Page 44 of Sea and Sky
“Don’t act like one then.”
Kyler snorted, and the sound made Gavin’s heart soar.
“Enough, you two,” Ailey laughed as she said it. “I have my own beloved and don’t begrudge anyone for being with someone they cherish. Luckily for me, mine is royalty and we’ll be wed once I’m queen.”
Gavin’s heart opened. He really would be free from the marriage. And he didn’tpineafter Kyler. How ridiculous. He just wanted to make sure the man was okay.
Gavin felt oddly protective of Ailey now that hetrulywasn’t being forced to marry her anymore. “They’re not just after you for the crown?”
Ailey smiled as she fiddled with a pretty garnet pendant around her neck. It matched the ribbon in her hair. “No, Trance wants what’s best for Avondra and Farerk.”
Gavin straightened his posture. “You’re in love with your father’s enemy?”
She nodded. “So you see why I wish to keep the war from happening? I’ll present it to the people as a new alliance. We’ll show a united front and reveal how vile my father was to everyone.”
“You’ve thought of everything then.”
“I have. And as long as you keep playing with Kyler, I can keep my appointments.” Ailey lifted a mage stone from her pocket. “We have to all play our parts perfectly for this to work. I’ll try to get your attention and when you don’t give it to me, I’ll storm off a lot.”
“Consider it done. I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s fine. When everything’s settled, I want you to come visit. You too, young Kyler, if you’re so inclined. I consider you a friend of Avondra.”
Kyler nodded. “If…”
If he was free. Gavin’s heart and soul ached for the man. A man he hardly knew, but felt such a connection with.
Kyler straightened his spine. “We should have a code word so we know when the acting isn’t really acting. When we need to meet for one reason or other.”
Ailey tapped her lips. “That’s a good idea.”
“Tart,” Damon said. “We can use it as an insult or food. So we can work it in most conversations.”
“Tart it is,” Ailey said.
Gavin rubbed his thighs, not sure what to do with his hands, but not wanting to sit. “I wish you and I could have been friends, Ailey.”
“There’s nothing stopping us now, is there?” Ailey leaned forward, a smile on her face.
“I supposed there’s not.”
Damon paced the floor with his arms crossed. A scowl marred his features. “We have a few more things to discuss, and it won’t be pleasant. But I think with all of us, we can discover something.”
“Which is?” Gavin asked.
“Why did His Majesty ask the Navy to look for merfolk and why does His Majesty want the phoenix stone?”
Kyler’s shoulders slumped, and he made his way back to the bed to sit.
Ailey frowned. “I have an idea about the merfolk.” She explained about an elixir that could bring back the dead.
Gavin couldn’t help looking at Kyler. He hadn’t glanced from the floor in so long.
“It could be innocent curiosity?” Kyler sounded too hopeful. “Maybe he’s been fascinated with them like Gavin has.”
“Doubtful,” Gavin said. But who would His Majesty wish to bring back? His Majesty hadn’t loved the queen. When she passed, he only did the mandatory three months of mourning before he moved on to several lovers. Did he have a mistress? What else would His Majesty wish to have a mer for?
“Let’s not speculate on that now,” Ailey said. “Poor Kyler’s stomach is making such a racket. We all need food and rest. I bid you good night until the morning.” She tipped her head and left for her own quarters.
