Page 139 of What Fury Brings
The look he sent her was carnal. “As if I’d ever want to.”
His head disappeared under the covers.
Sanos’s cheeks hurt, and it took him a moment to realize that it was from all the smiling he’d done of late. He wasn’t used to… being happy.
Or sex in the daytime.
It was fantastic. He thought he might like morning sex even better than evening sex. Waking up to find Olerra still there after he closed his eyes at night was something he knew he would never get used to.
“Here we are,” Olerra said proudly. “These used to be Glen’s rooms, but now that she’s locked up underneath the palace, this wing is more than big enough for your family. They’re welcome to visit or stay permanently. Don’t worry, it’s been cleared out of all her belongings and thoroughly cleaned.”
They’d received word this morning that Sanos’s family had arrived. Canus had gotten their mother and Emorra out of the castle, but they were followed on the road. His father didn’t give empty threats, and even though Sanos hadn’t been the one to end Atalius, there were still men who’d gone after his sister and mother.
They’d had to take a circuitous route to Amarra. Canus had sent word ahead, keeping Sanos apprised of their movements. Sanos would get the full story from his brother some other time. For now, he just wanted to see that everyone was all right.
He knocked.
There was a rustling on the other side of the door, but eventually, Trantos answered, peeking his head around the door, ready to slam it closed if he didn’t like who was on the other side.
“May we come in?” Sanos said mockingly.
Trantos grinned and swung the door wide. “Oh, it’s only you. I was worried there would be more of those overenthusiastic men. They asked if we wanted help bathing before the ceremony tonight.”
Sanos laughed at the thought of his brothers being strong-armed to the baths by the palace eunuchs.
The main greeting chamber was filled with fresh flowers and comfortable chairs. Tea had been sent ahead of them, and two women were already enjoying it.
“Sanos!” Emorra jumped from the sofa and threw herself at him. Her hair was even paler than the brothers, truly white. Sanos ran his fingers through it the way he knew she liked. “I missed you,” she said. “Don’t ever leave again.”
His throat felt heavy. They were here. They were safe.
He set Emorra back on her feet, and his mother took her place.
There were tears on her cheeks. Sanos felt them as she pressed her face against his. “I don’t know how you managed everything, but I am so proud of you.”
“I didn’t do it alone.” He stepped back and took Olerra’s hand. “This is Olerra. She did most of the heavy lifting.”
His mother bowed politely in the Brutish fashion when being introduced to someone new, but Olerra drew her into a warm embrace.
Sanos just barely caught Olerra’s whisper. “Thank you for your son. You brought a beautiful man into the world.”
His heart threatened to burst.
“Thank you,” Ferida said. “For saving him.”
Sanos thought he ought to step away, that perhaps their conversation wasn’t meant for his ears. And then Canus barreled into him.
The breath whooshed out of him, and he felt himself hoisted into the air.
“Wed-ding day. Wed-ding day,” Ikanos chanted from somewhere, drawing out the three syllables.
Trantos and Canus carried him on their shoulders and joined in the chant.
“Put me down, you fools,” Sanos demanded.
They did no such thing.
“You should probably listen,” Andrastus said as he entered the room. “He’s a king now. He can have you beheaded.”
