Dorian pushed off the wall. “Don’t remind me.”
Lord Xenon glanced back and forth between the brothers and finally stopped on my soul mate—they did look enough alike to believe it. “King Niallan was your nephew?”
“Unfortunately.” King Belshazzar grunted.
“How is that possible?”
“I thought you didn’t have time for that nonsense?”
“I’m making time.”
“It’s a long story.” Bel flicked two fingers at his brother. “I’ll go with you and watch your back while you fortify the shield.”
“As will I.” Aiko finally opened his eyes.
“You aren’t needed.” Dorian glowered.
“And yet, I’m still going.”
Bel leaned down and pressed his soft as sin lips to mine, caressing them gently. “Lay your head down on the table while we’re gone. A little sleep wouldn’t hurt.”
I kissed him back. Once. “I’ll try.”
The three of them walked out of the command center, and I did take a seat and rest my exhausted head on the table.
Lord Cato rubbed my back softly as he passed by, moving to the screens to watch Dorian work on the shield.
Lord Xenon flopped into a chair next to me, just as elegantly as I had. “Are they really—”
“Yes,” I cut him off.
He hummed deep inside his chest. “Very interesting.”
“Twins, too.”
Lord Xenon went quiet, then he muttered, “Both are jackasses from what I can tell.”
“That is an accurate assessment. Now, quit talking to me. This is my resting time.”
“I haven’t gotten much of that lately,” he griped.
“Shh.”
“Your Majesty, I apologize for intruding, but this is important,” Crow’s voice called from the doorway. “Phoenix and I need to tell you something.”
I groaned loudly and used my hands to shove my body upright. I glared at my two bodyguards,butthe fact one was actually speaking in front of everyone meant it was serious—aseriousI probably didn’t want to hear right now. “What is it?”
“Kimber, Rilen, and Roran are missing.” Crow shook his head.
I. Could. Only. Stare.
“They are nowhere to be found,” Phoenix stated solemnly.
My voice was a killing call, slow and drawn out for clarification’s sake. “You’re telling me that you lost theone personon this fucking planet who can end this war?”
Both bowed their heads in shame.
“You’re fired.” I stood, blinking in horrified shock. “Get the fuck out.” I turned away from them as they left the room. Then I started snapping my fingers at one of the video technicians. I raced across the room, and I barked, “All the footage you have. Find them right now.”
