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“You think it’s smart to let your father rule the kingdoms?”
He stared at the fire. “I knew this would come up eventually.”
“It worries me.”
“Even if I disagreed with it, which I do, there’s nothing I can do.”
“You could ask.”
“I made my disapproval very clear. As did my brothers.” He looked at me again. “After the battles we’ve fought, I don’t have it in me to pursue this. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m tired of butting heads with my father.”
My eyes shifted to the fire.
“If he were abusing the citizens or doing something nefarious, it would be different. But regardless of who sits on that throne, it’s always going to be someone corrupt. It’s always going to be someone who puts their needs before everyone else. If anything, perhaps this will narrow the divide between humans and vampires.”
My eyes came back to his. “I want peace as much as you do.”
“Then let’s live in peace. And if it becomes a problem, we’ll deal with it then.”
A knock sounded on the door.
“It’s open,” Kingsnake said.
Cobra entered, followed by Clara, both of them dressed for their departure. “It’s time we return to the Mountain. I’m eager to show my queen her new kingdom, as well as her subjects who have decided to join us in darkness.”
Kingsnake left his glass behind and joined his brother at the entryway. “And the Ethereal who have decided to remain human?”
“They’ll return to the forest,” Clara said. “Now that King Serpentine has what he wants, I doubt he’ll think of them again. And hopefully, the werewolves will never figure out their location.”
I came to Kingsnake’s side and faced them, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. “I’m sad you’re leaving.”
“Me too.” Clara smiled. “But we’re a short ride away.”
“We’ll visit,” Cobra said. “But we haven’t had a proper honeymoon…”
“I get it,” Kingsnake said quickly, not wanting any more details.
Clara and I hugged. “See you soon,” I said.
“You too.” She squeezed me before she let me go then hugged Kingsnake next.
We all exchanged hugs, saying goodbye after a long time together.
“We can talk about this later,” Cobra said. “But it’s been on my mind since we left—”
“Aurelias.” Kingsnake immediately flushed with discomfort, the weight sitting on his chest.
Cobra gave a nod. “Yeah.”
“He’s been on my mind too,” Kingsnake said. “I thought he would be back by now.”
“I agree,” I said. “Maybe he couldn’t get a ship or something.”
“Then we should go get him,” Clara said. “If he’s a brother of yours, he’s a brother of mine.”
“He’s a good guy,” I said. “Just rough around the edges…”
“Then we’re in agreement,” Kingsnake said. “We’ll set sail and search for Aurelias.”
Cobra nodded. “Come to the Mountain in a week. We’ll ride to Crescent Falls and sail together. Viper can handle our kingdoms while we’re away.”
Kingsnake nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
Cobra and Clara walked out and left us alone in the study.
“You think he’s okay?” I asked, loving Aurelias the way I loved Viper and Cobra.
“I think he is,” Kingsnake said. “That’s what I believe anyway…”
* * *
