Ah. Yes. That’s right.He was a duke now, about to become the prince’s consort. No more handshaking.
Hugo tucked his hand behind his back, not wanting Captain Ryze to feel awkward, though he doubted it was possible for the man. “I take it that your trip with King Victor went smoothly. Are you and he comfortably settled?”
“Yes, King Victor is pleased with the accommodations.” Captain Ryze’s lips quirked into a lopsided smile. “My family and I are also comfortably settled. I still cannot believe you sent my husband and wife an invitation.”
“How do you know it was me?”
Ryze needed only to level a hard look at Hugo before he broke. It wasn’t like Everand was all that aware of the captain’s family. “Yes, well…I felt sure that King Victor would bring you along on this trip, and I hated to think of you being separated forso long from them. Do you think you’ll have any free time to do some sightseeing with them?”
Captain Ryze nodded. “His Majesty has graciously offered me a little time off from my duties to spend with my family. Thank you again.”
“I’m happy to do it. I’ll see you after the wedding,” Hugo said, already backpedaling away. If he didn’t, he’d linger and begin asking about King Victor, which would lead to more questions, and he wouldn’t get the chance to hunt down his brothers.
Captain Ryze bowed to Hugo, a smirk twisting his lips. “As you wish, Your Lordship.”
Hugo chuckled and hurried away. He was never going to get used to that.
After checking several rooms and asking some servants, he located Dorian in a dimly lit lounge filled with heavy furniture, thick curtains covering the windows, and a faint scent of wood smoke and spice.
“Dorian?” he called into the semi-darkness. There were two gas lamps burning in the room, providing weak light. He was about to leave and double-check that the servants had directed him to the right room when there was a soft noise from the far side of the room.
“How did you even find me?” Dorian growled as his head popped out from the other side of a tall, wing-back chair that faced away from the entrance to the room.
“What in the world are you doing in here?” Hugo demanded, marching across the room.
“I thought it was pretty obvious.” Dorian snorted. “I’m hiding.”
Hugo pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why are you hiding?”
“Mother and Queen Lilianna have made a list of suitors for me. An actual paperlist, Hugo.”
That was more serious than what he’d thought he’d walked in on with Mother and the queen.
He stopped in front of his younger brother as he slouched in a chair with a book clutched to his chest, looking so very disgruntled. He did not want Dorian worrying about this today. It was his special day, and he wanted all of his family happy.
“I’ve spoken with Mother and Queen Lilianna about this and told them to give it a rest. I promise to speak to them both again prior to Everand and me leaving for our honeymoon. They won’t force you into a marriage you don’t want.”
Dorian huffed and dropped his book onto his seat as he rose to his feet. “Ignore me. This isn’t something you need to worry about. It’s my problem. You’re about to marry a prince. You have this whole life…”
Hugo reached out and clasped his brother’s arms. “The life I’m building with Everand will always include you and Augustine. I never want you to stop bringing me your problems and concerns. I might become the prince’s consort, but I will always be your brother.”
Dorian’s thin smile wavered, and he sniffed. “I know. And don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind finding my own prince charming, but I’m in no rush. My work with Mr. Cuthbert is improving. He thinks that I’ll be good enough to win some awards in the next year or two.”
A huff escaped Hugo. “Your work is good enough to win awards now.”
“Thanks. I want to focus on this for a year or two before worrying about marriage.”
“Fine. I’ll do what I can to hold off Mother and Queen Lilianna.” Hugo reached out and poked Dorian’s forehead. “Just don’t forget to make some time for love in between all your books.”
“I—” Dorian cut off whatever he was about to say when the door to the lounge burst open and King Hubert rushed in as if he were being chased. He shut the door behind him and released a heavy sigh of relief.
“Is everything okay, Your Majesty?” Hugo demanded, still shocked to see the king enter the room in such a frantic manner. And alone. The king couldn’t take two steps without having guards, ministers, and servants always following close on his heels.
The king swung around, his eyes wide. “Oh, damn. This room isn’t empty,” he muttered.
While confusion wracked Hugo’s brain, a chuckle slipped from Dorian.
“You came in here to hide too,” Dorian observed.
