Stephen, sensing the escalating tension, intervened. “Gael, we both agreed it was important to speak tonight. Let's stay focused.”
It was at that moment, as the attention was momentarily diverted, that I gathered the courage to speak up.
“Um, King Gael,” I began, my voice quivering slightly. “I... I wanted to apologize for earlier. Calling you... uh, that name. It was disrespectful, and I'm truly sorry.”
Gael turned his piercing gaze to me, and for a second, I felt like I might melt into the floor. But then, much to my surprise, his stern expression softened.
“Apology accepted. Tensions were high, and my son started the name-calling. We were rude. Please accept my apology,” Gael said, inclining his head.
I bowed my head in acknowledgment. This was a better outcome than I’d imagined. Never in my wildest dreams would I suspect a king to apologize to me. “Apology accepted.”
Zander squeezed my hand. “See, I told you,” he whispered.
“Zander, how are you feeling? Would you introduce me properly to your sparks?”
Zander straightened and tugged me from my chair, stepping before King Gael.
He bowed a deep bow at his waist. “Your Majesty. I am well.” He rose and looked at me, then Colin, who came beside us. “Allow me to introduce my sparks, Colin and Reggie.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Gael said, “Congratulations, Zander. I’m very happy for you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zander said.
Before Zander could reply, Colin stepped forward and bowed low as Zander had done. “Master Stephen, please allow me to introduce my beloveds, Zander and Reggie.”
Master Stephen grinned broadly and stepped beside Gael. “Congratulations, Colin. It’s a pleasure to meet you both properly. Welcome to my coven.”
Before anyone else could speak, Krispin, with a wry smile, interjected, "Well, I feel a bit left out. No one's bowing to me. Should I introduce myself?" He stepped forward with a playful swagger, extending his hand to me. "Krispin Adair, King of the Dragons, at your service. And you must be the one who's captured the hearts of these fine gentlemen. Though," he added with a chuckle, "I'm still awaiting my formal bow."
His words shocked me, but at the same time, they made me chuckle. How could the king of dragons be so informal? I gave him a mock bow, "Your Majesty."
Krispin laughed heartily, "Much better! Now, shall we get to the heart of the matter?" The jovial atmosphere he brought was a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the room moments ago.
Stephen shook his head. “Why don’t we sit? We can find out what happened.”
Colin nodded. “Yes, please. Are you hungry? We were eating dinner, and there’s more than enough.”
“Did you cook?” Stephen asked, staring at Colin.
“Yes, a chicken bacon ranch bake called crack chicken.”
“I’d be a fool to decline your food. Kris, Gael, Colin is the coven’s best cook.”
“I know. My Ben loves his lasagna. I’ve never had crack chicken before,” Krispin replied.
“Neither have I,” Gael added.
“Oh, my god. It’s the best, ever. We need to bring it to the Fae realm,” Zander said, placing his hand on the small of my back and guiding me back to the table.
We settled in our seats, and Zander flashed a mischievous grin; his eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Allow me," he said, extending his fingers outward with a flourish.
With a sharp snap, plates brimming with the tantalizing dish appeared before Stephen, Krispin, and Gael. The aroma of the crack chicken filled the room anew, making mouths water in anticipation.
Gael chuckled. “You know I don’t condone using magic in the human realm.”
“It was just easier than having Colin get the plates,” Zander replied.
“Thanks,mon petit,” Colin said as he gave Zander a quick peck on the cheek.
