Page 52 of The Last Wish of Bristol Keats
“No,” Sashka said, like he hadn’t been listening. “Steals are deals.”
“Then why not just call them deals?”
“You don’t go shopping much, do you?” Rose said, and went on to tell him about a gift she got for Melizan and Cosette’s wedding. The conversation took off without him as the others shared their finds.
Tyghan finally intervened. “Gifts aren’t usually part of a binding ritual.”
“Well, they are where we come from!”
He leaned back, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he took a sip of his whiskey. “What are some other mortal wedding traditions?”
They eagerly supplied him with a long list, from proposals on bended knee, to rings and thrown bouquets. Seeing his confusion, Hollis added, “And of course the taller of the couple is required to give the other a back rub every day for the rest of their lives.”
“Interesting,” he replied, guessing he was being played. “I’ve never heard of these things. I’ll have to ask Quin if he knows about those back rubs. I hear he’s seeing someone taller than him.”
Avery spat her mouthful of drink into her glass as she broke into laughter. They all laughed, enjoying the company of their usually stern Knight Commander, engaged and relaxed. But it didn’t last. More footsteps sounded in the foyer, and Tyghan turned, expectant.
It was Cael, who was slowly shedding his veil of invisibility.
A smallohescaped from Rose’s lips, and Julia squeezed her hand to keep her from saying more.
Cael was barely the same man they had tied to the back of August just days ago. Julia was sure his royal coat was adding bulk to his thin frame, but his cheeks had color back in them and his light brown hair was attractively trimmed and groomed. His chestnut eyes were bright and focused—on them. And the collar that had prevented his magic was gone.
Hollis rose to her feet, not out of respect but so the knife tucked in her cape was more accessible. Julia had no weapon on her, but her magic was fully tuned and sharp now, ready to respond. Her lioness claws itched for release.
Tyghan watched the squad follow Hollis’s example, rising to their feet one by one. But they stood more like a silent, united wall than subjects offering respect, and he wondered if this forced apology had been a good idea after all. He stood too, ready to intervene if necessary.
Cael offered a slight bow of his head. “Good evening, ladies, but please, don’t get up. I’m the one who should rise in your presence.” He looked down for a few seconds as if distressed before continuing. “Our first meeting was unfortunate, and I would like to make this one better. But proper introductions first. I am your humble and indebted servant, Cael Trénallis.”
He immediately proceeded to greet each of the dinner guests, respectfully lifting their hands in turn as he bowed his head, working his way down the line with phrases likemy purest pleasure,at your service,with humblest gratitude.
When he finished, Tyghan let out a relieved breath. His brother had his charm on full display. He only hoped it would last. After introductions, Cael stepped back and offered a heartfelt apology. “Again, I sincerely apologize for my appalling behavior. There was no excuse for it, except that I was dreadfully jaded and disoriented after my long imprisonment. Thank you for risking your lives on a sour curd like me. I will forever be indebted to you.”
The squad was speechless for a moment. Avery’s mouth hung open, and a furrow lined Hollis’s brow. But Julia’s eyes narrowed, and her cat pupils contracted. “We’re honored to serve the Danu Nation, and accept your apology, Your Highness.”
Your Highness. Testing him. Julia knew royal protocols. Tyghan saw Cael’s shoulders pull back at the slight. Though he was not the official king of Danu at the moment, Eris and Madame Chastain had continued to call him Your Majesty as a way to soften the blow and avoid further conflict.
But Cael made no correction. He only nodded and said, “The Danu Nation thanks you all for your service.”
Julia nodded. Cael apparently passed the test—at least this one.
The dining room doors opened, and Ivy invited them in. Sashka whistled at the magical opulence, and the others craned their heads in all directions as they took their seats, whispering like they were in an enchanted forest. Cael smiled and nodded toward Ivy, approving the table settings and décor. But as he took his seat, Tyghan hesitated and glanced once more toward the foyer.
Cael noticed the empty seat. “It seems we’re missing one of our guests. Where’s Bristol?”
“A few minutes late is all,” Tyghan said. “Ivy, could you send someone to check on her?” But as Ivy headed for the door, they all heard a rapid rush of footsteps.
It was Bristol at last. She barreled into the dining room, breathless, and with a sudden stop she braced herself at the end the table. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
She hadn’t changed. Her dress was torn, and her hair was a wild swirl of tangles. A dark smudge of dirt ran across her cheek, and a shopping bag still dangled from her arm.
Tyghan stood, his chair screeching out behind him. “What happened? Where have you been?”
Between labored breaths, she said, “I was with Kormick.”
CHAPTER 39
Bristol looked around the table, everyone in their finery, their mouths hanging open like gaping fish. This was supposed to be a formal dinner, but she hadn’t had time to change. Should she apologize? She was too shaken to sort out the small from the big things. Her skin still crawled from the feeling of Mick’s hands all over her. She had been certain she was going to die when he nightjumped again and she was trapped in that netherworld. Her lungs were on the edge of collapse when she finally felt fresh air on her face and found herself back in the knife shop, able to suck in hoarse breaths again. Mick had to hold her up until the dizziness was gone. Changing for a formal dinner was the last thing on her mind when she finally made it back to the palace.
