Page 4 of The War is Coming

Tudor took a breath and laughed.

I saw Blake and Baylan, and yes, I am planning to spend some time with Mateo and Atticus soon. Puff looked at Gentzen. How are you doing?

“Better than you. Is your throat no better?”

It’s getting better slowly, like really slowly, but I can manage.

“I had a thought earlier about Barnabus I was going to mention it to Blake but I’ll tell him when he gets back.”

Gentzen touches his arm. “Take a breath, sire.”

Tudor did. “So I was thinking about Barnabus and what I would do if I was him do you think he would release demons from Tartarus as he knows where the secret exit is.”

Puff gasped. I never thought of that. We should probably go and see Frederick; he’ll need to warn Hades.

“Frederick was holding a training session earlier. We could start there?” Gentzen suggested.

Puff nodded and linked his arm with Tudor. How are you doing after everything that’s just happened?

“I’m still angry and sad some of our guards died and the funerals were sad I’m glad I didn’t cry though.”

“You did very well, sire,” Gentzen told him.

Tudor looked at him. “Tudor.”

“Yes, sire,” Gentzen replied, grinning.

Tudor laughed, and Puff gave a silent chuckle.

Tudor stopped laughing and looked at Puff. “How are you Puff if you don’t mind me saying you’re looking a little stressed as well.”

Puff sighed. I’m trying not to stress, but I am a little. Along with king stuff, I also have dragon lessons and school lessons. It’s a lot, you know?

Tudor nodded. “I do know well that is I keep putting off my king lessons I know I really shouldn’t but even the thought of me being king is terrifying especially with everything that happened lately but I know it needs to be done it just makes it kind of real you know?”

Puff gently tapped Tudor’s arm, and he took a breath.

“Did the coronation and crown not make it real, sire?” Gentzen asked, trying not to laugh.

“It did but I can still pretend it didn’t happen.”

By this time, they had reached the old training ground, which was situated next to the sentinel and enforcers' dormitories. It was a large area made up of a large square of grass and sawdust. From the looks of things, Frederick was having them practice hand-to-hand combat.

Puff looked and saw Mateo sparring with Battle.

“I wonder when Battle got back,” Gentzen asked generally, watching them.

Puff didn’t really take much notice of Gentzen; he was too busy watching Mateo. Look at Mateo; he looks amazing. Puff said to Tudor.

At that moment, Mateo looked over and grinned, momentarily taking his eyes off Battle, who spun and kicked him in the chest. Mateo went flying and landed on his back with an oomph.

Mateo, are you hurt? Puff asked him as they rushed closer.

Battle dropped next to Mateo. “I was expecting you to block me,” Battle said, trying not to laugh.

Mateo groaned. “I would have done, if my future mate hadn’t distracted me.”

Me? Puff queried, kneeling next to him. What did I do?