Hendrix chuckled, “Because Aubrielle beat her ass.” I grinned, “Well, my sister is quite the fighter.” Which I was damned proud of. Milana grumbled, “But I had to be NICE to her because Cayden was with her. Then when it all went down and everyone saw her for the scum she is Aubrielle found her in the street screaming about how she didn’t mean to cheat on you first. The universe really is out to get me. So I’m so excited about this news.” She squealed, “You like Duchess Cassie Conners!”
I quickly looked around nearly yelling, “SHHHH!” She waved, “No one is around. Gosh, you should’ve seen Cora’s face the first time someone said you’d be cute with the Duchess.” I asked, “She knew? She never said anything. Are you sure? She accused me of looking at a lot of girls. I would imagine she’d have practically written a novel about that rumor.”
Hendrix chimed in, “She got mad at you thinking you liked other girls too. There was even a dude once even though you aren’t warm for the male form.” Yeah, she’d even accused me of wanting Milana at one point. I could not believe that I dealt with Cora’s bullshit at all let alone after that.
Milana sighed, “You guys don’t know anything about women. Like it’s sad how little you know. Yes, Cora has known forever that people think the Duchess and Cayden would be adorable together. She screamed and cried that she was his girlfriend when someone mentioned he would make sense as her mate.”
I asked, “When did someone say that?” She answered, “Years ago. Cayden, people have been talking about this since she was born. Her mom babysat you and you’re three years older than Duchess Cassie. You’re not related to her, and the realm desperately wants her to live here. You are the most likely candidate everyone hangs their hat on for that to happen. I even have a theory about why she’s living in Faerie right now.”
I asked, “What’s the theory?” Hendrix said, “Now you’ve done it. Her theories have theories man.” Milana rolled her eyes, “She hasn’t set up a time to live here yet, but everyone says she’s going to Faerie because she wants immerse herself in all sides of her. She grew up in her pack for her wolf side, so she’s living in Faerie for a time for her Fairy side. Yet former King Titus hasn’t thrown a parade about her stint of living here yet.”
I frowned, “That’s not a good thing like your facial expression suggests. She hasn’t made plans to stay here then.” Milana asked, “But why? Could it be because she thinks she’ll live here permanently? I think so. Maybe her intuition leads her to know that her mate is here. Maybe I’m looking at him.” She’d better be or I’d make his life hell in workouts.
I shook my head, “Don’t be silly.” She asked, “What’s silly about it? Prince Alpha Eric likes you and we all know he’ll be insane about her mate. Same with King Bjourn and Former King Titus. King Bjourn is your uncle, so he’d be thrilled along with the rest of the Princes. Come on the stars align if it’s you two.”
I liked the sound of that more than I wanted to admit. I said, “Aesir’s path for me will be revealed in his timing.” She grinned, “But you’d be happy if it was her.” I snorted, “I’d like to meet her. Even if she’s not mine, I do want to ask her out.” Milana grinned and nudged Hendrix.
He groaned, “Yeah, I know.” I asked, “What?” Hendrix answered, “You’re basically mated to the Duchess in her head. I’ll hear about this until the end of time. You need to meet the Duchess tomorrow to confirm or deny. Honestly, both will be bad for me. She’ll pout if she’s wrong but if she’s right she’ll remind me forever.”
Milana yelled, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH BOYS! If I’m right, then your friend gets to be mated and happy like we are.” I laughed. Hendrix nodded, “I want him to be happy, but his mate might not be the Duchess.” She huffed, “I cannot believe I have to have this conversation with two people that have their heads up their asses. I can’t even repeat it to my friends because Cayden doesn’t want anyone to know he’s intrigued.”
She paused the squealed, “Can I tell Cora? PUHLEASE!” I snorted, “No.” She groaned, “Can I hint at it? It would make me insanely happy.” Hendrix shot me a pleading look. I agreed, “Fine. You can hint at it around her. Just make sure no one jumps on the train that I like the Duchess.” She groaned, “Why not?” I said, “Because at this point, I just want to meet her and ask her out.” Hendrix snorted and I shot him a look.
Milana yelled, “AH HA! That tells me it’s more. Plus, I heard the word crush. Is that why you don’t ever hook up? Because of the Duchess? You know she doesn’t really do more than date around. Well, I heard she made out with that Beta wolf. What is his name?” She tapped her chin.
I grunted, “Jason McAlister.” She cackled, “I knew it! You know his name.” I made a face. She squealed, “OH MY GOD! You are jealous.” I looked at Hendrix. He shrugged, “She knew his name before you said it.” Milana grinned, “I did but you knowing it tells me a lot.” I pointed out, “I hang out with EJ and Alexander. Jason is Alexander’s best friend.” She grinned, “Yes, but Duke Alexander calls him Jase. You called him Jason. Plus, you shouldn’t be jealous of Jason because he’s friend with Alexnader. You’re jealous he made out with our Duchess.” I did not care for the fact that she was right.
I sighed, “You’re impossible.” She squealed, “But I’m also right. Is that why? That’s so cute.” I said, “I don’t feel the urge to be with anyone. Honestly, my first and only experience wasn’t great. Cora was definitely more into sex with Eagan from what I saw. Which is fine, but now women approach me interested in having a child. I only want to have children with my mate. I’m busy preparing to take my position in the realm anyway. I can’t afford distractions. That currently feels like anyone but my mate.”
