Do not!the Eye hissed.
I know, damn you!I hissed back. It especially annoyed me with the look my mother was giving me.
Your parents will understand after you tell them.
You want me to tell them about you?
Yes. Why not?
Because they might think I'm insane when I tell them a magical amulet is talking to me. In my mind.
Ah. Yes. I see your point. Just tell them that you're after me then.
Yes, well. I don't know if that will be enough to convince them but—
“Lyrandir?” my mother's voice interrupted.
“Yes, Mother?”
“I asked you what your plan was.”
“I'm sorry. I've been distracted of late. Let's sit down.” I waved at the chairs just as a knock came at the door.
We all went still.
“Enter,” my father said.
It was just one of the staff with our refreshments.
“Thank you, Riselle,” my father said as the woman brought the tray of dainty food and tea to the table between the circle of seats.
“My pleasure, Your Grace.” She set it down and then bowed to me. “Your Majesty, should we be packing?”
“My parents will need your help to pack in a little while. Until then, pack your own belongings. You need to go home for the time being. You'll be safer there. Tell the rest of the staff to do the same.”
“The rest of the staff is currently gathering in the kitchen to hear a speech from your man Rudago,” Ellas said as he strolled in.
“Ellas!” I went over to clasp hands with my friend.
Ellas smacked my hand aside and pulled me into a hug. “How are you, my friend?” He let me go and added, “Oh, my apologies. I mean, Your Majesty.”
“Shut up.” I chuckled and squeezed his shoulder. “You came quickly. Did you pack as I instructed?”
“As if I care about furniture and paintings.” He snorted. “I packed my coins and my clothes—the two most important things.” He winked at me and tossed his blond hair back. “You know how vain I've become since you've made me governor.”
“Since?” I scoffed. “You've always been vain. The stipend of a governor has only given you the means to polish that vanity.”
“Yes, fine.” Ellas started to say more when he sniffed. And sniffed again, his stare shooting to Aras. “Oh, my. You've been busy.”
I grabbed Ellas and hustled him from the room. I hadn't thought through the difficulties of bringing my mate to a Dragon enclave.
“What the . . . ?” Ellas floundered as I shoved him into the corridor, then shut the door behind us.
Right in Riselle's face.
I realized my mistake immediately and opened the door to find her standing there, eyes wide. “Sorry, Riselle. I didn't see you until the last moment.”
“That's all right, Your Majesty. I'll just join the others now.” She curtsied and hurried to the kitchen.
