Page 100 of From Frost to Flame

Epilogue

Silas stood alone inhis throne room, looking down at the marble table where his pack usually sat. He mumbled as his eyes danced over a large parchment map of Orion. Traveling to check in on repairs after the fae and his mother’s invasion was necessary. However, for Lex’s comfort, Silas was only willing to observe the progress after nightfall. Planning out the logistics was proving difficult but not impossible. He had concerns about the territories that were less than pleased with his continued rule, but hoped a visit would win them over. His six tentacles, now ever present, curled behind him like a restless octopus crossing the ocean floor.

A knock on the heavy double doors broke his concentration and he realized he had worked through the day again. a common occurrence in recent weeks as Orion recovered. The rays of the setting sun flowed through arched cathedral style windows that lined the upper third of the walls and it washed the marble floor and table in a rosy golden light. The ceiling that emulated the night sky steadily brightened as its stars ignited.

Vega came sauntering in the throne room alone. “I can’t believe you’re still here. Have youeaten today?”

“You know, when I assigned you toLex, I expected you to actually watch over him.” His tentacles curled inward like angry vipers. “Where is he?”

He had assigned Vega as Lex’s guard after a long conversation about their shared kiss. He concluded it was mostly brought on by jealousy and a want for attention by both parties, so he trusted there would be no issue.

“Will you relax? You’re making it frigid in here.” Vega laughed as he came closer. “If you must know, the princess dismissed me. My final assignment of the day is to tell you that you aren’t serving your queen effectively in the bedroom.”

“Do you two just sit and gossip about me all day?” he asked, turning his attention back to the map.

“Honestly? Kind of,” Vega said as he peeked over his shoulder curiously. “That, or we chat about art. I’m going to teach him how I do the pack’s tattoos in the coming weeks.”

“You two becoming friends will be the death of me. In the future, I dismiss you, not him.” He rolled up the map and tapped Vega playfully on the head with it. “You know how Lex tends to get himself into trouble.”

“Silas, all he does is read or paint if he’s not asleep. Even when his family is around, they just snuggle in bed and talk. He’s the easiest post I’ve ever had.”

“I know that, but I get nervous after what he’s been through.” As he walked toward the door, his tentacles wilted with embarrassment. “Humor me and stick by him. Please? And make sure you’re packed for our trip.”

“Yes, yes, whatever. Now, go enjoy your queen. I think he has plans for you, judging by how much he fussed over his appearance before I left.”

Silas left Vega and made his way through the castle toward their suite. He paused momentarily when he caught a glimpse of a giggly Julian and Mora dragging his brother into a study. Ultimately, he decided it wasn’t his business and pretended not to notice as he passed by the locking door.

Finally, he made it to their quiet suite at the back of the castle. All their heavy cerulean velvet curtains were drawn, and the suite had a warm glow from thecandles scattered throughout. “Lex?”

“In bed,” he called cheerily.

“Unlike you to still be in bed at sunset.” He came around the corner and saw Lex lounging on the black satin blankets wearing a silky cerulean robe. On top of his neat dreadlocks, decorated with small white flowers, rested his crown made of twisted silver branches. Each branch was dotted with jasmine flowers made of sapphire stones that twinkled in the candlelight. “And it’s unlike you to wear your crown and little else.”

“Vega’s idea. He suggested you’d enjoy it.” He crawled to the end of the bed and sat on his knees. “Do you like it?” he asked with a coquettish grin.

“I love it.” He cupped Lex’s cheek and caressed it with his thumb. Lex peered up at him as he leaned into the touch and Silas melted.Every day, he’s more breathtaking.“The way you’re sitting tells me you already know you’re in trouble.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Don’t play coy with me,” he scolded. “What did I say about dismissing Vega before I get back? It’s not safe.”

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