Every guard they passed looked relieved, and the guard leading them told the others to spread the word that she’d been found.
Ridiculous.
He led them through the palace until Amelia recognized the path. “Is he in our rooms?”
The guard nodded, and Echo stopped him. “We’ve got it from here. Help the others call off the search.”
“Yes, general.” He bowed and left.
“General?” Amelia mouthed, but Echo ignored her.
Once back at Amelia and Rennick’s rooms, she opened the door to find her mate in the sitting room, fiddling with something on the table.
“I’ll see you later, Echo.” She closed the door and spun around. “A palace wide search was a bit dramatic.”
Rennick grinned and kissed her head. “Nothing is too dramatic when it comes to you, love.”
“I’m not complaining because I love it, but why do you kiss my head so much? My hair can’t taste very good.” She kept her voice light and teasing, but she was genuinely curious. He kissed her heada lot.
Her mate cleared his throat. “To remind myself that you’re really here and not another dream.” He smoothed her hair back. “To make up for all the opportunities I missed over the last ten years.”
For once, she hated his height because now she wanted to kiss him a million times a day, too. She crooked her finger for him to bend down and kissed his forehead. “I love it.”
Cupping her chin, he kissed her lightly. “Good.” He turned, picked up her bow and quiver from the table, and held them out.
She stared dumbly at the weapon. “What is this for?”
“To go hunting. You wished to go not two days ago. With the stress of yesterday and the upcoming coronation celebration, I wanted to do something fun for you.” He flashed her a boyish smile that made her melt.
Amelia hated the idea of hunting but knew he liked it; that was the only reason she’d been willing to go a few days ago. Inhindsight, she should have tried to fuck him instead, because now she wanted to do anything but.
The sentiment was sweet, and she’d do it if for no other reason than to make him happy, even if she’d rather eat glass. “Great.” She smiled brightly, hoping it looked genuine.
The way his face lit up made it worthwhile.
She took the bow from his outstretched hand and set it aside. “What about Amos? Shouldn’t we be with him? I’d like to get to know him better.”
“He and my father are spending time together,” Rennick replied, removing her coat from the hook by the door. “He was the only true father figure your brother had, and it’s been about six months since they’ve seen each other.”
“I’m glad he had someone.” Having no father had to be better than having a father cruel enough that her brother felt a duty to kill him. “I’m going to miss Eddy.”
Rennick looked around. “Where is Charlie?”
“He wanted outside this morning, and I haven’t seen him since.” He’d likely gone to hunt or relieve himself; he slipped outside periodically.
Rennick noticed the slippers on her feet and disappeared into their dressing room, returning with her green boots.
Amelia accepted them with a strained smile and sat down to put them on. “Where is Greta? I’ve been here three days and have yet to see her.”
“I checked on her yesterday.” He handed Amelia a scarf and gloves. “She’s not far from here.”
“Does she not like being around you?”
He scowled down at her. “Owls don’t like being indoors. When I start training with my warriors again, she’ll perch on the walls to watch.”
“Since I’m a royal, what are the chances I’ll get afamiliarwhen we marry?” The thought excited her, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.
Rennick paused briefly. “Yes, I think you will.”
