“Oh dear.”
“What is it?”
“I think perhaps I should make myself some herbal tea. I fear whatever might have ailed you may have taken ahold of me.”
Segreti held back a smile. “Is that so?”
By his bewildered expression, it was clear the poor fellow had no idea. “Do you think it could be catching?”
“One could only hope so.”
Ezra opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. “I don’t understand.”
“You will,” Segreti said with a chuckle. He lifted Ezra’s hand to his lips for a kiss. “Should you need my assistance again for any matter, you have but to ask.” Segreti turned and headed toward the door, but Ezra called out to him.
“Segreti?”
Segreti turned with a smile. “Yes?”
“Perhaps you might join me for tea tomorrow?”
“I’d be honored.” With another bow, he left the cottage, unable to contain his smile.
He accompanied the Soldati back to the castle and down the brightly lit stone corridor, the red and orange hues of the setting sun making the place glow. Soldati Castle was a far cry from his own realm’s fortress. Although vast improvements had been made since Queen Verity had inherited the monstrous palace built into the stone mountain, remnants of Pavoni’s putrid influence remained within its walls. Whereas the Soldati castle had always been filled with light and laughter, the Orso fortress echoed with the horrific screams and cries of those who’d had the misfortune to catch Pavoni’s eye or invoke his wrath. The place was haunted by ghosts of the souls Pavoni had touched.
Shaking those morbid thoughts from his head, he turned his attention back to the brightly colored flowers painstakingly arranged in intricately painted vases, the eye-catching tapestries, and the cheerful conversation of the servants as they went about their duties. Perhaps Khalon would honor him with an extended stay in his kingdom. After thanking the Soldati who’d silently accompanied him to Khalon’s study, he stepped through the doors. He bowed his head toward Khalon, who sat behind his desk, and the Soldati Prince, who sat beside him.
“Rayner,” Segreti greeted his old friend with a nod. Why did Rayner always appear as if he were up to something?
“Thank you again for accepting my invitation and for arriving early, as requested,” Khalon said, drawing Segreti’s attention.
“Think nothing of it. In truth, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Soldati realm.”
Rayner leaned his hip against Khalon’s desk, his arms folded over his chest and his amber eyes glowing with mischief. “Where have you been hiding yourself all day?”
“I’ve spent the most delightful afternoon with Ezra. He’s wonderful company. Quite the chatty fellow, isn’t he?”
Khalon stared at Segreti. “I beg your pardon?”
“Ezra. He’s a chatty fellow.”
Khalon and Rayner exchanged glances, and the prince broke into laughter.
“What? Is there something on my face?” He instinctively touched his eyepatch. No, it was secured in place.
Khalon peered at him. “Ezra? Are we speaking of the same Ezra?”
Was there more than one? “Pretty fellow with blue eyes, usually followed around by a floating magical orb.”
“Yes, that would be him,” Rayner agreed, his expression puzzled.
“He is actually a talkative guy,” Prince Riley said, and Khalon’s eyebrows shot up. With a soft laugh, the prince patted Khalon’s cheek. “When he’s talking about books. Or Segreti.”
Khalon frowned; then something seemed to dawn on him. “Oh. Oh!” A slow smiled spread across his face. “Well now, isn’t that something.”
Rayner clapped his hands and rubbed them together in glee. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“What in the name of the Gods above is the matter with all of you?”
“My dear Segreti,” Khalon said, sounding amused, “Ezra is not a chatty fellow. In most circumstances, you’d be lucky to get more than a few words out of him.”
“Really? That hasn’t been my experience. We’ve had a lengthy conversation about books, among other things. He’s quite forward, but I find his approach rather refreshing. No false niceties, even if I do believe him to be a little daft at finding me handsome.”
Rayner gave a hoot. “Oh, this just gets better and better!”
Khalon shook his head at his dearest friend. “Whatever mischief is percolating in that devious little brain of yours, I suggest you bury it.”
“Come now, Khalon. Think of Ezra. How often has such an event occurred?”
Khalon frowned.
“Exactly,” Rayner pointed out enthusiastically. “Never.”
Segreti looked from Rayner to Khalon and back. “What is this about?”
“Rayner’s trying to play matchmaker,” Riley informed him. “Other than his books, Ezra hasn’t shown this much interest in anyone or anything. I think he’s interested in you.”
In him? Heat flooded his neck and face. He spun toward Khalon. “I vow I’ve not laid hands on Ezra. Merely a peck on the cheek.”
Khalon lifted a hand, and Segreti pulled in a deep breath. In his experience, showing interest in someone who belonged to the king was a deadly mistake. “Calm yourself, Segreti. We have been friends for a very long time. I know you to be an Orso of honor. Should you feel affection for Ezra, and he feel the same, I fully support the match.”
Segreti stared at Khalon. “But… he’s yours.”
Riley whispered in Khalon’s ear, and Khalon’s expression softened as he turned his attention back to Segreti.
“Ezra does not belong to me. He isn’t my property, but my dear friend, my family. He is a trusted member of my council.” His gaze hardened. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ll protect him fiercely should anyone attempt to harm him.” His warm smile took Segreti by surprise. “But he is free to choose his mate, as is everyone else in our realm. What Ezra gives of himself is done so out of choice. His choice.”
Segreti bowed his head, the backs of his eyes stinging. “You are a good and noble king.”
Khalon stood and rounded his desk. He put a hand on Segreti’s shoulder and gently patted his cheek.
“You are free of that nightmare, Segreti. And as I’ve said to you many a time, you’re always welcome in the Soldati realm.” He went back to his desk and resumed his seat. “Now, on to business. I’ve called you here in the hopes we might be able to ease some of my prince’s worries.”
Riley arched an eyebrow at Khalon before moving his gaze back to Segreti. “Khalon thinks I’m overreacting, and although I know that along with overthinking, it’s a talent of mine, this time I have very good reasons for it. Hundreds of guests are about to flood our realm, among them Orso loyal to Pavoni who want revenge. No way are they going to miss out on an opportunity to get to Khalon.”
“Agreed,” Segreti said, thanking Khalon and accepting the offer to sit in the comfortable-looking wingback chair to the side of his desk. “Any threat to the king would surely be seen by his Saugur.”
“So Khalon insists, but these Orso have stayed hidden this long. They’re smart and calculating. They’ve managed to evade my Spidey senses so far.”