“Oh? Does he now?” I teased, grinning at her in the mirror. “Where are your men at the moment?”
Ian laughed as Kalliah blushed. “Not my men.”
“Right. Jax was a flirt since I met him, yet you simply glance at him and he bows at your feet. One would think you’re the queen in his eyes. And don’t get me started on Leif.”
Kalliah scoffed.
“Do they play nicely together?” Ian teased, falling onto one of the chaises with biscuits in both hands as he propped up his feet.
“You would think that a queen and the Commander of Atheria’s forces would have a little decorum,” Kalliah huffed. “A miniscule amount at least.”
Ian and I said, “No,” in unison and laughed.
“Technically, I haven’t been crowned queen yet,” I argued.
Kalliah pinched my shoulder. “We’re getting ready for your coronation. I’d say you’re queen.”
My coronation. One I’d be doing alongside Kade. We’d assembled representatives from both Brookmere and Mysthaven, and in the month-long summit, the thing most readily agreed upon was that we’d both rule.
It wasn’t an issue, luckily, since according to Kade, once the political nonsense was over, we’d be having a wedding, something he claimed to be vital.
I bit my lip, remembering how I’d all but tackled him in a secluded hallway after that meeting, allowing him to put his shadows to very good use.
Another knock echoed in my chamber, and Ian jumped up. Raya and Storm both entered, dressed in stunning outfits for the occasion.
Ian swept Raya into a hug, pinning her to the wall next to the door as he kissed her.
“For fuck’s sake, you two,” Storm grumbled as he dodged out of the way. He straightened the collar of his black tunic.
“Don’t you look dashing.” I smiled at him as Kalliah pinned the last piece of my hair up.
Raya wore a gold dress, shimmering every time she moved, which was often considering Ian couldn’t keep his hands off her.
Storm wore a blue sash over his jacket, fiddling with it. “I don’t understand why there’s so many layers to this damn thing.”
I walked toward him, flipping a part of the sash that had twisted at his shoulder. “You’re the Duke of Mysthaven.” I grinned. “Titled and everything now. You represent half of the kingdom. You’re going to have to dress the part for official events.”
He rolled his eyes. “As my queen commands it,” he added, sounding irritated except for the small smile he gave me.
Jax stumbled in the room, followed closely by Leif. He ran in and kissed Kalliah on the cheek before diving for the tray of food.“Fates, I’m starving. Lana, if I’m going to be here, we need to talk about the lack of fresh apples in my room.”
Leif, smiling and shaking his head at Jax, kissed Kalliah’s other cheek before walking farther into the room.
“You mean Kalliah’s room?” I asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “Our room.”
“Maybe it’s not me who needs the extension to my rooms but my lady-in-waiting,” I teased her, but she wouldn’t meet my gaze in the mirror.
“I swear, one more word, Lan—” She paused suddenly. A deep pink rose to her cheeks. Jax stopped eating and moved to go to her, but she swatted him away. “You know what, actually, yes. It’sourroom. I’m with him.” She pointed to Leif. “And him.” She pointed to Jax. “They’ve both crawled under my skin and I happen to love them, so there’s no need for anymore teasing.” She sighed, brushing her hands along her dress before she nodded.
Jax jumped from the couch, undeterred this time by her shooing, and kissed her, cupping her face before pushing her body against Leif. “I have been waiting for this moment for months,” he sighed, grinning.
I laughed, clearing my throat. “Honestly, Kalliah, we just wanted you to finally admit it.”
She huffed, but there was no hiding her smile as her men flanked her, fussing over her in the way she deserved.
A shimmering black hole appeared by the fireplace, and Lucien jumped out of it, no longer hiding in corners when he used his magic. Kade followed a moment later.
