“I don't know. Could be. Either way, I'm curious why they came out of the forest to see the King about some old relic. Why is it so important? And why would they need the King's help?”
Cyn said, “Juri would know.”
“You're staying here,” I shot back.
He grimaced. “Fine, but I want coffee.” He lifted the empty mug he'd bought from the coffee vendor.
I sighed and fished three coppers out of the King's pouch. Yes, I still had it. I held them out to the boys. “A copper for each of you and one for the merchant if you fetch his coffee.”
Husso shot forward and grabbed the coins, then tossed one to Neb. “Deal.”
When they started to get up, I said, “Finish your breakfast first.”
They grinned at me and went back to eating. When I lifted my stare, I found Cyn watching me with a soft look in his eyes. I lifted a brow at him, but he just shook his head and smiled.
“We're not having children,” I said.
“What?” Cyn gaped at me.
The boys watched both of us, their eyes going wide.
“That look on your face.” I pointed my fork at him. “I've seen women give it to their husbands when they're pining for a child. You think I'm good with kids just because I fed these two.” My fork slashed over to the boys. “But I'm not. I don't do well with kids. And, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not a woman.”
Cyn snorted a laugh. “I did notice that, and you're right, the way you looked after them charmed me.”
I smirked sardonically at him. I could read people, and I knew that's what Cyn's look had been about.
Then he went on, “But you don't have to conceive a child for us to raise one together. We can adopt. It could be a Raltven if you prefer. And I don't believe that crap about you not doing well with kids. You'll make a wonderful father, Ru.”
My eyes went as wide as Neb and Husso's.
The King burst out laughing. Shaking his head, he said, “You should see your faces.” Then he went back to eating.
Chapter Twenty
After the King had his coffee, I sent the boys to fetch Kimu. He arrived less than fifteen minutes later.
“I need you to King-sit,” I said to him.
“King-sit?” Kimu asked. “That sounds kinky. Do I sit on him, or does he sit on me?”
“You sithere, on this chair, and keep the King company while I'm gone.” I pointed at my only chair.
“Yeah, I knew what you meant. I just wanted to ruffle your feathers.” Kimu grinned.
“Asshole,” I said affectionately. Then I headed for the door.
“Ru,” Cyn stopped me.
I turned around to find him walking up to me. He took my hand and pulled me into an embrace. With Kimu standing just two feet away, Cyn kissed me, and it wasn't a quick kiss. I had kissed him in front of my neighbors, but with only a single witness, it felt more intimate and, therefore, awkward. I eased back, glancing at Kimu, who was grinning ear-to-ear, then tried to turn toward the door. Cyn stopped me again.
“You shouldn't have a problem with the gate guards again, but be careful,” Cyn said. “And tell Juri I sent you.”
“I'll be fine. Don't go outside while I'm gone.” I paused, then added, “No matter what Kimu says.”
“Relax, I'll be good,” Kimu said as he opened my cold cabinet and peered inside. “But snag some food from the castle while you're there.”
I rolled my eyes and headed out. After shutting the door, I set the traps, then pulled my cloak in tightly around myself. The snow had stopped, but it was still freezing outside, spring just a prayer in the chilling breeze. Hunched in on myself, I went down to the street. After leaving the Forgotten, I hailed a carriage-for-hire and made it to the castle faster than I expected. Just as Cyn predicted, the gate guards didn't give me any trouble. One of them immediately went to fetch someone to escort me to Lord Juri, and the other was very respectful to me while we waited. He even offered me a seat.
