Page 92 of Burn of the Everflame

I left out that both had given me an earful of complaints about the other—the latter, angry at his mother’s lies, and the former, frustrated at his unwillingness to consider the many reasons why she felt she had to. Somehow, I’d become the Bellator family mediator.

Strangely, I didn’t hate it.

Diem and Nidara retreated back to the room. “We’re almost done here.”

I stepped forward. “Would you like me to join y⁠—”

The door closed in my face.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Taran and Zalaric exchange raised eyebrows. I clenched my jaw and slammed back down onto the bench.

“I’ll help Alixe,” Zalaric said. “You two should catch up.” He took the weapons from Taran and nudged him toward me with a pointed flare of his nostrils, then hurried away.

Taran crashed down beside me. “Alixe told everyone the Crowns lied about Queenie being with the Guardians. I can’t believe you two spent the whole time apart. I bet you were a nightmare to deal with.” He grinned, elbow digging into my ribs. “And I bet the reunion last night was wild.”

I raked a hand through my beard, debating my answer. There was no point in pretending with Taran. Though he accepted my need for secrets, he never let me get away with lying to his face. But until I understood why Diem was acting so strangely, I wouldn’t risk saying anything that might betray her trust.

“Have you and Zalaric been having wild reunions while I was gone?” I asked instead.

A guilty flush rose on Taran’s face. He shoved my arm, and I finally cracked a smile.

“I like him,” Taran said. “He’s not like anyone here. He worked for what he has. He doesn’t care who your family is or what titles you’ve got. And he only cares how much money you have so he can find a way to take it.” He snorted. “He persuaded five of our cousins to pay him their entire allowance. I was worried the snobs here wouldn’t accept him, but they’re all desperate to make him like them. He has this energy about him . . .” His face turned soft and thoughtful.

I recognized that look and the profound emotion that fueled it. My own heart roared as I thought of the woman who inspired it in me.

“I used to make fun of those people who get turned on by strong magic, but when we spar together, Zal doesn’t even have to try.” Taran blew out a breath. “Fuck, it’s hot.”

He winced and adjusted his crotch, and a sympathetic laugh rumbled out of me. “Believe me cousin, I understand.”

“He and I have so much in common. We both had shit childhoods. Our fathers are top candidates for most evil man in Emarion. We both . . .” He looked down and shrugged. “We both never felt like we belonged.”

I laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it hard. I knew he’d never been at peace here. I’d talked him out of leaving Lumnos countless times, worried that without me to watch over him, his vices would quickly become his end.

He groaned and stuffed his face in his hands. “He probably thinks I’m some damn fool he can have fun with until he makes enough money to leave. It’s going to be just like before.”

“It’s not,” I said firmly. “Zalaric followed you to Lumnos, didn’t he?”

“He followed Diem here. He thinks she’ll make things better for half-mortals.” His head turned to me. “Like you.”

I wasn’t so sure Diem had been Zalaric’s reason so much as his excuse, but I also knew there was no talking Taran out of this state. His faith was not easily given. Only time would tell if Zalaric was up to the challenge.

“Did you know?” I asked.

“That you’re a half-mortal? ’Course I knew. Aunt Avana dotes over Lily and ignores you. I thought you were the result of an affair, like half our cousins are. Then I saw how much you were risking for the half-mortals. People like us don’t do that without a reason.”

“You helped, too.”

“I did it for you. If anyone else had asked, I would have said it was none of my business.” His head hung lower. “What kind of man ignores suffering until it affects someone they love?”

“Even the best men do things they’re ashamed of.” I grabbed the back of his neck. “I’m lucky to have you, Taran. So is Zalaric. If he doesn’t know that, then he’s the damn fool.” I gave him a rare grin. “But I think he does.”

We fell into silence, our minds on the strangers who entered our lives without warning and turned them upside down, leaving us begging for more. The quiet was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps, followed by the face I least wanted to see.

“Remis,” Taran grunted in greeting.

My lips twitched up at the subtle insult. My father insisted on formality, even among family. For Taran not to address him as Regent, or at least Uncle, was a targeted blow.

“Nephew,” my father gritted out. “I’d like a word with my son.”