Page 18 of Beyond the Storm
Warrin slammed Feliks against the nearest wall, his nostrils flaring. “You willnotinsult my family again.”
Sorin started to cry. I rushed over, and Kira handed him to me.
“Shh.” I held him to my chest. “It’s okay.”
“You need to leave,” Nikolai told his firstborn.
“With pleasure.” Feliks shoved Warrin back before exiting the room, slamming the door on his way out.
The sound caused Sorin to cry harder.
With his eyes pained, Warrin made his way to us and slipped an arm around me while placing the other around our son. He murmured that he was sorry for scaring him, and as he kissed Sorin’s cheek, his chin wobbled.
My heart wobbled in turn. Then came the anger. Warrin was the type of male to keep his silence when Feliks mocked or insulted him. But when it came to Sorin or me? That’s when he refused to stand by and do nothing.
Kazimir bowed his head to me, then to Warrin. “I apologize for his behavior. It’s deplorable and unbecoming of a future king. I will speak to him.”
“Don’t bother,” I hissed. “He won’t listen anyway.” Feliks had been a rude bastard since the day I’d met him. His position made him entitled, and he didn’t care who he stepped on or insulted as long as it amused him.
“Then perhaps the future king needs to be reevaluated,” Nikolai said, more to himself. Then, louder, he said, “But that’s a matter for another day. Tonight, we will enjoy our time as a family. The cooks have worked hard to prepare our meal. Let’s head to the dining hall.”
Despite the rocky start, the evening turned out well. I didn’t join in the conversation much—I rarely did—but after the meal, I held Sorin and observed everyone else.
Milena talked Warrin’s ear off while Kazimir and Nikolai chatted about politics. Kira told me about some of her recent designs, pausing every so often to gush over Sorin—and rightfully so because he was the most adorable being to ever exist. She gave me a baby onesie she’d made, along with green fleece booties. We changed Sorin into them, who immediately tried to kick off the little shoes.
Prince Viktor arrived before dessert was served. Out of all the princes, I liked him the most. He reminded me a lot of Warrin—showing little emotion but radiating a gentle nature.
He should be the future king, I thought to myself. He knew his way around a battlefield, but he was intelligent too. He listened and rarely spoke in haste, choosing his words carefully. He was humble yet firm when he needed to be. The makings of a great king.
But what did I know about the ins and outs of running a kingdom? I didn’t even like people.
Later, Nikolai invited us to his study, where he and I drank a glass of wine—Warrin declined, as he so often did. He wasn’t much of a drinker, not liking how it dulled his senses.
“Tell me…” Nikolai said after taking a drink. “Do you believe Sorin will hold a piece of your sin?”
“I hope not,” I answered. Envy didn’t argue. He knew he was an asshole and didn’t want the baby to endure the same shit he put me through.
“When will his wings grow?” the king asked.
“It varies. I didn’t notice mine until Lazarus came for me. I was around eight years old. But other Nephilim have been known to have them sooner.”
“He’s the first of his kind,” Nikolai said. “The child of a cursed son and a dragon. Much is unknown.”
I looked at Sorin. Warrin stood in front of the fireplace and held him. Sorin was intrigued by the flames, but Warrin kept him from getting too close. He released a loud squeal and wiggled, causing Warrin to lightly chuckle.
It was too soon to know the gifts Sorin would have. As the child of a Nephilim, he’d have wings and special abilities, such as healing. And as the child of an ice dragon, he should be able to change into a hybrid form and possess ice powers.
Warrin smiled as the baby grabbed his finger. His brow then furrowed. I recognized the look. He was worried. I was too. Not because I feared Sorin would grow to be a menace. No, I feared the actions of anyone who learned about his rarity and dared come after him.
That’s what people did to those who were different. I knew from experience. The people of Dacia had cast me out, and I’d found a home in the forest. Humans and non-humans alike could be cruel.
As if sensing our worries, Nikolai said, “Sorin will be protected here in the ice kingdom. You have my word. No harm will come to him.”
“Gratitude, my king.” Warrin bowed his head.
Nikolai’s lips twitched. “Warrin, you are my brother, and I love you dearly, but I swear to all the gods, I will smother you with a pillow if you don’t cease with the formalities.”
I snorted a laugh. Sorin’s gaze darted to me, and he flashed me a huge toothless grin before reaching out a hand.
