Page 8 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

Mag clears his throat. “Sounds to me like Astronia has no need of a second-born prince,” he growls.

Leo glances from the unicorn shifter to the gargoyle and holds up his hands. “My apologies. I didn’t realize… I meant no offense. The lovely Blossom is with the clearly capable…?”

“Mag,” he grunts.

“Mag. A pleasure to meet you, and I mean that. I don’t know what circumstances brought you all together, but if you had a hand in bringing my brother home, then I’m grateful.”

“Someone had to watch his back,” Mag says with a shrug.

“Then I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I wasn’t there, and you kept him safe. That means everything.” Leo clasps Mag’s hand, and I watch as the gargoyle relaxes a bit.

Aries leans down close to my ear. “Mag has always reminded me of Leo,” he whispers in my ear. “I knew that either meant they would be the best of friends or mortal enemies.”

“Let’s hope for friendship,” I whisper back.

He grins.

I can sense his elation through our bond. He’s glad to be home even if it means facing the danger at his doorstep.

The queen returns, her heels clicking over the marble floors. She looks every inch a queen, too. Her gown is a mix of the Medieval and Regency eras. It’s beautiful, but it’s not something I would’ve ever thought to wear even as a Halloween costume. Will I have to wear something like that flamingo woman did when Aries and I get married?

“Here we are,” the queen says as she bends down and hands a basket filled with cookies and biscuits to Zed and Ned. “I thought you might like a little treat to tide you over until dinner.”

The gnomes all chatter and cheer for the unexpected food. I watch with amusement, knowing full well that woman just sealed her place in their hearts forever.

“It’s not exactly Sour Patch, but it’s pretty good,” Zed comments around a mouthful of cookie.

“What is a sour patch?” the queen asks.

Blossom and Mag both grin.

“A sugary substance with a sourness that will make your lips pucker,” Aries explains.

“And this is considered tasty?” the queen asks, blinking.

Blossom snorts. “It is to them.”

“I apologize. I didn’t get your name,” the queen says to her.

Blossom straightens, her smile suddenly gone. “I’m Blossom; this is Mag,” she says, hooking her thumb at the gargoyle.

“I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” the queen says.

The gnomes all finish their treat and shove at each other as they go back for seconds. The queen snatches the basket only to realize it’s already empty.

“My goodness,” she says. “You must have been starving. Did they not feed you in your own lands?”

“Not nearly enough,” Ted says, batting his eyes at the queen and stealing pointed glances at me.

I shake my head, not willing to take the bait.

“Come with me, and I’ll get you something more while we wait,” she tells them patiently. “Dinner will be ready shortly, and then we can talk more,” she says to the rest of us before leading the gnomes out.

When they’re gone, Aries wraps his arm around me, and I lean against him, drawing strength from him. I need him to ground me because, if not, I’m afraid I’ll fall apart.

Leo, Mag, and Blossom have shifted to the side, talking and laughing quietly. Bingo has wandered closer, sniffing at Leo, who pats his head and then laughs at something Mag said. When he moves his hand away, Bingo growls, and Leo laughs again and scratches behind Bingo’s ear.

Aries nudges me. “How are you holding up?”

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