“Don’t worry, Melania,” Eamon said with a grin. “You’re much more intimidating than Malesh.”
“As it should be,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
I shook my head at their antics and returned my gaze to Callum, who still stood beyond the threshold, his hand cupping the back of his neck.
“This is my brother, Callum,” I said, introducing him.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Callum. Welcome to my home.” Melania ushered him inside. My brother followed, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
“Not that I don’t relish the company.” Her eyes darted to Eamon. “Well, all except that oaf.”
Eamon, busy stuffing his face with cookies that Melania must have just pulled from the oven, scowled at her.
“But what brings you here?”
I sighed, my shoulders drooping with the action. “Ryker won’t let me out of his sight, and it’s suffocating. I needed a change of scenery.”
“When will that man learn?” she muttered.
“I wouldn’t hold your breath,” Callum said, and Melania burst out laughing.
“I knew I liked this one for a reason.” She pointed to Callum, and his cheeks heated.
Judging by his expression, he hadn’t intended to say that out loud.
“Would anyone like some tea?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
Melania busied herself in the kitchen, and I glanced toward my brother, giving him a pointed look.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Subtlety was not his strong suit.
“So, Eamon,” my brother said. “After everything that happened…” he trailed off, his words failing him.
I groaned internally. We were off to a poor start.
“After the attack,” he clarified. “I’ve been thinking about taking up some lessons. You know, with a sword.”
This time, I couldn’t help cringing.
“From what I heard, you did pretty well with your earth magic.”
Eamon stuffed another cookie into his mouth, clearly not getting the hint. My eyes darted back to Callum as I shifted my gaze between him and Eamon, all but screaming my instructions.
“Thank you.” Callum hesitated. “But I was hoping I might still trouble you for some lessons. I don’t want to risk being cut off and defenseless if I face a situation like that again.”
I bristled at his words, and he gave me an apologetic smile as he shrugged.
Eamon seemed to consider Callum’s request. “No, I don’t suppose you would.” He lifted another cookie to his lips. “I’d be happy to show you some pointers,” he said between bites.
Callum smiled as he clapped his hands together. “Excellent! How about we start now?”
Eamon looked at me, then back at my brother, indecision written across his face. “I’m not supposed to leave Cadence unguarded. Ryker would have my balls if I did.”
“She won’t be unguarded,” Callum said in a rush. “We’ll be right outside. Besides, what trouble could she get into while she’s here? A burned tongue from her tea?”
I fought the scowl I wanted to throw at my brother for making me seem so incompetent. He was only trying to execute the plan as we agreed.
