Page 73 of Beyond the Darkness

“And my other two parents are more than likely angry with me since I told them to find another court to petition to join.”

“Oh Flames, really?”

“Yes. Kit doesn’t need that kind of harassment in his own home. And you know as well as I do they would not accept him. In fact, they would make it glaringly obvious just how much they refuse to accept him. I won’t have that.”

“I am so sorry. Not that it matters, but I understand your reasoning,” Torres said. “I don’t understandtheirthinking, though.”

“Neither do I, but that’s neither here nor there.”

“Will you go to the burial?”

“After how I parted ways with my other two parents? I seriously doubt I’d be invited. I don’t know, Torres. If I actually receive an invitation, we’ll see. That’s the best I can do.”

“I completely understand. My condolences.”

“Thank you.” Several of his dragons had said the same since he had informed everybody about his mother’s passing. They also knew what kind of person she was.

The fact that he did not grieve really spoke to how he felt.

As Torres left the room, Hudson couldn’t help but feel a semblance of relief mixed with excitement. The wedding bands were a small but essential element of their upcoming union, and the masquerade ball was shaping up to be an event that would be remembered for years.

Just then, Connie returned with his tablet in hand. “So, about these menu options....”

Hudson swiveled his chair around again and beckoned him over. Connie sat at the edge of the desk, flipping through digital documents.

“They’re suggesting a few theme-based dishes for the masquerade,” Connie explained, showing Hudson the screen. “There’s ‘Masked Delights,’ which are canapés shaped like different types of masks and ‘Venetian Vows,’ which includes Italian-inspired dishes for example.”

“That sounds fantastic,” Hudson interjected enthusiastically. “Let’s go with those. It ties in well with the theme and sounds delicious.”

Connie nodded and made a note on the tablet. “I’ll confirm with them then.”

“Perfect.” Hudson stood up, stretching slightly. “Sounds like everything’s coming together.”

“It does,” Connie agreed with a smile. “The end of the year is really going to be busy with the Halloween bash, the wedding, then the masquerade ball.”

“And hopefully the issue with Lennox will be resolved and we can have a honeymoon.”

“From your lips to Gaura’s ears,” Connie muttered, standing. He leaned over to peck Hudson on the cheek before heading to the door. “I’ll go get these menus sorted out.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Hudson called after him.

Left alone once more, Hudson sat and turned back to his computer to finalize details for the masquerade ball.

He found his thoughts drifting instead to quiet beaches or secluded mountain cabins where they could escape from royal duties and planning chaos—just him, Connie, and Kit against the backdrop of nature. Maybe Colorado during the winter. Kit had said he’d never been snow skiing.

Hudson opened a new tab on his computer and started researching ski resorts in Colorado. He imagined the crisp air, the snow-dusted trees, and the cozy evenings by the fire with Connie and Kit.

As he browsed, his phone buzzed with an update from Torres about the security arrangements for Connie’s parents. Everything was set. They would be safe and comfortable during their stay.

Hudson replied with a quick thanks, feeling a weight lift knowing that at least one part of their complicated lives was under control

His thoughts were interrupted by another buzz. This time, it was an email from the masquerade ball venue confirming that they had received the theme-based menu selections.

Everything was moving along nicely.

LATER THAT morning, Hudson got a text message from Torres informing him that he’d picked up Connie’s parents with no problem. That was a relief.

Not long after, Connie showed up in the office, and Hudson informed him about his parents’ arrival. After a quick lunch, they got back to work.

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