Oss shrugged. “I need to talk to the people in charge first. We both know I would be a crap royal. The current rulers might not be open to an outsider taking over.” Oss offered a toothy grin that proclaimed how much he hoped for a battle of some kind. “I might have to change their opinion if I decide to claim the title.”
I laughed. “When are you going to talk to Thorne about our trip?” I had some orders I needed to finish up tonight before I went exploring. Buster couldn’t wait too long before his dysfunctional gear became a critical problem.
“Talk to Thorne about what?” Thorne joined us, his gaze assessing as he scanned the room’s occupants like a soldier going into battle. With Oss as his lover, it was a valid concern. His right eyebrow went up at the sight of the dagger in the wall, but he didn’t comment.
Poor dear was too used to his lover.
“Didn’t you just go back to work?” Oss flashed Thorne an expression of impossible innocence.
“I did, but the new captain messed up the schedule and they had too many people on hand. I offered to come home. It sounds like I got back just in time. What are you three up to? And how did the third member of your trio change while I was gone.”
I remained silent, content to let Oss to explain this one.
“Marbrey and I are just scheduling a little trip to the City of Magic. Marbrey needs to check out the Gear Master’s workshop and get a few supplies. Buster here has a damaged part he needs replaced. Since I’m supposedly their new ruler, I must go to assert my kingliness. I wasn’t planning on staying too long. Care to come along? We were planning to go tomorrow.”
I had to look away before I burst into laughter over Thorne’s expression.
“You only want me to come to keep you out of trouble. I can’t leave Keys entirely without any warning. I still have a job to do even if you are becoming royalty.”
I could tell from Thorne’s wording that he found the entire situation just as bizarre as Oss and I did.
Oss nodded. “I know you have responsibilities, but I figure we could split our time between the cities, and the City of Magic pretty much runs itself from what I can see.”
Thorne rubbed his forehead with both hands. “I don’t know, love. I need to check my schedule before I can agree to any questionable takeovers. Maybe we should clear it with Justin first?”
“Why?” Oss’s face went from persuasive to cold in the space of an eyelash blink.
Thorne’s mouth dropped open for a minute. I could see him reassessing his response. “Mostly because Justin is part of the leadership here. He might have a good idea on how to handle installing a monarchy down below?”
Oss sniffed. “It might do more harm than good to let your brother be involved. I don’t want to give Keys’ leaders the idea that they can run the City of Magic through me like puppeteers. I will be a proper ruler if I take the position.” He held up his hands. “They’ve already chosen me.”
“Easy, love.” Thorne kissed Oss’s cheek. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just thought he might help you plan your takeover.”
The tick by Oss’s left eye didn’t herald anything positive. Like an idiot, I jumped in to diffuse the situation. “Oss can talk to them first, then contact Lear if he needs guidance.”
“That sounds like a good compromise. What do you think, love?” Thorne asked.
“I suppose.” Oss never liked to give an inch. Part of his behavior was in support of my break with Justin, the other half his own stubbornness.
Thorne wrapped an arm around Oss and gave him a quick squeeze before moving away. “Whatever you decide to do, I support you. Even if it’s only to be your arm candy.”
“But you love being a guard,” Oss argued. He kissed Thorne in an embrace far more suited for the bedroom than in front of others.
Hawthorne gently set Oss away from him with an extra kiss to his forehead to stave off any objections. “You are far more important to me than anything else. If you’re needed in the City of Magic, I will go with you. If we have to stay there, we will. I can be a guard down below as easily as above, and Justin will come to visit. After all, until his kid is born, I’m his only remaining family.”
My mood soured.
Oss’s grin could’ve lit up the city. “I love you. Nothing is set in stone yet. We still have details to work out.”
“There is a home for the Key King and his family to stay in,” Buster interrupted their syrupy-sweet discussion. “It was in the prophecy that the Key King would come to rule. The house hasn’t been touched since it was built. It needs a good cleaning, but it is intact.”
I resisted the urge to smack my forehead. I had enough of stupid prophecies and was hoping we had finished with them.
“Prophecy?” Oss’s tone of distaste matched my thoughts.
“If you are the Key King and Mr. Small is the Gear Master, then your friend Affie is the High Lock Lord since he was the third person to help open the gate.”
Oss and I laughed until we had to wipe away tears. My giggles increased when I saw Hawthorne’s bewildered expression. Eventually, I got myself under control even if it took a few deep breaths before I could speak. “Sorry but the thought of Affie being any kind of lord is ridiculous.”
