Page 38 of The Silent Mountain
I can understand his worry. The dragon kingdom is still recovering, and the last thing we need is another attack. “I will be here too,” I reassure him. “And the warriors from the werewolf kingdom will arrive tomorrow, before the first guests.”
“That’s a relief indeed,” he admits. “When I was a kid and getting prepared for my future role as king, I never thought I’d say this, but I do feel better with the wolves around.” He smiles at me. “A certain one in particular.”
Oh, he thinks he is being sly and flirty?! I return his smile. “I agree. I love being allies with the dragons, especially when they have silver hair,”—I let go of his arm, approach the dining room and open the door. Before I step through it, I turn around, smiling—“and look hot in a crown.”
Favian stares at me, clearly surprised by my words. For a second, I can see a shift in his eyes; they turn to reptilian slits as his beast pushes forward. “Say the word,” he mutters as he steps into the dining room with me. “And I will wear my crown for you, and nothing else.”
“You won’t,” I snort.
“Oh, you don’t believe me,” he smirks in a very unFavian-like manner. Apparently, all those alpha shifters like a challenge. “Try me.”
I’m not sure if I’m ready to challenge him. I’m starting to feel like this is a battle I will definitely lose. Fortunately, we are already being awaited in the dining room, and I don’t have to think of a naked Favian, sitting on his throne and looking at me through these intense blue eyes.
“We are here,” Elio waves at us.
“I’m sure they saw us, young prince,” Theodor chuckles at his protégée’s excitement.
“Don’t spoil the fun, Theo,” Elio complains, beaming at us when we approach them. “It’s so rare that all of us can have breakfast together.”
“You are right, sweetie,” Maggie reassures him.
I sit down next to Favian and silently agree with Elio. Everyone is around this time, even Stefan and Cassie. Barbara and Ludwig are here too, although Ludwig only stays briefly as he has a guard shift to take over. Stefan and Favian immediately start talking about the shifts of the guards at the shore and the events of the last couple of days.
It’s weird. Whenever Favian talks to Stefan, he turns all formal and almost cold. I’m not sure if he doesn’t like him or if Stefan wronged him in the past, but something seems to be off between them. It’s very subtle, though, and I might be wrong, but my intuition tells me otherwise.
I’m certainly not going to raise any drama now, so I shift my attention to Elio, Maggie and Theodor. I haven’t talked much to Theodor yet; he is mostly around Elio and watching him like a hawk. It’s sweet how protective he is of him.
“You didn’t forget our riding lessons, Alana,” Elio asks.
“I didn’t,” I reassure him.
“But, young prince,” Maggie chuckles, “maybe Princess Alana has work to do. Even if she doesn’t, she probably wants to spend time with the young king.” Her words make me almost blush. What’s she hinting at about spending time with theyoung king?Maggie looks at me through her wise, gentle eyes and smiles. “Clearly, we shouldn’t take away from their time.”
“I don’t understand. Favian is busy,” Elio says, completely confused.
“Maybe they want to train,” Theodor suggests.
“And she is an important princess,” Maggie says. “They might want to have private meetings.”
Theodor looks amused, making me feel even more embarrassed. Yeah, I know what he and Maggie are thinking. Private training and meetings—in his bedroom!
To my relief, Cassie chooses this moment to pop up next to us. As usual, her hair is a mess, and so are her clothes. It’s obvious she never had someone to truly watch out for her and teach her any basics, but she is sweet. “I’m so bored,” she complains to us, gesturing towards Favian, Stefan and Barbara, who are still talking clan business.
“What are you, five?” Maggie teases. There is no heat in her voice, though; instead, she sounds gentle.
Cassie seems to get similar vibes because she sits down next to her, eyeing her like a lost pup. Maggie reacts instantly and makes sure she gets more to eat.
“Elio,” Cassie beams. “When are you done with your studies today?”
“Probably afternoon,” he says.
“We need to meet,” she says. “You know what I told you last time when we met? We need to repeat that and-“
“Sh!” Elio hisses, casting her a glare before glancing at his brother and Stefan. He should have looked at Theodor, because the man has his brows furrowed and squints at Cassie and Elio, probably wondering what the two of them are scheming. “When did you meet?” he asks, catching Elio completely off guard. “I’m normally guarding you.”
“A coincidence,” Elio blurts out while Cassie looks at her plate and pretends not to hear or see anything.
From the corner of my eye, I see Favian not looking particularly impressed either, in fact, rather the opposite. He furrows his brow and tosses a glance at Stefan, who swallows and whispers something. Thanks to Ros’s senses, I catch how Stefan is apologizing slightly, promising to keep an eye on Cassie.
