Page 9 of The Night Prince 2

“Because I feel naked without it.” He shrugged.

“Well, you look snazzy, too. We’ll make quite the pair.” She looped an arm through his.

He grinned down at her. “Let’s–”

There was a soft chime. Both of them gazed into the hallway that led to the front door.

“Looks like we’ve got a visitor!” Gemma grinned. “I wonder who it is.”

Finley had no idea. Gemma yanked him after her–once again he nearly spilled his tea–as she went down the hallway to the front door and threw it open. Who he saw standing there was the last person on Earth he would have expected.

“Good morning!” Rhalyf greeted them and actually bowed.

It was more of a sweeping forward and back motion that had his long, dark hair resettling more beautifully over his shoulders. His silver eyes sparkled. His dark olive-toned skin gleamed. He showed absolutely no signs of having drunk copious amounts of wine all night and having little sleep.

“Oh, hello! Who–who are you?” Gemma was staring at Rhalyf with undisguised delight. She smoothed one hand over the front of her dress. She clearly found him as handsome as everyone seemed to.

Everyone but me! I see through him. Though I have no idea why he’s here.

“Lord Rhalyf Neres, my lady! And who do I have the honor of addressing?” Rhalyf asked, those eyes twinkling.

“I’m–”

“Gemma.” Finley stepped in between her and Rhalyf.

“Ah! One of the three survivors!” Rhalyf looked quite interested.

“Yes, how do you know that? And how do you know Finley?” she asked, moving around him to look at Rhalyf.

“It is in my nature to know things, but I am also King Aquilan’s best friend,” he said with a conspiratorial wink.

Gemma’s hands lifted up to her mouth. “You’re the Sun King’s best friend?”

“I am!”

“Allegedly,” Finley muttered.

Rhalyf narrowed his eyes at him. “He will confirm it.”

“Well, I guess not even he can be perfect,” Finley sniffed. “What are you doing here?”

“Finley, don’t be mean!”

“I’m not. I’m just… being… ah…”

“Suspicious.” Rhalyf pursed his lips, but then he brightened. “Which is rather wise for the most part. But I’m actually here to see Declan though I doubt he’s up and about.”

“But you’re here now even though you claim to know he would be sleeping,” Finley pointed out and crossed his arms over his chest. He hissed as he again spilled tea on his hand. “So why are you really here? Want to see my journals again? Want to tell me I’ll never wield magic or–”

“You told Finley he wouldn’t ever wield magic?” Gemma sounded outraged.

“I… well… I’m merely imparting information. Not dashing dreams–”

Gemma stepped in front of him, arms crossed over her chest and chin thrust out as she proclaimed. “Finley will wield magic! You’ll see!”

Rhalyf blinked. “Well… well, you do seem quite certain about that.”

“Finley is the smartest, best scholar out there!” she continued.

---