Page 169 of Resurgent

“I don’t even want to ask how much that room is costing you, young lady. That hotel isn’t cheap on the slowest weekends.”

“Let’s just say this will be the last trip I will be able to afford for a long time.”

“I believe that!” he snorts.

The rest of the drive, he talks with me like I imagine he talks to his grandkids, of which he has eleven!

“My oldest grandson, Kam, is probably about your age…Any chance you’re looking to move to the city? He’s not always the sharpest, but he’s easy on the eyes, and he makes decent money in the military.”

“Sounds like a glowing recommendation if I’ve ever heard one.”

We laugh together like old friends, until I have to physically force my jaw from dropping to the floor when we drive into the capital city.

Everywhere I look, there is beautiful architecture. The buildings aren’t towering or suffocating, the tallest only being nine or ten stories tall, and there are only two of those that I can see. Most of the city seems to be built from brick, but the ivy and lavender that climb the sides of walls soften the dark, steep roofs. Every street feels welcoming and timeless, and I can’t help but wonder how a kingdom that has caused so much pain can be home to a place so peaceful.

The sidewalks are bustling with people, shop doors propped open, and Clowessian flags and banners flying everywhere.

“Oh my gosh,” the words come out as a whisper, my awe no longer able to be hidden as we turn a corner and the StoneBridge hotel comes into view.

While only four stories tall, the white-washed limestone walls and iron balconies with swirling designs on their railings make the hotel an art piece all its own. Large, rounded windows adorn the main level. Raised flower boxes filled with pink and purple flowers that I have never seen before are set between the windows, while bright green twisted trees in identical boxes line the circular driveway and frame the front door.

“All the city cleaned up for the Royal Party, but Stonebridge always looks like this. You should come back next Winter Solstice when the lights are up, that’s the real showstopper.”

“I would die to see that.”

“Did I mention my grandson is a great tour guide, too?” He tries again. “He’s lived here all his life. Plus, he knows better than to leave a lady on the side of a road. If his mama or sisters ever caught him disrespecting a woman, they’d be chasing him around with wooden spoons.”

I laugh. “Well, if I decide to make the move, I promise you’ll be the first person I call so you can introduce me to this strapping grandson of yours.”

“You just let me know, darlin’, and I’ll come help you pack. Now wait right there a minute,” he says as he puts the car in park and rushes around the car faster than I would have imagined a man in his seventies could move, and opens my door.

“Better believe he knows to open a lady's door too,” he winks as I climb out.

I try to hand him the fare for my ride, but he shakes his head, “I think you’re paying enough for this hotel, you save your money.”

Guilt immediately hits me, and my stomach sinks. “Please, I insist.”

“What kind of story would that be to tell my great-grandbabies about the first time I met their mama? You save that money and treat yourself to some dinner and live music a couple blocks over at Tam’s Place. Tell ‘em Barney sent you.”

“Thank you, truly, for everything,” I say, waving at him as he walks back around the car.

I can feel Tyr laughing in my mind.

“Don’t even start.”

“Two boyfriends, two different kingdoms, fighting in a war against each other. What could go wrong?”

“Yeah, yeah. What was I supposed to say? I’d just told him my boyfriend deserted me. I couldn’t say I was going to keep dating the douche.”

“I wish we could tell Hunter he’s now being referred to as a deserting douche!”

“Not Hunter! Just the man who left me in the middle of nowhere. Which now that I think about it… I guess would actually be you…”

“You’re going to pay for that.” he snorts.

Stepping through the doors, the air is filled with the lush, creamy-sweet scent of the gardenia tree growing in the center of the lobby and the low chatter of people at the lobby wine bar and couples bustling around the open lounge.

“Hi, I’m checking in.”