The setbacks and cancellations may have dented our plans, but not our resolve.
No one will stop us from finding the truth, not even the shitty Fae surrounding the Prince.
The rich, iron tang of blood lingers on my tongue as I lean against the cool countertop, observing Revelin’s haphazard dance with the skillet. His movements are jittery, a side effect of too much caffeine in his system, and his attempt at flipping bacon results in a greasy slapstick that would have made Tiernan cringe.
“Who taught you to handle breakfast like a clumsy teenager, Your Highness?” I chuckle, pushing off from the counter and moving closer. It’s clear this isn’t something he’s done by himself often or even ever, but it’s adorable that he’s trying so hard to do it well.
Damn these younglings and their ability to get me to give a shit.
“Hey, I’m channeling my inner culinary warrior here,” he retorts, gulping down another swig of a bubbling tonic that smells suspiciously like liquid lightning.
I gently nudge him, my hands covering his on the skillet. “Let me help you before you ruin it all.”
His cheeks color a shade that would make any rose envious, but instead of admitting defeat, he leans into me, an impish grin spreading across his face. “Careful, Dezi, or you’ll have to punish me for being such a bad boy.”
“Is that what you’re aiming for?” I raise an eyebrow, the corner of my mouth twitching upward.
“Maybe,” Revelin murmurs, his voice tinged with mischief and a hint of a desire for chaos.
Just as the eggs sizzle, Fiadh and Khol appear, their hair damp from the shower, draped in robes that cling to their forms. Khol’s typically stoic expression softens at the sight of our makeshift kitchen brigade.
“Looks like trouble found you first this time, Revelin.” Fiadh’s laughter fills the space, bright and teasing, as she eyes the mess he’s made.
“Trouble? I’d say this is more of an emergency,” Tiernan adds dryly, fully dressed and ready for whatever the day might throw at us. He surveys the scene with a practiced eye, no doubt cataloging every spilled liquid and splattered egg white.
“Ooh, count me in on the punishment committee,” Fiadh chimes, winking at the prince, who looks equal parts thrilled and terrified.
I could get behind that…
Their banter spirals, light and easy, the camaraderie that could easily unravel the focus needed for the tasks ahead.
I clear my throat, a sharp sound that cuts through the rising laughter. “Time to focus. We have a full day ahead, and breakfast is still a battlefield that needs conquering,” I say, bringing us back to the present with a firmness that brooks no argument.
Once they’re paying attention, I lean against the counter, wiping my hands on a dishtowel as the last of the sizzling fades from the skillet. The fragrant steam rises, mingling with the remnants of laughter and playful threats still hanging in the air.
“First, we discuss the plans,” I start, catching Revelin’s gaze as he pours himself another cup of coffee, His eyes, alight with the spark of mischief from our earlier antics, narrow slightly at the weight of responsibility I’m about to lay on him.
“Lay it on us, Big Fangy,” Khol smirks as he stuffs a huge bite into his mouth.
Everyone laughs, and I roll my eyes at Tiernan, who should help me corral them. He shrugs and I sigh heavily.
I will not murder my coven. I will not murder my coven…
“You have rehearsal,” I say firmly. “Your voice needs to be in top shape for the small amount of performance time they gave you. I think making them regret their poor decision to cut all your appearances and the school trip is a must.”
Revelin nods, the seriousness settling over his features like a mask he’s not entirely uncomfortable wearing. It’s a sight that has become familiar over time, this transformation from our mischievous Fae mate to professional performer. He understands the power of his craft, the delicate balance between entertainment and enchantment.
“Sir, yes, Sir,” he replies, his tone now devoid of the earlier levity. “I’ll run through the set list, focus on the new arrangements, and get Jasper and Maeve on point. Maybe I’ll even ass some new stuff no one’s heard yet to the mix.”
“Good.” I nod, satisfied. “We need them to wish they’d been less fucking asshole-ish from the second you walk on stage to help prevent the future dates on the tour from pulling this shit.”
That’s more for him than the rest of us… we all saw how crushed he was at not being able to visit the kids.
The room falls into a comfortable hush, everyone acknowledging the gravity of what lies ahead.
I turn to Tiernan, whose presence always commands a certain attention. His stature alone is a deterrent to trouble, but it’s his keen eye for detail that truly makes him invaluable. “Security arrangement for the venue is on you today.”
He nods once, sharply, his gaze already scanning out the window to the tour’s makeshift camp for potential threats. =In Arrowwood, we could split off from the rest of the crew, but the idiots here put our bus with all the other vehicles. “I’ll do a perimeter check. Make surewe’ve got eyes and ears on every angle.” There’s an unwavering certainty in his tone that bolsters my confidence.
