Page 24 of Ruined By His Alpha King
“Absolutely.” The ease of which the truth came from his lips satisfied him far more than he anticipated, or perhaps it was the babe at his chest. A slight but familiar eruption from the babe made Stamel wince.
He gave Lumic a side glance before sighing. “Where’s the swaddlings?”
Lumic gestured toward a bassinet by a small table, the surface lined with linen towels. Stamel didn’t glance back, for fear of receiving that self-satisfied smirk. A careful unbundling, a drop of sugar water on her tongue, and a quick swap, wipe, and bundling had the duty done as he disposed of the soiled garments in a lidded pail. The little one’s soft cries kicked up the moment she lay on his chest again, but not before she rooted around in search of a nipple.
“And that’s your papa’s territory.” Stamel handed her back and slumped into a chair as Lumic made no fuss about opening his robe and letting the child feed. Some alphas and betas found the act unseemly, but it didn’t register to Stamel as any different from an alpha shirtless, and all manner of creatures ate.
“I appreciate the apology, Stamel. Would have appreciated not having the throne, more. Are you certain I cannot abdicate to you?” Lumic whined hopefully.
“I have a different future ahead of me. We all have orders from the goddesses.” Stamel snorted and rubbed at the back of his head.
“Yours just involves plugging King Alluin’s preciousbetason.” Lumic snickered.
With an easy shrug, Stamel sat quietly, unsure of what to say. “I won’t ask your forgiveness. I only seek to apologize. Nothing can make up for what I did.”
“Consider us civil. I don’t think you’d actively try to harm me or my loved ones again, but I do agree that we shouldn’t reside in the same place. Your guilt and my mouth will eventually be the end of us.” To his credit, Lumic could be very insightful when he wished.
“I can see that.” From where he sat, staring at the floor seemed the best option. Stamel’s heart ached.
“And Seidrik kept his ass out of the font, right?” Lumic raised a brow. “Because we’re still not sure what all salusis does. And if it detoxifies or heals the right way, it may counter nightflower. That’s what Jori was saying, anyway. Then again, you’re smart enough to know to avoid a begging night.”
Stamel could honestly say he’d never been sober enough with Kimbel’s father, Tauna, to remember what a begging night was like. He’d been black-out stupid, but a trickle of dread settled in his gut at how voracious Seidrik had been after visiting the font; despite saying he’d not partaken of it.
“Oh, law’s graces,” Lumic said and winced. “He did, didn’t he?”
“He said he wanted to, but the moon stopped him.” Stamel fidgeted and cleared his throat.
“So, hesays.” Lumic sighed heavily. “Keep him on his nightflower and honeythistle and hope for the best.It’s too early to tell, but screechwasp honey can be a preventative if done before quickening…”
Stamel waved his hand at Lumic. “I trust him.”
“No, you don’t.” Lumic switched sides of his chest, letting the little one feed.
“Yeah, you’re right, but he had a genuine story after.” Stamel shrugged. “Lying to me would be a bad start to our mateship.”
“Of all people the goddess would slap you with. Him? You two deserve each other.” Lumic patted his baby’s back and stuck his tongue out.
“Yeah, the goddess said as much.” Stamel stood and stretched. “And at that, I’m out. Farewell, Brother and Niece. I will miss you, but I shall make use of the telecon and visit when I can.”
Stamel strode across the carpeted floor, eying all the details he’d overlooked in bygone days—the lack of ostentation, the plain tapestries, wall hangings, and solid-colored bedding. Lumic never wanted the fineries. He loved his freedom and simplicity. He should have seen it ages ago. He bit down his urge to apologize again.
“At least you’ve got Liaberos to look forward to usurping.” Lumic’s quiet comment made Stamel freeze in the doorway.
“Conquering, more like.” And at that, he left in search of food and his mate.
Chapter Eleven
Seidrik
Of all the things he’d long for from Croatens, the food would be the foremost thought next to his brother and the omegas he’d escorted. He sampled eagerly from many dishes that made their way around the table. Foxpepper and elderspice. Tallroot pudding with flickercane sugar instead of the vaguely sweet, mealy flavor of rhine nut.
He’d been told to expect a bit of a going away party, but the only thing that differed from their other meals had been quite a few extra guests. No extravagance had been taken. An attendant played the lute and sang, their skills moderately above that of the average tavern performer.
Pallosar clinked a fork against his goblet and stood, his face a mask of unreadable emotions. “I’ve spoken with Kershai about what we discussed earlier. Despite all that has happened, Stamel, I am proud of you. I see your exit of the kingdom as not a banishment but a new start, with the gates open to you upon your return. You have given us good reason for your actions, considering the curses we endured, and good judgment with honorable character has come to my attention. You are a noble alpha, and what’s more, a good male who gives me great pride to have born. You remind me of your Da.”
Kershai stood when Pallosar seated and smiled. He stared at Pallosar with an adoring gaze that shifted to pride when he stared Stamel down. “We’ve discussed much. Everything, really. And while I cannot say I understand, I can say that wherever your heart has led you, I approve. And if you should find your mate in Liaberos, so be it. It is as the goddesses have ordered. I, too, am proud of you. And as much of myheart as you have, I see so much of your blind stubbornness from Pallosar.”
“Kershai!” Pallosar swatted at his arm with a faux admonishment that had others laughing cordially.
