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“Thought you could sneak in and out without saying hello?”
I secured my armor in place and sat at the dining table to have breakfast like I did every morning with my family—except my wife and kids weren’t present. My gaze lifted to see my sister standing there, her eyes furious just the way my wife’s were whenever I provoked her.
“I had to find out from the baker, of all people.” She pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. “That King Rolfe arrived in HeartHolme last night—my own brother.”
Ian ate his food in silence, his head down, his sadness palpable. My mother sat at the head of the table, the seat that was rightfully mine, but I would never ask for it.
I held my sister’s gaze. “It was an impromptu trip.”
“So? You know where I live.”
“I had a busy night—”
“Too busy for your sister?”
“Huntley was trying to help me with Avice.” Ian’s head remained bowed as he ate his oatmeal. It was still dusky outside, the light beginning to touch every corner of the world.
The daggers in her eyes were immediately sheathed. “Sorry, just haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Been busy,” I said before I drank my coffee.
“Busy being bored at fancy parties?” she asked sarcastically.
I only tolerated the social bullshit because Ivory was there. She did all the talking, did all the leading. Most of the time, I zoned out completely. “I’m a father.”
“Of grown-ass adults.”
“You want to keep yelling at me or enjoy what little time we have?”
“Little time?” she asked. “You’re leaving already?”
“Huntley and I need to make a visit to the Teeth,” Ian said.
“Why?” she asked. “What’s going on with them?”
I explained the situation, picking at my food because I was too tired to be hungry. I’d slept in my chambers in the castle, but it wasn’t the same without Ivory beside me, using me as her mattress, her pillow, and her sheets.
“Those bastards.” She shook her head. “After the mercy we granted them, they think they can fuck with us?”
“Nothing has been confirmed,” I said. “We can’t assume anything.”
“You’re taking Storm and Pyre?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Then take their armor. It might be a tight fit. They’ve gotten fat since they last wore it, but they’ll be safer with it.”
“Don’t let them hear you say that.” Ian spooned his oatmeal and took a bite. “They’ll burn you to a crisp.”
* * *
We walked out of HeartHolme to the open field where the dragons waited for us.
“How’s Ivory?” Elora asked.
“Worried.”
“She doesn’t actually believe those morons could kill you?”