Milana nodded, “I could see that. I’m sorry that’s how people feel about you.” I shrugged, “It comes with the position. Plenty of people want their child to be the next Commander. My dad dealt with it and still does.” They both looked sad for me, but I didn’t feel that bad about it. It might sound sad to other people, but I grew up expecting it. We talked for a bit longer before I left.
I jogged back to my place to take a quick shower. Mine was still in the process of being built. I dressed quickly and decided to run up to the castle and see if I could find Aunt Astrid. On my way there awoman walked up to me. She asked, “Hey there handsome, wanna join me in the orgy?” I didn’t realize there was one.
I declined, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m trying to get up to see my aunt.” I saw a friend of mine and pointed him out. I said, “Silas would probably be more than down to join you. You’re very much his type.” She giggled and skipped over to him. I waited there for a second. She pointed to me, and he looked up. He waved, “Hey man, thanks! I didn’t know you were back.” I laughed, “For a little bit anyway.” He snorted, “Stick around on occasion. We miss you.” I waved again before they headed off.
I jogged away and made my way to my aunt’s office. Her secretary saw me first. I greeted, “Hey, Celeste.” She greeted me warmly, “Cayden, how are you?” I answered, “Just fine. I was wondering if my aunt was free.” She told me, “She always is for you.” She let me in her office.
Aunt Astrid looked up and smiled, “You just missed Haley. You might have cheered her up.” I asked, “What’s wrong with her?” She winked, “Mom stuff.” I knew that meant she wasn’t going to tell me. I hugged her, “How are you?” My Aunt was now the official Queen and pregnant again. She admitted, “I wasn’t planning to be pregnant at the start of my official Queen appointment, but life is what it is.” She rubbed her belly.
I said, “I heard it was a Fairy deal thing.” She laughed, “Foxilotle’s. I have to admit I’m grateful to them. It’s too bad we don’t have any here.” I pointed out, “We have caves.” She shrugged, “But they don’t live here. They are indigenous to Faerie.” I’d bet they could live here though. We caught up for a few hours before I left.
Now, I went in search of my Uncle Bjourn. I found him with my cousin Louis. I smiled greeting, “Hey, Louis. I didn’t know you were back.” He laughed, “I have to help coral the menacing triplets. They cause chaos in my wake, and I speak their language.” Bjourn snorted, “Because the four of you are pyromaniacs.” Louis winked, “Yet I am a fireman.” Uncle Bjourn replied, “Because….” He trailed off. Louis winked, “Because I love fire, daddio.”
Uncle Bjourn shook his head. Louis laughed, “I’m off to find my group of protégés.” I waved, “Good to see you.” He replied, “Likewise, cousin.” He closed the door on his way out. Uncle Bjourn asked, “Are you here for your next assignment? Because it’s not quite ready but it will be in a few days.”
I laughed, “Actually, I came to give you an idea.” He asked, “Oh?” I nodded, “Yup. Aunt Astrid would like some foxilotle’s in this realm.” Uncle Bjourn laughed, “They are odd animals. They love the adoration people give them, but they only come out of those caves once a year.” I repeated, “We have caves and Aunt Astrid would be happy if they lived here.”
He groaned, “Now, I have to call the Fairy King and ask.” He called him while I sat there. He put it on speaker. King Aiden answered, “Bjourn, for the millionth time she’s fine. You’ve called SO MUCH today.” I forced my heart not to react. Thank god I had a lot of training. Why wouldn’t Cassie be fine?
Uncle Bjourn said, “As I have told you she feels odd in the bond.” What? Why? My dad was picking up on my distress as was my mom. King Aiden said, “I’ve seen her. She’s with Bea and Aiylee. There are guards with them, which annoy them greatly. They are researching something.”
I chimed in, “I thought Duchess Beagan didn’t like to study. She finds it boring.” Uncle Bjourn grinned. King Aiden asked, “How do you know that?” I answered, “Alexander and EJ are my friends.” They didn’t tell me that, but it was still true. Fairies weren’t the only ones who could be evasive. King Aiden chuckled, “I see. That is the voice of Cayden Crawford, yes?” I answered, “It is.”
He sighed, “Great. Now, the future Commander is calling with you. Honestly Bjourn, she’s fine. Your guards have told you she’s fine. It’s fine. I cannot say that word again. Please don’t make me. It’s grown entirely too tedious.” I wanted to laugh but I was a little worried my Duchess was upset. Whoa. My Duchess? Where did that thought come from? The possessiveness I felt behind that emotion was odd and I wasn’t going to focus on it. Especially since my parents were.
Uncle Bjourn said, “I was actually calling for a different reason.” King Aiden sighed in relief, “Thank all the gods and goddesses. You know I hate being bored.” Uncle Bjourn rolled his eyes, “Sadly, I know you all too well. Can Foxilotle’s live outside of Faerie?”
King Aiden answered, “Of course they can, they just don’t.” Uncle Bjourn sighed, “So, you could let me have some for the caves around here?” King Aiden popped into his office. He grinned, “I would haveto observe the grounds you are choosing with my sister.” He studied me before greeting, “Hello.” I waved, “My work here is done.”
