Page 19 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“I guess I study quite well,” Nevyn concedes. “I have a good memory.”
“Yes, you are smart,” I tell him. “You resemble Mom.”
My words seem to have improved his mood because his head lifts up. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes, I really do.”
“Mom is a strong woman,” he says.
“Meanwhile, Eibhlin and Alana are like Dad,” I point out.
He laughs. “They really are, and they are such whirlwinds.”
“And they have no filters,” I say. “So, what else? Don’t be modest.”
“I, I think it’s kind of cool that I got my wolf so early,” he points out with a shy smile. “Most of my former schoolmates don’t have their wolves yet. And Kilah doesn’t have hers yet-” He pauses. “Not that it’s something bad! I’m sure Kilah’s wolf will wake up soon.”
I laugh. “I told you not to be modest. You got your wolf earlier than any of us. The rest of us got ours between nineteen and twenty. It is special to receive your wolf so early.”
“I know, it’s just, don’t tell Kilah I said that,” he says. “I know how it feels to think you are inadequate, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way, especially not my own sister.”
“Don’t worry, whatever you say is between the both of us.”
He smiles shyly. “But it is cool, isn’t it!?”
“It is,” I reassure him. “See, that’s what I meant. Not everything revolves around fighting skills.”
His mood seems to be lighter as we continue our walk. We reach one of the first houses that are in this more deserted area. A young omega is shoveling away some snow. I recognize him as one of our lumberjacks. Nevyn and I talk a while with him and assure him that soon some warriors will be up here to help. Other than the massive amount of snow, he and his mate don’t face any problems. Nevyn and I continue to the next few houses where a few children are playing outside. A she-wolf is outside watching them. She tells us they have a shortage of warm water, so I promise to send our pack witch up here to help them. We continue that way for the next few hours before we return to the castle.
“How do you know everyone?” Nevyn asks curiously. “You always know who you are talking to.”
“It’s important to know your subjects,” I tell him. “I try to remember as many names and faces as I can and mingle with the people.”
He nods before eyeing me. “Say, Endellion-”
I detect that he is going to ask something he doesn’t quite know how to approach. “What?”
“About the Desert Princess-” he pauses. “Dad said, through the new agreement with King Naseem, he invited her to stay with us for a while and maybe become an advisor here.” He frowns. “My gut feeling tells me that isn’t all of it.”
“Your gut feeling and your experience with our father,” I chuckle.
He grins. “So, there is more to it?”
“Yes, but nothing I can tell you about.” I look at him insistently. “I expect you to keep this to yourself, Nevyn.”
“Of course.”
As if on cue, our father and Quinn pass us, leading their horses towards the forest. “Are you going for a ride?” I ask them.
Dad looks less than thrilled. “Quinn persuaded me to ride through the fresh snow. We will further try to reach Gamma Ita, Tynan and Royan. They should have met the Desert Princess by now.”
“They have to be on their way back to the royal pack now,” Quinn agrees. “I suggested to the Alpha King that we should meet them halfway.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” I agree. “She will feel more welcome that way. Do you want one of us to accompany you?”
“Ah, pup.” Dad makes a dismissive gesture with his hand before Quinn can even react. The poor beta actually looked like he wanted to accept my offer. “Your old man doesn’t need any protection. We are fine by ourselves.” He waves at us. “Keep up the good work, boys.”
When they have ride off, Nevyn chuckles. “Sometimes I feel sorry for Beta Quinn.”
