As if he needed a reason to.
He had no doubt that she was behind what had happened to Twig and his two siblings.They could’ve died, and Pearl wouldn’t have cared.If she had, she wouldn’t have poisoned them to begin with.She might not have been trying to kill them, but she could have, and yet, that hadn’t stopped her.
But Palmer’s thoughts kept drifting to the almost kiss.He’d wanted to kiss Rune.Rune had wanted to kiss him.The mood had been ruined after Pearl and Evard left, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t find it again.
Because Palmer wanted Rune.How could he not?Rune was sweet and caring.He was smart.He knew his limits, but he didn’t hesitate to push past them.He was protective of the people he loved, and for some reason, that included Palmer.He was also a gorgeous dragon.What more could Palmer want?
Things would be much easier if they were both dragons or both humans.Palmer had never been in a relationship with a dragon, especially not one who was related to the king.He wasn’t quite sure how to navigate it.
But the man he was having coffee with did.In fact, he would know perfectly well everything Palmer was going through.He was married to the king, after all.
Palmer looked at Hedley.The man was relaxing in his chair, but he looked tired, which wasn’t a surprise with two babies.Palmer had been surprised when he’d realized that while the babies had nannies, they spent most of their time with their fathers.Hedley and Killian wanted to do as much themselves as they could, and they were, no matter how tired they were.Palmer admired that.
This was a rare moment of freedom for Hedley, and he seemed to be taking advantage of it.Palmer wasn’t sure he should interrupt that with his concerns, but he didn’t have anyone else to ask.His brother was here, but he wasn’t in a relationship with a dragon.Maybe he could talk to Aaron, but he was closer to Hedley.That still surprised him, considering that Hedley was the king’s consort, but Hedley had asked him to get coffee together.That meant he wanted to talk, right?
“What’s on your mind?”Hedley asked without looking up from his coffee.
Palmer chuckled.“That obvious?”
“I swear I can see smoke coming out of your ears.Come on, tell me.I’m dying for some adult conversation.”
“I’m sure you have plenty of that with Killian.”
“I do, but it’s not the same.He’s my partner.You’re my friend.When Killian and I talk, it’s mostly about our problems.I want to hear about yours.”
“Why would you want to hear about my problems?”
“Because unless they involve Pearl, they’re going to be normal problems.They won’t be life or death, and I desperately need that.”
Palmer huffed.Well, he’d been thinking about talking to Hedley.“It’s Rune.”
Hedley gestured at Palmer to continue.“I’m hoping that the problem isn’t that Rune is giving you trouble.”
“In a way, he is, but it’s the best kind of trouble.”Luckily, they were in Hedley and Killian’s private quarters, so no one could overhear their conversation.Palmer could be honest.He didn’t have to hide anything.“It’s just that he’s a dragon, but I don’t care about that.It’s more about who he is.He’s Killian’s brother.He’sPearl’sbrother.”
Hedley nodded.“I get it.I want to promise that Pearl won’t be a problem for much longer, but unfortunately, I can’t.I don’t think that should stop you and Rune from being together, though.”
“Pearl isn’t the only dragon who won’t be happy if we are, though.”
“You’re right.Some people will have something to say about it, both dragons and humans.Do you really care, though?Isn’t the only thing that matters what you and Rune want and think?”
“I just don’t want him to have to give up things because of me.”
“Give up what?Killian didn’t have to give up his throne for me.What would Rune have to give up for you?Besides, I’m pretty sure that he’d do it willingly if it was for you.The way he looks at you makes it obvious.”
Palmer shook his head.“You’re the second person to tell me that.”
“Well, I don’t know who the other person was, but they’re right.There’s something between the two of you.It’s obvious to anyone who sees you together, including Pearl or whoever else isn’t happy about dragon and human relationships.I understand why you’re wary, but even though Rune is Killian’s brother, people treat him the way they would treat anyone but Killian.”Hedley chuckled.“They have so many siblings that people don’t really care.I think that as long as Rune doesn’t try to become king, most people won’t have anything to say about your relationship.Like I said, even if they do, who cares?I know that Killian supports it, and he’s the only one who could possibly try to stop you.Well, and yourself.”He leaned closer.“I understand being afraid.This could be the best thing that ever happened to you, though.Your life changed completely when you moved into the palace.If you don’t want to date a dragon, you’re going to have to leave, and I know you don’t want to do that.”
Palmer laughed.“You’re telling me I need to date Rune because otherwise I’m going to be alone for the rest of my life?”
“Not for the rest of your life, no.But with Rune, you can have everything you want.You can have a relationship, the job you love, and you’d be able to stay here.Besides, I don’t think any of that matters because you want Rune, and that’s that.Why should you give him up?Why shouldn’t you see where it goes?You shouldn’t miss out on this kind of love.”
“I never said it was love.”
Hedley grinned.“No, but you also didn’t say that it’s not.”
* * * *
