She left the room to find her four males working in an intricate dance around the kitchen and dining table. Sitting at the table, looking a little annoyed, was Alchan.
“Can you tell your males to put on clothing?” he asked softly as she sat down.
“They will when they want to. Why are you here? How long have you been here?”
“I came in and made coffee,” he said politely. “And made myself comfortable while I awaited any of you to wake up.”
“Well, that’s…” Mave couldn’t think of the proper thing to say. “Just make yourself at home…”
“I already have,” he said with a smile. “I mean, you wouldn’t turn your brother away, would you?”
“Ha.” Mave rolled her eyes. “Really, what do you need? I’ve got a splitting headache from last night, so make it quick.”
“I wanted to tell you last night, but you kept drinking whatever people put in your hands,” Alchan teased, sipping his coffee, then holding it out to her. She took it and tasted, trying not to moan at the rich flavor. She took two more swallows of his drink before handing it back.
“That’s good,” she complimented. She was used to cheap, stale coffee on the road. The coffee reminded her that her king had hidden talents. He was one of the best cooks she had ever met.
“I’ll teach one of them how to make it,” he promised. “It’s a blend of two varieties. Sen brought my favorites over from Olost, and I’ve been hoarding it.”
“Why? Bribery?” Mave laughed, trying to reach for his coffee again.
“Yes, I brought a bag this morning. It’s in the kitchen. It comes with a cost, though. Or maybe it’s an apology for what I’m about to say.”
That made Mave pause. “What?”
“Now that you’re back, I’m not letting you go anywhere until autumn. You’re going to take the summer—”
“Really? I’m the best warrior you have,” she huffed, shaking her head. She was even better than Nevyn now, not just when she was angry but consistently. Fighting him was like fighting any other warrior. There was no comparison. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. You missed all of spring here, and every warrior needs to take time off between long campaigns. But that’s not the important news.”
Mave looked at her males, who all kept their heads down, a troubling sign.
“I got back yesterday, and you’re going to dump bad news on my head?” She narrowed her eyes at her king and adopted brother. “Really?”
“Seanev is coming. He’ll be here at some point in the next week, depending on how fast he can keep his caravan moving.” Alchan put his coffee down in front of her again. This time, the bribe was obvious. He was helping her hangover in exchange for less of her anger.
“He’s supposed to stay…stay with his wife,” Mave said softly, leaving the drink on the table. “That’s what they both wanted.”
“He’s coming down to head out for the summer campaign. He is one of my generals, Mave. I can’t have him training warriors but unable to lead. He’s a good commander and holds the respect of the Andinna who remained free in Anden, regardless of his…decisions concerning you and Leria.” Alchan was trying to be pragmatic, but she saw the flash of anger in his eyes.
None of them had agreed with Seanev’s decision made centuries ago to blood bond with Leria, instead of looking for Mave in the Empire. The males in the Ivory Shadows disliked Seanev, some downright hated him, but Mave’s feelings were different. She was hurt by Seanev, but she was pissed at Leria. She preferred to keep a lot of distance from both of them.
“Thank you for telling me,” she said finally, taking the offered coffee and finishing it. “Now, make more of this.”
“You know, I’m the one who is supposed to give the orders,” he said with a fair dose of chagrin.
“My house,” she pointed out. “Teach Zayden while you’re at it.”
Alchan chuckled and stood, looking into the kitchen.
“If they put on clothing. I’m not going in there if they’re all going to be naked. It’s ridiculous.”
Mave sighed, nodding at her males, who disappeared for only a moment, then came back wearing pants.
“There.” She glared at him for ruining her morning view, but Alchan didn’t seem perturbed by her anger. He had no reason to be. Once, if he had tried to come into her home and made demands, she would have tried to attack him. That had been a long time ago. Now, there was so much understanding between them, only the greatest of insults would be needed for a fight to break out. He was her king, and she loved him for that. Finally, she had a ruler she respected, and he was her brother. There was very little he could do that would truly anger her.
A short while later, he put another full mug of coffee in front of her.
“Now that you know about Seanev, I’m going to go. You have a good day, sister.”
“Tell Rainev I said hello, and that I’ve missed spending time with him,” she said as he walked away.
“I’ll make sure he puts time aside for you,” Alchan replied.
The moment the door closed, the tension in the room evaporated, and Mave watched her males finally liven up again, talking among themselves.
“So…how long have you all known about Seanev coming?” she asked. Picking up the hot cup of coffee, she brought it to her lips as she watched them set the table and continue cooking breakfast.
“A few weeks,” Mat answered, coming to sit beside her where Alchan had just been. “We didn’t think he would be over so early, or we would have put on clothes before we left the room.”
“Why didn’t you when you realized he was here?”
“Pride,” Bryn said, putting a plate of bacon down in the middle of the table.
“He’s seen me naked,” Luykas said with a shrug. Everyone looked at him at that. “We lived together for a long time. You think we didn’t see each other in the buff more than once? Please. We’re more like twins than half-brothers. If you’ve seen one of us, you’ve seen both of us. There’s nothing to hide.”
“Wow,” Mave mumbled, shaking her head. She didn’t need that mental image so early in the morning. Then another thought hit her that made her feel a little worse. Her eyes slid across Luykas’ chest, then trailed down. “No wonder Rain’s so into him.”
Luykas sputtered, his face turning red. “That…”
“Was uncalled for,” Zayden growled as he dropped a plate of eggs on the table too hard. “I was trying not to think about that.”
The laughter that filled her home was like a song, harmonizing into music that could only be created once—music she had sorely missed over the spring.
Mave decided to change the subject as Zayden’s face turned redder. He was happy for his son, but everyone knew he wasn’t comfortable with Alchan and Rain’s sex life, at least not hearing about it.
“So…what is everyone going to do today?” She looked around the table as they all found their seats.
“I’ll be evaluating new warriors,” Mat answered. “A bunch of novices. Some have talent and will be able to stay and train here in more advanced groups, but most will need to go north and spend the autumn and winter with Seanev.”