“Right back at you.”
King Belshazzar practically heaved me inside the command center, past all the guards outside the room. Over the clamor of frantic noise, he shouted, “We’re back. Fill us in.”
I pivoted slightly and stared at the guards outside the—now—silent room, ordering, “Let the five of them in.”
Kimber and her harem had been barred from the room.
Guards instantly parted and guns lowered.
The silent five walked inside, their footsteps just as quiet.
Dorian sauntered to stand beside his brother, crossing his arms and surveying the shocked faces of all the gawkers. He chuckled softly under his breath. “Are they happy you’re home, brother? I can’t tell right now.”
Lord Xenon dropped the papers in his hands on the table, his black eyes narrowing. “Brother? What…” His gaping mouth shut with an audible click. “You know what? I don’t fucking care right now. He’s a druid. Whatever. I don’t have time for that nonsense.” His tired—and slightly crazed—eyes turned toward Bel and me. He boomed violently, “It is about fucking time you got back!”
We stared. That brazen comment didn’t deserve a response.
Lord Cato cleared his throat and patted the other lord’s shoulder, then stated studiously, “What Lord Xenon meant to say is, we are thrilled you are back safe and sound.” His gaze ran over me from head to toe, making sure I was indeed fine from my trip.
He added absently, “And did you find the Breaker?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine. Just got kidnapped and shit. But I’m fine now. I wouldn’t recommend S’Kir. Definitely a one-star rating.”
Kimber growled softly behind me.
Too bad. It was true.
My father’s shoulders tensed, and danger leapt into his gaze, rage bleeding into his eyes. “Are they dead?”
“Of course.”
King Belshazzar yawned and hiked a thumb over his shoulder. “The girl. She’s the Breaker. She has many names, but her given name is Kimber.”
All eyes traveled to the woman behind me, all judging…
No expressions were good. Tired eyes turned sour.
“That wisp of a druid is supposed to bring peace to this war?” Lord Xenon blinked sluggishly and rubbed at his face. “Please tell me this is a joke.”
Kimber jerked forward between Bel and me, growling, “I don’t know what my job is supposed—”
I smashed my hand against her face, stopping her tirade and pushing her back behind me. “You were doing so well. Try to keep your mouth shut and learn.”
“But—”
“No,” I cut her off again. As patiently as I could, I stated, “Everyone in this room is at least ten times older than you. Now is the time to be quiet while the adults talk.”
She instantly bristled.
Good God.“Look, Kimber, you’re not half bad. You remind me of me when I was your age. But you still have a lot to learn. And if you don’t believe me, look at your men. What are they doing? The older people with more experience are beingquietandlistening. Understand?”
Her lips pinched into thin lines. But she stayed blissfully silent.
I nodded once and turned back around, sighing softly.
This was going to be interesting.
King Belshazzar scratched at his chin and then crossed his arms just like his twin. “It’s not a joke, Lord Xenon. Kimber’s the Breaker. She’s young in the head, but not in years of life. She’s powerful.”
