Page 131 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Sylvana!”Riordan called out telepathically.

“Darling, what’s wrong?”

“Come get your goddamn puppy.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m in the chancery with the Guild.”

“I’ll be down shortly.”

“Sylvana—”

“Okay. I’m coming right now.”She chuckled.

Riordan picked up the puppy, carried it over to Nicolai, and set it in his lap. “Since you are so amused, you can hold him until Sylvana gets here.”

Riordan waved his hand at Astaroth. “What were you trying to fucking say?”

“I’m—I’m not sure,” he stuttered through his laughter.

“Darling, I’m outside the door,”Sylvana said.

“Come in, love.”

“I’m not going in there. Bring him to me,”Sylvana protested.

“I should have stayed in fucking bed,” Riordan rumbled. He opened the door, placed one arm behind his back, gave Sylvana a slight bow, and waved his opposite hand toward the chancery.

“Rio, I’m not going in there,” she whispered.

Nicolai and Kieran moved behind her and walked forward, forcing her to enter the

room.“You two, stop,”she demanded telepathically.

They chuckled and kept ushering her forward.

“Milords,” she stated nervously, along with a curtsey.

They immediately stood, placed one arm behind their back, their fists over their hearts, and nodded politely. “Milady,” they replied.

“I would like to introduce you to our mate, Sylvana Phaidra Ascelin-Acheron,” Riordan said.

“It is good to meet you, milady,” Astaroth said, as he walked over and kissed the back of her hand.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you as well,” she replied, in a shaky voice.

“If there is ever anything you need, we are at your service, milady,” he offered.

“Thank you.” She looked down when she felt the flush in her cheeks.

Nicolai then handed her the puppy. “Rio is driving Riordan crazy.” He winked.

“I should go now,”she replied telepathically.

“Are you ready for us to make the announcement?” Riordan asked aloud.

“As best as I can be.”

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