“How did their meeting go?” I asked.
“As best as could be expected. I was a bit surprised about Mother. She’s always been rather . . . formal.”
“She sneered, did she?”
“More than I liked.”
“I’d imagine she was hoping she could twist your new bride around her pinky finger, that Reyla would do nothing to usurp her role in the kingdom.”
“Her mistake.” He grumbled before his lips twitched upward. “She adored the suite.” His smile grew to full bloom,chasing away his irritation with his mother. “I love what you did with it.”
“I’m no decorator.” Though I’d done my best.
“You’re snarly and surly and—”
“Hold nothing back,” I drawled.
“You know what I mean. You and I are complete opposites, yet we always get along. My point is that you have the flair for something like that while I don’t.”
“Goodness and kindness don’t always come with the ability to pick out which color pillow works best with the sofa, or which drapes blend best with bedding.”
“As long as you didn’t picture her lying in that bed.”
Endlessly. I’d also pictured myself stripping off the sheer nightgowns in her bureau drawers with my teeth before replacing the garments with my mouth, but I would not mention that to Merrick, either.
I’d insisted I’d hold myself back, but there was no stopping this. Never.
I coughed, the best answer I could give.
He huffed. “Don’t tell me. Behave yourself.”
Also never, but what did he expect?
“I finally got word from my contact at Halendor Court.”
I pushed my dream of Reyla aside and focused on Merrick. “And?”
“Signs. Foretelling, I guess you could say, suggest it’s there. Somewhere.”
“Then we’re closer.”
“Nothing yet from Irridain Court, but these things take time. Years, usually.”
“Which we don’t have.”
“No.” Merrick’s word was a sigh. “I thought I had all the time I’d need, but I’m sure everyone else did as well.”
“You’ve done what you could. Me too.”
“Yeah.” His gaze sought mine. “I think I’m closer than anyone else has been before. We can make this happen.”
“Wehaveto make it happen. Now that we’re back at court, I’ll speak with my Irridain contact. I’ll update you if and when I have news.”
“Thank you. I’m grateful I don’t have to deal with this alone.”
“Never. We’re more than friends, more than allies.”
“Always.” The sadness left Merrick’s face, smoothing it, and when one corner of his lips quirked up again, I could almost tell what was coming. “I told her you’ll be training her in magic each evening.”
