“It didn’t.” Eaton sighs. “My mother has the unfortunate gift of seeing through the eyes of those in her bloodline when she feels so inclined.”
“Let me get this straight—your mother can just pop in unexpectedly and get a front-row seat to whatever it is you’re doing?” Kai gapes.
“She always knew when Eaton and I were up to no good,” I toss out.
“Oh, I couldn’t get away with anything as a child. Imagine trying to lose your virginity with your mother watching. Mortifying.” He shudders. “Anyway, I’ve warned her about keeping her eyes to herself unless it’s an emergency. She must have been concerned when she and father arrived back and we were gone.”
“We left word with your brothers.”
“Zadyn. They’ve little to no brain cells. You really think they retained that information?”
“Tell me about your mother.” Sorscha bounces in her seat. “Do you think she’ll like me?”
“She’d have to be made of stone not to,” he says, nuzzling her neck.
It’s odd seeing Eaton so smitten. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been the very definition of a bachelor. Between his looks and thewhole flirty prince bit, attention has always followed him freely—from males and females. He’d indulged in pleasure houses and harems, and I thought he was content to do that for the rest of his life while his older brother sat his father’s throne.
But watching him with Sorscha, staring at her like she’s the most precious piece of treasure this world has to offer—he’s never looked happier.
“I cannot wait to meet her!”
“She probably got an eyeful of you last night,” Kai snorts.
“The Queen of Hyrax is one of the kindest females I know. She pretty much adopted me when I lived at court with Eaton,” I tell Sorscha.
“She will love you. So will my brothers, who will no doubt try to steal you from me, which will then result in their slow, painful deaths.”
Sorscha giggles. “And your sister?”
“Well, Alix doesn’t like anyone. Except for Zadyn. Once or twice.” He flashes me an innocent look. “How many times was it exactly?”
I shoot him a glare, feeling Serena tense beside me.
“Good morning, Majesties. I trust you slept well.” Gronwen bursts into the dining room, a scroll in his hand.
“If they slept at all.” Kai jabs an elbow into Dover’s ribs.
“I was hoping to secure a meeting this afternoon to go over the…logistics of this unexpected arrangement.”
Clearly, he doesn’t approve of the slight change of plans. Shocker.
“Or we could do it right now.” Eaton gestures around the table. “No time like the present.”
“Your Grace, these matters are reserved for the ears of the small council. Perhaps we should keep to formalities in this particular instance.”
“This afternoon is booked, I’m afraid.” Eaton drapes his arm over the back of Sorscha’s chair.
“With what, pray tell?” Gronwen can barely bite back the acid in his tone, and it’s hilarious to watch him try.
“Worshipping my wife, taking her out to the stables for a ride,worshipping my wife again, staring into her eyes uninterrupted for immeasurable amounts of time, and then again, worshiping my wife once more before bed.”
Eaton flashes him a blinding, toothy grin.
“While I understand that the…blissof marital union is demanding, I would suggest we not wait. With the current climate, the threat of war hanging overhead, the people crave stability. And they will not have it when their leaders are in flux. Details of your coronation must be finalized?—”
Eaton cuts him off with a swish of his hand. “Alright. But just so you’ll stop talking. Gather your little council and we’ll meet you in five.”
“Your Grace.” Gronwen bows and exits the room. Eaton turns back to Sorscha.
