Page 89 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

“Can’t we cancel? Shouldn’t you just go to bed?”

“No. It’s custom to gather when family returns, and I can’t come home without facing my betrothed. If I didn’t see him today, it would be a grave insult to his family.”

“Can’t they be told you’re ill?”

She shook her head. “I have an hour. I can rest before we have to go.”

I was going to end up killing every fucking fae in this kingdom if they didn’t let Kiera get some rest. I’d foolishly thought this trip would be a respite from the pressures of her work, but the pressures were even greater here, and it wasn’t even work. It was fucking politics and family obligations.

Regardless of my opinions, the time came and we were at Gran’s door.

“Are you ready for this?” Kiera asked me.

“No. Should I be?” I hadn’t even thought of asking her what to mentally prepare for.

Gran pulled open the door and, shockingly, pulled me into a hug. “May the Goddess protect you in this house of hostile healers, dragon.”

“Hostile? Do I need protection?” I glanced between them, but Gran giggled and pulled me inside without answering my question.

THIRTY-SIX

KIERA

“Is she joking?” Jaxus asked in mind speech as Gran guided him to the place of honor at the head of the table. That used to be reserved for her husband and now was only given to my father when he visited or only the most special guests.

“She often jokes, jests, and pokes fun at but never promises that which she does not mean.”I tucked one leg under myself as I sunk into a cushion. The nostalgia hit me in the chest. I’d blocked out how much I’d missed this place. Just to sit at Gran’s table again provided such a comfort.

“Do healers like to speak in riddles?”Jaxus’ golden eyes bore into the side of my cheek, and I cast him a glance.“What did she mean by hostile?”

“She was exaggerating. No one wishes you any harm.”I didn’t want to scare him. Healers were more bark than bite, like dragons were.

Jaxus gave me a pointed look.“I’ll have to win them over then.”His attitude was precious, and I didn’t want to dash it.

The rest of the guests filtered in while we bantered back and forth in our minds, leaving only Casimir absent.

Jaxus and I kept our private back and forth going between polite conversation with Gran’s sister, Casimir’s parents, and his older brother, Ziven.

“As Gran said, healers only like our own, and there is no changing it.”

“I seemed to have changed your mind quite well.”His mind voice curled around me, alluring with the promises of more.

“May the Goddess favor you.” I gave him a playful smile while he narrowed his eyes.

But before he could speak, Casimir strolled in.

“Pardon me. I got stuck in surgery.” He tipped his head at Gran and then turned to do the same to the other head of the table, but he stopped short, a growl of sorts coming from his throat in response to finding Jaxus in the honored position. It was nothing like the animal sound that Jaxus could create when he was riled.

“And who do we have the pleasure of as our honored guest this evening?” Casimir knew, but he wouldn’t say so.

“This is Kiera’s flyer. I’m sure you heard the news.” Amusement played in Gran’s voice.

Casimir assessed Jaxus in a cold and calculating manner before he offered his hand. Jaxus stood and took it, and they looked like two roosters placed in a ring to fight. Both puffed up and assessing each other.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Casimir said at length.

“Likewise.”

It took far too long for them to release each other and take their seats—Casimir with his next to mine, eliciting a sneer from Jaxus.

---