“My mate,” I breathed, my body relaxing just from the sight of him alone.
“My love,” Gus smiled, his posture slumping in relief as I stepped closer to my family.
“My advisors have been fired and are spending the night in the dungeon,” I declared, sitting down next to Gus and the babies. “I want us to take the rest of the day to relax and get settled with our sons, and then we both need to make an appearance tomorrow on the balcony as I address our people.”
Gus nodded, his eyes a tad worried, likely because I’d be announcing him as my royal consort. He never had to fear our people, though. Not when they learned it was his kindness and gentle soul that had opened my eyes before I learned the truth from my father’s journal. Who knew how I would’ve reacted to my father’s words had I not already fallen for Gus? Would I have trusted them?
“Um, hi,” Briar murmured, and I looked to my right, where Hal stood with his hand out to shake Briar’s. My shy friend, who never touched anyone, didn’t even seem to remember his reluctance to touch, as he gaped at Hal and accepted his handshake. A choked sound escaped the tiny omega’s throat once Hal’s massive paw swallowed up his slender hand. I almost felt like an intruder, looking in on something private from the way they were looking at each other. I think Gus felt it too because he chuckled quietly next to me.
“Adrian and Garreth were locked away in the dungeon,” I informed Gus, averting my gaze from Hal and Briar. “They’re both okay, but I promised Adrian I would grab you and bring you out to him in the stables.”
“Oh, okay,” Gus nodded, then eased himself up from the floor as he eyed our twins with evident worry.
“Don’t worry,” I soothed, rubbing my alpha’s arm. “The babies can stay here and nap.” I looked over to Briar and Hal as I added, “I don’t think Briar and Hal would mind looking after them.”
Briar quickly shook his head. “I don’t mind.” His smile was shy but excited. He really loved babies.
“I don’t mind either,” Hal drawled, his eyes still firmly locked on Briar. “Not that youactuallyasked, YourKingship.”
I snorted, ignoring the last part, mostly because Hal had whispered it under his breath.
“Perfect! Gus and I will be in the stables, and then we’ll return for a bath before dinner. I expect both of you to dine with us.”
Briar was already getting comfy next to Lumi and Ember while Hal rolled his eyes with his arms crossed over his chest.
I took Gus’ hand in mine as we left the room, knowing with confidence that our babies were in safe hands. A compassionate omega and a brutish alpha—what could possibly go wrong?
Whenever we passed a servant, I briefed them on what was happening, and they seemed utterly pleased to know my advisors were locked away. Maybe I wasn’t the only one who disliked them.
We soon found ourselves at the stables, Adrian hurrying over to us and congratulating us on our mating. He hadn’t said much when I freed him and Garreth, mostly because he was so hungry he all but ran to the kitchen. It was nice to see that he’d gotten a quick rinse too, the grime from the dungeon no longer clinging to his skin. He might’ve only been in there a couple of hours, but the cells weren’t meant for comfort.
“So glad to see you again, Gus,” Adrian beamed. “I figured now would be a good time to show Seb what you made. I kept it safe as promised, don’t worry.” Adrian then winked at us as I gave my alpha a confused look.
“Right,” Gus cleared his throat, seeming almost…nervous? Just what had my wonderful mate been up to?
Chapter 26
Gus
I suddenly felt self-conscious now that we were back in Seb’s world. In the cabin, in my humble surroundings, I’d been on my own turf, but now… What would Seb even think of the crib? Would he find it too simple for his heirs? Ember and Lumi were, after all, royal babies. Sweat started beading on my forehead, and I suddenly felt all light-headed.
“I’ll love it. Whatever it is you want to show me, I’ll love it.” Seb’s tender voice wrapped around me. “Because I love the man who made it.” Oh gods, I’d never get used to that: Seb telling me he loved me. I felt so unbelievably lucky. My nervousness slowly gave way to confidence. I nodded, then headed toward the corner where the crib was safely tucked away, indicating to my mate that he should follow me. Adrian stayed behind, offering us privacy for this moment. It felt surreal as I wrapped my fingers around the worn linen and slowly pulled it off the crib. How was this even my life?
Next to me, Seb sucked in a clipped breath before his hand blindly found mine. Squeezing my fingers to the point of pain, his voice trembled when he spoke my name, “Gus.”
Still holding my hand firmly, Seb stepped forward and tilted his head. He seemed to take in every little detail of my work, small sounds of appreciation leaving his lips as his fingers danced along the edge of the crib. “Gus,” he whispered again as he shook his head in clear disbelief. “It’s beautiful.” He turned toward me as tears began pooling in his eyes. “You made this? For me? For our babies? It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Seb’s words hung between us. A man who owned an entire kingdom and all the richness in the world. Who wore clothes stitched with golden thread. Who wore a crown adorned with precious jewels and gemstones. And my simple crib was, in his eyes at least, the most beautiful thing in the world?
Then it dawned on me.Babies. Not one but two. And only one crib. “I had no idea we were having twins when I made it. Gods, I didn’t even know for sure that you were pregnant at the time. You don’t have to use it. They can play with it as they get older. Or not.” My mouth seemed to get a life of its own as I continued to spew more nonsense. “Adrian can probably use it for the horses. For hay, right, Adrian?”
I looked at Adrian, but he stared at me wide-eyed and mortified as he mouthed, ‘Stop talking.’
“For the horses?!” Seb gasped in horror. “Have you lost your mind, mate! No horse shall come anywhere near this precious piece of… art!” His voice shook. “It’s a crib fit for a future king, that’s what it is, Gus.” Then, in true Seb fashion, he leaned in and pressed a hard kiss against my lips, then ordered, “You’ll just make another exactly like it!”
“O-kay,” I mumbled as I looked around the stables for some wood.
“Not now!” He laughed. “Gods, you’re adorable, Alpha.” I threw Adrian a quick glance, but he pretended to be consumed by a piece of straw on the floor. “I’m starving, and if I’m starving, you must be famished, my love!”
