Page 43 of Heir

“I have a fast metabolism,” he said. “I burn it off in like twenty minutes. And I brush my teeth and go to the dentist. That’s how.” He glanced at me. “Who were you on the phone with outside?”

“The King,” I replied. “Asked of any news regarding Lerris.” I refocused my attention on Omaera. “The High Council has called a meeting for today, and it would be prudent for you to attend.”

She shook her head slightly. “Oh would it now? Would it be prudent?”

Oh, this little demoness was testing my patience. I needed to keep her happy, though. If she got angry with me, she might try to fry my brain again.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. King Howar, Queen Anysa, and King Ryden are meeting today with their advisors to discuss the situation of King Donovar’s death, and your unexpected appearance and rise to power. They also wish to discuss Donovar’s murder, and who your mother was. There has been peace in the Realm for one hundred and twenty years. Since your father and King Howar came into power. I’m sure they just want to meet you and ensure that peace will continue.”

Her nostrils flared as she stared at me. “And who would be my advisor, or advisors? You three?”

“We’re not bad choices. But typically, mates don’t attend High Council meetings,” Maxar said. “Though, with Drak being Howar’s guard and Zandren being Ryden’s son, and me just being awesome, you’ve got a good team behind you.”

She smirked at his cocky comment about himself and pushed his coffee mug to the edge of the counter so he knew it was ready. He grabbed Zandren’s for him as well.

“Or we can help you find a suitable and trustworthy advisor. A demon advisor if you wish,” Zandren added, sipping his coffee. “Whatever you need.”

From where I stood near the kitchen, I could see her mulling things over. Her features relaxed, but her eyes still remained on high alert. I accepted my coffee mug from her. I didn’t take it black, but I also didn’t want to rock the boat and ask for cream. In due time. “Howar and I wonder if perhaps your aunt, this Delia, is a spellcaster mage. Perhaps she would be a suitable advisor since you’ve known her your whole life.”

Omaera snorted and made a face. “Aunt Delia a mage? No. I’d know if she were one of your . . . kind.”

But we all shook our heads.

“Not if she was trying to protect you, keep your identity from being revealed,” I said. “Raise you as human.”

“And why would she do that?” Omaera snapped. “Why not tell me that I’m a demon? Help me with my powers so that when I come of age, or my father is killed, I’m not hit with a giant bolt of fucking lightning and nearly killing people by trying to fondue their brains?”

Gemma came back into the apartment. “Who’s fondueing brains?”

“I am, because they think Delia is a mage and kept my powers from me.” Her hand trembled as she brought her coffee mug to her mouth.

Gemma scoffed, reached the kitchen counter and accepted the mug Omaera pushed toward her. “Yeah, there’s no way Auntie D. is a mage or whatever. We’d know.”

It was easier for me to remain stoic than it was Zandren or Maxar. They both lifted their brows.

Omaera narrowed her gaze at them. “You think we’re that blind to—”

“Magical beings have co-existed with humans for centuries and you just found out last night,” Maxar pointed out, albeit gently. “We are experts at hiding who we really are. And if Delia was doing it to protect you, she’d be extra vigilant about secrecy.”

“We need to go see her. Get some answers,” Omaera said with growing impatience. She turned to her friend. “What time is your shift at the coffee shop?”

Gemma pouted. “It’s a double now because I took yesterday off to be with you. Nine to nine, I’m afraid.”

Omaera growled. “So I’m stuck with the Three Stooges all day?”

“They’re way sexier than the Three Stooges.” She sipped her coffee, smiling over the rim of her mug. “Still freaks like the Stooges, but at least they’re more fun to look at.”

“I’m going to go get dressed,” Omaera said with a sigh, taking her mug with her. “You three can . . . shower, eat, or whatever. Just don’t make a mess.” She disappeared into her bedroom, making sure we all heard that deadbolt flick closed.

“Do me a favor, boys,” Gemma said. “Try not to piss her off, okay? Nobody needs flambéed brains, hmm?” She grabbed a yogurt out of the fridge, along with a banana off the counter, then took her breakfast and coffee into her room, shutting the door.

That left the three of us in the living room together again.

The bear, the mage, and me.

“Dibs on the shower,” Maxar said, jumping up from where he sat and taking his empty coffee mug to the sink.

I rolled my eyes.

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