Page 99 of Royal Rising

I laugh. I love my brothers because they are my brothers, but I always like them as my friends. “Are you happy?” I ask and Odin’s grin widens.

“I am. Married life is pretty good so far.”

“Married life, or being married to Camille?”

“Well, Camille.” He drops his head, suddenly shy.

How do you know?I really want to ask how Odin knew it would work with Camille. What gave him the courage to make such a commitment?

But I don’t ask him any of that, because while Odin is married, I’m still the big brother and I’m not about to admit I don’t know everything.

I’ve got an image to protect.

“It was good seeing Edie this morning, under the circumstances,” Odin continues. “Camille really likes her.”

“So do I.”

Odin studies me, his expression showing a lack of emotion that I wish I could copy. “Is she on board?”

“I have no idea. I hope so.”

“It’s a big step,” he says. “It’s better to figure the personal stuff out now.”

“That’s what Dad said.”

“Dad.” Odin toys with a fork. “I really wish I’d been here. If things hadn’t gone well—”

“No sense thinking about that.” I get to my feet, towering over Odin still seated. “And there’s no sense to apologize to me. I want you happy, little brother.”

Odin stands, only a half inch or so shorter than me. “Not so little.”

I slap him on the shoulder. “We should get Gunny in here then,”

Odin laughs and then he hugs me. Hard.

I let him because I could use the hug too.

35

Edie

After I drop offOdin and Camille at the hospital, I head home to crash for a few hours. Then it’s time to open the bar.

I don’t expect to see Kalle much today. From what they talked about last night, he’ll be doing royal duties for the next few days while King Magnus recovers.

And he will recover.

When I unlock the door at one o’clock, I have a feeling that the rush of the last few days will ease off as people will take advantage of the post-storm summer day.

Days like this are why I told Kalle we need to have a patio.

But it will be nice to have a few minutes by myself. I’ll be able to send out the beer and food orders, give Tyler a lesson on bookkeeping, and listen to Bethie tell me about the new guy she’s dating.

But when I switch on one of the televisions, all of that is forgotten.

Kalle is on TV.

“…the family would like to thank all the doctors, and especially the nurses who watched over Dad, checked in with him hourly,and had to endure his attempts at humour while coming out of anesthesia,” Kalle says.

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