“Segreti doesn’t seem afraid to touch you.”
“He’s not a Soldati. His experience with the Eye has been limited to what he’s witnessed or heard stories of. Also, Segreti is known to be quite fearless.” Ezra frowned at the heat in his cheeks. Why did the mere mention of Segreti cause such a fierce reaction in him? It unsettled him.
“Let’s say you wanted to pursue Segreti as a potential mate, you could, because now it’s permitted.”
Khalon had changed their kingdom’s outdated law that would have prevented Ezra from seeking a mate who was not equal to his station. But to have a mate who wasn’t Soldati? Then again, Rayner mated Toka, and his friend had never so much as considered anyone but the foxling.
“Even so, I doubt Segreti would be interested in a mate such as I.”
“Why do you say that?” Riley pushed away from the wall and motioned for Ezra to accompany him.
They walked down the corridor, past elaborate tapestries depicting tigers frolicking among beautiful flowers and greenery. It was quieter indoors today, with the bedchambers already prepared and occupied by royal guests, most of whom were outside enjoying the beauty the Soldati kingdom had to offer. Was Segreti outside on the festival grounds? What might he be doing? Was he thinking of Ezra? Damnation. His thoughts had never been so tumultuous.
“Segreti is an Orso warrior, much like my fellow Soldati are warriors. From my experience, neither have much interest in books, herbs, or tea.” Despite showing interest in books and reading, Ezra doubted Segreti would be content to merely sit by the fire for hours reading. Not that it was required in a mate. Segreti had plenty of exceptional qualities that made him an ideal mate. Why was Ezra even considering this?
“What about Khalon? He loves to read. So does Rayner.”
“They are the Soldati council, and the king’s council has always been made up of both warriors and scholars. Our love of books was passed down to us from our Soldati ancestors. It’s quite different for the rest of the Soldati. Some may enjoy the occasional book, but their passion lies in their skills as warriors. Defeating demons would be far more challenging if they all had their heads in the clouds as I am often accused of.”
Riley chuckled. “Nothing wrong with having your head in the clouds. Besides, when it comes to jumping into the fray, you’re a Soldati and as fierce as your fellow warriors.”
Ezra beamed proudly at his prince’s words. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Outside, the distant noise of festival preparations made Ezra smile. The day was beautiful, the weather perfect. The vast fields behind the castle were strewn with an endless sea of tents and stalls filled with villagers preparing to sell their wares, delectable treats, or fresh produce from their crops. The scent of delicious food wafted from one side of the field, while the roars and cheers of warriors testing their skills resounded from the other. Although the festival hadn’t officially begun, it often started early for the royal guests and continued throughout the week as more visitors arrived.
“There’s Khalon,” Riley said, his smile lighting up his face. What was it like to be so in love that the mere sight of your mate caused such an overflow of joy?
“Go to him,” Ezra said.
“Are you sure? We were talking about Segreti.” Riley looked torn, and Ezra couldn’t fault his prince for wishing to be near his mate. As it was, Khalon headed in their direction.
“I’m certain. I have several herbs I need to purchase before the entire realm descends.”
“Okay. Maybe talk to Segreti. Give him a chance.” Riley winked at him before running off and launching himself at Khalon, who laughed as he caught his mate with ease. They made quite the handsome pair in their matching regal attire, Khalon’s slightly larger crown gleaming in the sun. Leaving the two and their entourage of Soldati guards, Ezra made his way onto the festival grounds, enjoying the many wonderful scents. His heightened senses caught the tantalizing aroma of cooked meats and mouthwatering baked goods. Freshly baked bread and scones were a weakness of his. Nothing like spreading homemade fruit preserves on a buttered scone still steaming from the oven. But first things first.
Finding his favorite tent, he greeted the silver foxling pair who grew some of Ezra’s most beloved herbs. Tables laid out with pots containing every manner of herb lined the tent, and Ezra lost track of how long he spent inspecting each one. His excitement got the better of him at finding several herbs he’d been searching for, as well as bags of the best fertilizer available in the Soldati realm, and he hadn’t realized he’d accumulated far more than he could carry. The six bags of fertilizer alone would warrant two trips.
“May I offer you my assistance?” a deep familiar voice rumbled in his ear, and Ezra turned with a bright smile.
“Segreti.” Ezra hadn’t intended to sound so excited. Good heavens! Since when did he lose himself in such a manner? Segreti bowed and took Ezra’s hand in his, lifting it to his lips to kiss the back of it. Ezra did his best to ignore the heat that flooded through him, though he could do nothing to stop the shiver that wracked his body, one Segreti noticed, judging by his blown pupil. Segreti caressed the back of Ezra’s hand with his thumb, his gaze on Ezra, who couldn’t help but lower his eyes. “General,” he whispered, his face burning. He wasn’t accustomed to such intimate gestures, much less receiving them in public.
“Allow me to carry these for you.” Segreti released Ezra’s hand to crouch down before the heavy fertilizer bags, the muscles of his biceps flexing with the weight of them as he scooped them up. Ezra quickly turned away, though not before catching a glimpse of Segreti’s backside. Oh Goddess above. He shouldn’t have looked. Why had he looked? And why was he so bloody flustered?
Segreti stood, seeming imposing as always. He wore a simple brown leather jerkin over a black shirt with short sleeves. The thick belt matched the heavy wrist guards and boots, which probably weighed more than most foxlings.
“Lead the way, dear Ezra.”
Ezra picked up his box of herbs, thanked the foxlings, and ignored their knowing smiles. They stood to one side, eyes on him and Segreti as they left the tent. They weren’t the only ones to stop what they were doing to take in the sight of Segreti following Ezra, his arms filled with heavy fertilizer bags. Had they never witnessed anyone being helpful? It was most aggravating.
Ignoring the curious and amused onlookers, Ezra headed for his cottage, Segreti at his heels. “Did you have a good rest, General?”
“Please, we’re past such formalities. And yes. At least better than I had in years. I’m a light sleeper and tend to wake up often. A hard habit to break after years of required alertness.”
“Understandable.” The need to be on alert when threats were near was something Ezra was all too familiar with.
“I should have known you’d be purchasing herbs. It only occurred to me when I entered the book tent and found it void of your lovely presence.”
Ezra’s breath hitched, an odd flutter in his stomach. “You searched for me?”
“I did.” Segreti came to walk at his side. “On such a beautiful day, only your company could surpass its perfection.”
“You flatter, General.”
“I speak only the truth.”