“I am.” I smile before I stand tall and hug Dorene. She begins crying, hugging me.
“We heard you both became our sovereigns, and we received your gift. What did we ever do to deserve such kindness?” Dorene sobs as she moves back and bows again.
“You opened your home to us and showed us hospitality when you didn’t need to,” I say softly, taking her hands and kissing them gently. “And nothing can ever repay that favour.”
Alfren says nothing, fighting back his tears as he hugs me. “I apologise if I’m out of line,” he says before joining his hands in front of Kai. “I am happy to see you both.”
“We are, too,” I say. Kai has a slight smile on his stoic face. He may not show emotions openly, but he cares.
“Let’s go inside. We were just about to start on lunch!” Dorene suggests with a smile as she ushers us all in.
I smile nostalgically when we enter. “We are honoured you remembered us,” Alfren says, as the girls sit by my side, forcing Kai to take another seat. The slight purse of his lips makes me amused.
He’s cute when he’s like that. Over the months, I’ve picked up on his quirks. They’re subtle but there.
“Your dress is so pretty,” Sarena says, brushing her hands over my skirt.
“Girls, wash your hands, we don’t want to dirty the Queen’s dress,” Dorene says firmly.
“It’s just Sira, Dorene, please,” I say gently. “And it’s just a dress.”
The girls giggle, hugging me. “You spoil them,” Alfren says, smiling as he still struggles to get his emotions under control.
“Speaking of dresses, I got you both some dresses,” I whisper, making them gasp.
“Really?!” Alfrea asks. I nod.
“Yes,” I say, making them even more excited.
“Ok, girls, now go play outside. Let us talk,” Alfren orders gruffly.
“Ok, Daddy!” they say simultaneously before they rush out.
“I wonder what colour my dress is,” Sarena says excitedly before the door shuts behind them.
“I apologise,” Alfren says. “What brings you to Ridven?”
“Well, we’ve been travelling around the entire kingdom due to work, but like Sira said earlier, we consider you friends and wanted to visit. I do apologise for not letting you know in advance. Sira wanted it to be a surprise,” Kai says. By the tides, he is so handsome.
He smirks arrogantly, clearly knowing I’m watching him, and he sits back, stretching one of his long legs and placing his hand loosely right beside his crotch. He’s teasing me.
I roll my eyes, trying not to think of how I want to climb onto his lap and ride him.
“It’s good you did and don’t apologise. We would always love to have you here whenever you want to come. You are always welcome.”
“Thank you,” I say.
“And to think you became the King and Queen,” Dorene adds. “We heard the rumours of a sky siren king and a sea siren queen, and I said to Alfren, ‘Could it be?’ But he wouldn’t believe it. I was saying it’s possible you were a sea siren!”
Alfren chuckles. “And I didn’t believe it. I’m sorry. Butmeeting you two just proves there’s good in all species. But I have to say, you have both done incredible things already. The water is clean and plentiful. There are guards that patrol the villages daily, and double during the night. You know several of the young lads have enrolled in the programme you set up. They don’t need to be noble to get training thanks to you.”
Kai nods, and I smile, so proud of him.
We continue chatting as Dorene cooks, and I walk over to her, offering to help.
“Let me. I want to learn,” I insist. She smiles, not arguing as she teaches me gently.
Once dinner is ready, she calls the girls in.
