Page 172 of The Wild Prince's Favorite
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Tievin said, before running off.
Shenan scoffed.
“For someone who looks so much like his father, he sure is a mama’s boy...”
“Isn’t Evin retired yet?” Kassein frowned.
“As if he would ever retire.” Shenan rolled his eyes, taking one of the cups from their sister. “No matter how much he may complain, that Imperial Intendant will work until his very last day, that’s for sure.”
“How are things in the north?” Sadara asked.
She glared at Shenan, who downed the drink in one gulp before stealing the other one to do the same.
“The usual,” Kassein shrugged, “but it won’t remain so for much longer.”
“So you really plan to conquer those damn tribes?” Shenan asked before letting out a little burp that made their sister grimace. “They’ve been an eyesore for generations. Kassian may whine about it, but you’ll be doing us a favor. No one but you gives a fuck about them.”
“It is our birthland,” Sadara frowned. “The north is... It is sad that our parents don’t live there anymore, but it was still our home for a long time. Our older siblings grew up there even longer.”
“I will take care of it,” Kassein said, feeling the weight of his promise to his sister. “The Onyx Castle will always be our home.”
“And if Kassein takes on the dirty job with the Northern tribes, Kassian will be able to focus on the damn west,” Shenan scoffed.
“What’s wrong with the west?” Kassein frowned.
Sadara slapped their brother’s arm, making him grimace and rub his bicep.
“Nothing,” she said. “All politics between here and there, but don’t worry, Kassian is working on it.”
“Should I tell Kiera to come back?” Kassein frowned.
“You’ve seen Kiera?” Both siblings looked surprised.
“She came to the north to help me,” he nodded. “I had a few issues I needed her and Lorey’s help with. As soon as I’m done with the north though, she will be free to leave.”
“Oh, it’s good to hear you’ve seen her,” Sadara smiled. “Our parents were getting worried she hadn’t stopped by in a while... although that’s our same old Kiera. Mother will turn fifty this year though, and I’m sure she would love to see her for her birthday celebration. Darsan and Cessilia are making the journey.”
“I’ll tell her,” Kassein nodded.
“That includes you too.”
He didn’t reply. The prospect of facing his entire family filled him with even more dread than confronting Kassian had. It made his throat dry, and for a second, he wished he’d downed those drinks before Shenan had. He could take Kassian being mad at him, but facing his disappointed parents was far worse, especially if all his siblings were going to be in attendance. His mother’s birthday was still months away, but the mere idea of either letting her down or showing up already felt too stressful.
“...I’m going to go back to Kassian,” Sadara announced. “He might not say it, but he could use the company right now. And you stay away from him, Shenan. Leave him alone; I’m serious.”
She had punctuated her sentence with her index finger pointed at their brother, and Shenan held up his hands, although he had quite the arrogant smirk on.
“As you wish,” he snorted.
“It was nice to catch a glimpse of you, Kassein,” she smiled again at him.
Then, she turned around, shot another warning glare at Shenan, and walked back toward the throne room. The two brothers watched until she was out of sight, and Shenan rolled his eyes, looking down at the two empty cups.
“Better I drank those than him,” he commented. “Kassian can’t appreciate alcohol anyway.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
“What isn’t?”
