“Yes, Mother.” They again answered, before turning to take their leave.
Bread crumbs and gravy dripped down Jackson’s chin as Luther stared at the boys in obvious disgust. The table was laden with soups, rolls, spiced meats, fruits, and cheeses. Alexandria’s braid was splayed out next to Erik’s plate. He waved it around from time to time as he animatedly reported an account of their mission. Each twin took turns speaking between shoveling food into their mouths, each variation of the retelling growing more and more exaggerated. Vivian lounged in her chaise listening, allowing them to ramble on.
“You mean to tell us that in just a few weeks, you successfully tracked down and killed Alexandria?” Luther demanded.
“Of course we did. We came straight here afterwards. We found her holed up with some man that she met in Kalmia before tracking her to Brynn.” Erik snarled back.
“You tracked her to Brynn and then what? You were just able to overtake her that easily? Was she injured already?” his tone was full of skepticism.
“She was just one girl.” Jackson bristled.
“One highly trainedwomanwho is well known for her superior fighting skills and ability.”
“Well, we were better.” Erik shrugged.
Vivian, growing tired of their bickering, interceded.
“Tell us again exactly how you were able to kill her then. She obviously put up a fight.” She gestured at the stark white bandages covering their bodies.
Jackson looked to his left at Erik before tipping his chin to his chest, mumbling, “It would have been a lot faster ifhehadn’t shown up again.”
Something dark flashed across Luther’s face. “He who?” he ground out. Erik glared at his brother, obviously realizing that he had just given Luther ammunition against them.
“It doesn’t matter, he’s a nobody and likely dead by now anyway.”
Vivian went still, her body rigid with rage. “You let yourself beseen,andyou let him live!?”
The two men spluttered out feeble excuses on why he couldn’t possibly still be alive, but Vivian wasn’t having any of it.
“You let him live! You know to always secure any loose ends before you leave a scene!” Spinning towards Luther, her eyes blazing, “Andyou. You taught them to fight. Did you not bother to teach them properdisposal methods?”
“Oh no, my Queen, I taught them properly. However, I cannot control how well they listen or retain their teachings.” Luther spoke through clenched teeth.
A sharp clap came from the queen, and the twins quit their spluttering. “Regardless, what is done is done. We can only hope that you are correct in your assumptions and they are both dead. You cannot afford to be wrong.” Vivian spat. “We are done here. Take that trash and leave.” She gestured dismissively at Alexandria’s braid.
Bowing their heads, they rose from the table, Erik swiping Alex’s braid as he turned. Jackson followed his lead, shootingLuther a deadly glare, as they quietly blundered out of the room.
Vivan fell back onto her chaise, rubbing her temples vigorously. Luther moved over to sit at her feet, taking them into his lap, gently pulling off her shoes and placing them on the floor. He began massaging the arch of her right foot, allowing his fingers to trail suggestively up her calf.
“What do we do about this, Luther?” Vivian sighed as his hands worked their magic on her legs.
“We do nothing. There is no possible way to send someone to verify their deaths without drawing suspicion.” Luther murmured, his voice muffling as he placed a kiss on the top of her foot, dropping it as he reached for the other. “What we really need to be concerned about is how to explain their appearances at court today. Too many citizens saw them. Rumors will abound.”
“That will actually work in our favor.” A wicked gleam filled her eyes. “The province is under the impression that the twins were in Varon.” Luther didn’t interrupt, intent on his hands now massaging up the side of her calf. “Clearly, they were ambushed in Varon and ruthlessly attacked, unprovoked.” She purred, looking down at Luther.
Lifting his head, his eyes met hers and his hands slowly pushed up her skirts. “I’ll spread the word immediately, my Queen. The province must be informed of the vile treachery Varon inflicted on their crown princes.”
Vivian watched Luther, where he was meticulously working his way up her legs, her wicked musings showing in her smile. “Hold that thought, Luther dear. You have a more urgent need to attend to.” She let her legs fall open, grabbed his hair, and thrust his face exactly where she wanted it. He would deny his queen nothing. He set to work, pleasing her exactly how she demanded. Everything else could wait.
Chapter Thirty-Four
The Moral Dilemma
Luther
Luther watched as Tristan stalked down the hallway towards his bedchamber. The boy was up to something. His actions had been off sinceshewas caught in his bedchambers. It hadn’t officially been confirmed that the unwanted guest was the one and only Alexandria, but there was no one else it could have been. The description matched, and her singular stealth ability left no doubt in his or his queen’s mind that it had been her.
The fact that she had shown up here clearly meant that she had defied his queen’s orders and sent her silly battalion on a ruse mission. Vivian had been beyond furious. You did not defy her and live. Alexandria had sealed her own death with her contempt, forcing Vivian to send the twins after her. Though it wasn’t likely they succeeded. They were arrogant and incompetent fools. Unfortunately, he was unable to send ascout to confirm. This meant that they were once again putting their faith in the efficiency of his magical abilities. If a pregnancy had not occurred, he would likely see an early grave as well.
