King Raphael glowers so intensely at Saxon that his eyes flash red. Holy shit. Now that he’s been restored to his former self and looks like a man in his mid-twenties, he’s even more terrifying. And I thought Lucca was scary. He looks like a small puppy next to his uncle.
“He’s been tortured by Queen Maewe for centuries, boy. Long before you were even born,” the king grits out.
Saxon sinks into the couch, looking like a chastised child now. “Sorry.”
Adrian runs his fingers through his long hair. “I’m really sorry I don’t have the Magna Vis. But I will return to Ellnesari and won’t rest until I find it.”
“Why did you come here and not stay behind to look for it?” Rikkon asks.
Adrian glances at King Raphael, and is it me, or is his stare loaded?
“I’m not sure,” he replies.
Aurora, who’s sitting next me, leans closer and whispers, “I’m getting a vibe that something is going on between Adrian and the king.”
Normally, all the vampires in the room would have been able to hear her comment, but Aurora used a simple spell to keep her words private.
“I’m definitely getting a vibe,” I reply.
The king stands. “It’s late. Everyone should rest. There’s much to be done and to prepare before our trip. I expect training to resume to normal, Ronan.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Where’s Adrian going to stay?” Lucca asks.
King Raphael answers without missing a beat. “With me.”
Adrian blushes all the way to seven kingdoms, then swallows hard. His mind might not remember anything about the past, but maybe his heart still does.
Aurora reaches for my arm and squeezes. I don’t glance at her, though. I just watch the king and Adrian leave together.
No sooner are they gone than Saxon opens his piehole. “Lucca, I think you’re getting a new uncle.”
Lucca furrows his brow. “What are you talking about?”
“Really? You didn’t notice?” I turn to him.
“Notice what?”
Baby Rio wakes up from his nap and makes sure everyone knows.
“Oh boy. I think someone is hungry.” Ronan smiles.
“He’s always hungry,” Ollie, the little girl on Ronan’s lap, replies.
“What do baby vampires eat?” Vaughn asks.
Cheryl gives him a droll stare. “What do you think? Blood.”
“I’m hungry too,” Ollie says.
“All right, let’s find some food.” Ronan and Cheryl stand up and head for the kitchen.
Seeing them with those youngsters makes me think about my baby. Will he or she be more Nightingale or vampire?
Lucca touches my chin. “A penny for your thoughts?”
I shake my head, not wanting to discuss what’s on my mind in front of everyone. “It’s nothing. Just tired.”
