Kuya hissed at him.
It took all my strength not to laugh. Poor Kuya.
After some encouragement from the prince and him promising they’d eat cake together afterward, Kuya joined the older man by the door and left the study, dragging his feet and grumbling as he went.
“If it were my decision, I wouldn’t change a single thing about him.” Sawyer stared after them. “Unfortunately, I’m learning I have very little control over my own life, let alone his. My father ordered for him to take the lessons.”
“The lessons seem like a good sign though.”
He looked at me. “How so?”
“Maybe I’m way off base, but it sounds like the king expects Kuya to stay by your side. More than just for protection. He wants Kuya to know table manners so he can accompany you to formal parties and events. Participating in the events too. Not just standing off to the side of the room unnoticed.”
A surprised gleam touched his green eyes. “I haven’t considered that before. Not that it’ll make much of a difference. My engagement to Lady Alina will be officially announced come spring. Then, she’ll be the one on my arm for those events.”
Fuck.“So, the arranged marriage is still happening?”
Sawyer nodded. “The announcement was delayed due to the incident with Haran. The baron doesn’t wish for his daughter to be in the capitol right now with tensions still so high, however, he and my mother agreed that spring would be ideal for a public appearance and to move forward with the preparations. What better way to lift the spirits of the people and say farewell to winter than by announcing a royal engagement?” The last sentence was spoken in a mocking tone. One I rarely heard him use.
I’d learned Sawyer had two sides. The friendly, kindhearted prince who wished to make a difference in the world, and thebitter one who loathed his title and wished for nothing more than to flee the castle with Kuya and be free.
“If only Lady Alina was like a wicked villainess from a romance novel,” I said. “Then we could hate on her and plan her defeat, putting an end to the whole thing. But no. She has to be a good person.”
That smoothed Sawyer’s bitter edge, if only a little. “She’s a lovely woman. An ideal match, in fact. Yet, I feel nothing for her beyond friendship and know I never will.” His gaze shifted to the cushion on the floor that had once held an adorable and mischievous demi-cat. “My heart is already spoken for.”
***
The cottage seemed even cozier that evening. Outside, the cold, crisp air told of winter’s approach, but inside, the hearths were lit, and the smell of baked goods filled our home: cinnamon, clove, apples, and cookies fresh from the oven.
The smell of the holidays.
Bremloc had its own traditions and celebrations for each season, and I wanted to show my men some of the ones from my old world.
Once the gingerbread men cooled, I decorated them and placed them on a platter, along with four steaming mugs of hot apple cider. Maddox’s voice carried from the reading parlor, where he and the other two relaxed in front of the fire. Briar’s laugh followed.
“I come bearing gifts.” I entered the room and set the platter on the coffee table. Maddox and Briar cuddled on the bigger couch while Lake sat in the plushy armchair across from them.
“Thanks, love.” Briar accepted his mug and kissed my temple. “We could smell this all the way from in here. Thatone”—he tipped his head to Maddox—“was getting antsy waiting on you.”
Maddox grunted before taking a swig from his mug. He paused and glanced down at it, brows lifting.
“Good, huh?” I asked.
“It’s decent.” He took another drink.
“Just decent?”
A grunt in response.
“Does it make you all warm and toasty? Does it melt your icy heart?”
“That’s yet to be determined.” He hid a smile behind his mug as he drank more.
“I quite enjoy this,” Lake said after sampling the cider. “Are the apples from our orchard?”
“Yep. The ones you picked earlier.” Our orchard wasn’t too far from the cottage. Just a short walk through the trees and down a small path Lake had made. Briar had used magic to fertilize the trees and make them grow faster so they’d be ready by winter. Herbology was definitely his specialty, my handsome, plant-loving snuggle bug.
Lake smiled. It had a shyness to it that damn near killed me. He was too cute sometimes.
