Page 155 of Heart of the High King
Madeline grinned. “Rafe’s going to teach me and Dray.”
“I think you’re forgetting about me. I’m in,” Noirin said.
“Oh yeah, and Noir,” Madeline teased with a tug on Noirin’s ponytail. “You didn’t answer me when I asked.”
“Because I couldn’t decide if I wanted to do longsword or one-handed. Not because I wasn’t interested.”
“I would love a reason to get my sword out again,” Brogan interjected.
“Madeline, can you make me one?” Mac asked. “No one taught it at Court Stenet when I was old enough to learn.”
“I’ll make all the swords you guys want. Just come see me, so we can design it. Yours is going to be so wizardly.”
“Brogan, do you think you’d want to help me teach?” Rafe asked.
“I hope he does, since I plan on learning as well,” Worth said.
“Absolutely, Aleksander and I used to train. I’m not even sure why we stopped. I miss it. I bet we can get him to shake off his rusty skills when he wakes up too,” Brogan responded.
“So, um…what if we just planned on meeting at four every day? Does that time work for everyone? You can come to classes when you want, and we can help you. We’ll start tomorrow since Madeline already made the wooden ones.”
“I’ll miss part of dinner prep, but you can handle it without me, right?” Noirin asked her mate. “I’ll probably skip the classes some nights, depending on what recipes we’ve selected.”
“Of course I can handle it,” Kendrick assured her.
“I wish to join,” Gavrael stated.
“I’ve used daggers since I was a kid, but I’m not in your league by any stretch of the imagination. Could I join you guys sometimes when you’re out in the backyard?” Rafe asked.
Gedeon grinned. “Anytime.”
“I’m also doing tons of research and have spoken to some professionals to help me learn how to construct bows, so Rafe’s going to be doing that as well,” Madeline said.
“I’m so learning that,” Renny shouted. “I might do swords, too.”
“And I would be happy to make you kickass targets,” Dra’Kaedan added.
“It’s probably going to be cakes and shit,” Renny groused.
“Rafe happens to like cake.”
“I guess the entire backyard will be converted into medieval lists,” Kendrick stated, his face expressionless.
“Yeah, except there’s a giant garden,” Noirin replied, bumping a shoulder against her mate’s. “And we’d have to invite half the Council and pass out swords to fill Aleksander’s land. Chrys gave him a ton since his dragon is so big.”
“Aleksander and Rafe’s land,” Brogan corrected softly.
Noirin shook her head with a roll of her eyes. “Thank you. I know that in my heart, but sometimes the words don’t make it from there to my mouth. Of course, Aleksander and Rafe. Sorry about that, Rafe.”
“That’s okay. I think of it as Aleksander’s myself. Any other questions before we wrap up the meeting?” When no one spoke up, Rafe jumped to his feet. “Thanks for coming.” Dashing out, he made it back to his room without being stopped, which was a relief. Somehow, he’d survived his first and hopefully only meeting without Aleksander.
∞∞∞
“Saura and Dra’Kaedan both said you’re fine. They can’t sense any pain or injury. That made me feel better, but it’s fucking Thursday. You were supposed to open your eyes on Monday,” Rafe complained. “You’re missing the fun. A bunch of folks are out there every afternoon with swords, trying to learn. They seem like they’re enjoying it. I don’t really know how to joke with them, but they tease everyone else. It’s not mean-spirited shit like when I was growing up. It’s all in good fun. You’ve got such a great family, and I know they’re missing you. I sure as hell am. Sander, please wake up.”
When his mate continued to lay there, Rafe exhaled slowly. Resting a palm on Aleksander’s chest, the beating of his heart soothed Rafe. “I hope you really are okay in there. I’m worried as fuck. But you already know that, since I’ve barely slept since Monday. You’re probably sick of hearing my voice by now. I don’t have anyone else to talk to. Mortis is off doing wolf things with Nox. They really like each other. They’re never apart. I need to get to my sword class. I’ll be back after dinner. I’m going to put in a movie or something. I gotta do laundry tomorrow. You know I’m going to fold everything the wrong way so you’re going to want to fix it.” Rafe laid a kiss on his forehead and even a soft one to his mouth. “I love you, Sander.”
Leaving their bedroom, Rafe headed down the hallway. When he made it to the great room, he found Kendrick alone in the kitchen.
