of his mother’s private study, but there were ample touches that made it his space.
He immediately spotted Queen Noemi Thrudesh-Vo as she slowly rose from where she sat on the couch. She was dressed in an elegant black sports coat and a long black skirt. It was probably the only color he’d ever see her in after losing both her husband and her best friend within her lifetime. Her smile was frail and her eyes were full of worry as she reached out both of her hands to greet him.
“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting, Your Majesty,” he greeted. He took both of her hands and squeezed them before brushing a kiss to her cheeks.
“No, I am the one who is sorry for requesting this time from you. I’m sure you have a million things that need to be completed on this wonderful day,” Noemi apologized, seeming flustered and out of sorts. Two things he’d been sure would never happen to this composed and regal woman.
“Your Majesty?” Adrian nudged. “Should I remain?”
Caelan glanced over at Noemi. “I’m under the impression this is more of a personal matter.”
Noemi nodded quickly, averting her eyes to her hands.
“Adrian, would you mind checking on the Omari delegation while I speak with Her Majesty? Make sure they are comfortably settled, and tell my grandfather I’ll be up to see him shortly.”
That earned him a glare and nearly had Caelan cackling. King or not, he wasn’t above stirring the pot occasionally.
Adrian bowed deeply and replied, “Of course, Your Majesty,” though it sounded like he was speaking through clenched teeth.
While his bodyguard departed, shutting the doors behind him, Caelan settled the queen on the sofa again and he took the spot beside her. He poured himself some coffee and refreshed hers.