“Enough about the horses.” Faith darted a look at the door. “Dad’s coming.”
“Kate, I’ve never seen you move so fast.” Dralion’s Prince Alexo Wincrest, crossed the gleaming black and white diagonal tiles. He strode toward us in inky dress pants, shirt and tailored jacket. Even his tie was as dark as the rest of his clothing. He wrapped an arm around Kate’s waist. “You didn’t wait for me.”
She smiled at him. “Faith said Silvie was here. I haven’t seen her in so long.”
His penetrating violet gaze clashed with mine. “I watched you and Faith as children through my forethought. Remain as loyal to my daughter as you always have, and we’ll never have an issue.”
I leaned against Guy, his solid support unwavering. “I’ll remain loyal to both your daughters, as they have with me. And as I now do with my mate.” I wouldn’t let Alexo Wincrest get to me. I had to remain strong tonight. Faith and Hope were depending on me.
“Your enchanter will keep an eye on you.” Alexo tipped his blond head toward Guy. “Correct?”
“She’ll go nowhere without me.” Guy tightened his hand on my hip. “She holds my heart as deeply as she holds the other half of my soul.”
“Yes, Guy. We live for our mated one.” Alexo brushed a kiss against Kate’s cheek. “I fully agree.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Nicolas comes.”
The healer, suited in black, walked through the doors toward Faith. He lifted her hand and kissed it with a flourish. “Hello, my beauty.”
“Are you still sure? I understand if you want to back—”
“I’m sure, Faith. I sense the bond between mates because of its undeniable strength. That shouldn’t be taken away, not even because of whom you’ve chosen.”
“You’re amazing.”
Alexo gripped Nicolas’s shoulder. “Your loyalty goes without question, as does my gratitude to both you and Maslin. I don’t exactly care for whom my daughters are mated to, but I would never take their choices from them as Donaldo did with me. The bond is too precious.”
Kate gasped. “Shh, here comes Donaldo.”
Chandeliers dripping in fine crystal swayed as Wincrest and the leading eight filed in. Killian and Abelard’s gazes shot toward Faith and Hope. Their lips twisted as Nicolas and Maslin stepped in front of the girls and made a very obvious stand.
Killian marched toward Faith, and Nicolas countered his move until the two stood chest to chest. One fire-breathing dragon tattoo curled up Killian’s neck, just visible above his black collar. “What are you doing, Nicolas?” Killian sneered.
“I don’t care for your request to court Faith.” He slanted his head toward Donaldo. “Your Majesty, Faith and I have been dating, although we haven’t spoken of it. It’s a fairly new relationship.”
Abelard shoved through and heaved in front of Maslin. His single spiked piercing glinted, as did the two swords at his side he slapped his palms over. “Back off. Hope is mine to court.”
“You’ve not been given our liege’s permission, and Hope and I have been being seeing each other for months. Make no mistake, she’s mine and no one else’s.”
“It’s my decision who will court my granddaughters.” Wincrest jerked on the gold cufflinks at his wrists, his imposing height dominating as greatly as his presence. “This is not the right time. Everyone may be seated.”
“Yes, I agree.” Alexo directed Killian and Abelard to their seats, separating them from the girls, who sat beside Nicolas and Maslin.
Guy steered me toward the chair next to Faith. He opened our link. “I’ll be right across the table from you.” The place settings were named. I didn’t want him that far away, not that I had a choice.
I met his gaze as he took his seat. “Do you think Nicolas and Maslin are up to this?”
“So much is at stake. Alexo has made it known the girls were born tangled together, arms and legs holding onto each other when the doctor performed the caesarian and delivered them. Neither is the eldest. Both Faith and Hope hold equal positions in line to the throne. Donaldo will want the strongest warriors making a match with them. Two slayers against a healer and one with the water skill.” He sighed down our link. “I don’t know which way it’ll go.”
Wincrest sat in his throne-like chair at the head of the table, his night-shaded silk shirt a glimmering backdrop for his devious violet eyes. Alexo took the seat to Wincrest’s right, Goldie to his left. If Davio and Silas knew where I was right now they’d freak. And if Wincrest ever learnt I was the prince of Peacio’s cousin, my life would be forfeit. Out in the blink of an eye.
Faith, at my side, passed me my knife and fork. “Eat your starter, and tamp down your thoughts. You’re broadcasting them to me in a deluge, and I’m already on edge as it is.”