Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Theodor had confided in Dustin one evening when they were strolling the grounds that it’d been his nightly prayer that his father would find a consort worthy of his heart. He touched Dustin on his shoulder, looked him in his eyes, and acknowledged, “I am glad he did.”
“I’m sure the fame will wear down after a while.” Dustin shrugged.
“I doubt that.” Notalus smiled, drinking the last of his hot cider. “What you are doing with your fields is nothing short of remarkable, and everyone knows it.”
“I must admit, the sweet potatoes from Dustin’s garden are by far the sweetest anyone has grown in Fhomhair,” Vades said after he’d finished chewing his apples and potato hash.
Much of the court that sat around the table enjoying the breakfast spread began to voice their agreement, much to Theodor’s dismay.
“I know the alpha is enchanting to be around, but there are jobs being left undone.” Theodor glanced around the table, his eyes landing on a rail-thin man with pointed ears sitting five seats from him and Notalus. “Orzin of the Aslam Wilds. Your sons have been back from the dark elves, Plain of Labors, for four days now, have they not?”
“Umm.” The startled man sat a bit taller and pulled anxiously at his blue silk cravat. “They have, my prince, but…”
“But they too have volunteered their services to the alpha, yet they haven’t had an opportunity to stock and open their store with the wares from their journey.” Theodor leveled the chastised lord with a single look that had him bowing and gracefully leaving the table. The prince wasn’t done with his constituents as Notalus watched on silently but with obvious pride. “And I have more examples—you know who you are. But I will refrain from voicing my disappointment and allow my father and his consort to enjoy the remains of their breakfast in peace. I will assure your titan and lord at midday that this matter is under control.”
The rest of the court nodded with shallow bows as they finished what was left on their plates in silence. Damn, Dustin thought. Theodor was a good ruler.
********
Notalus
Notalus threw his son an approving wink, then took Dustin’s hand, ready to head to their fields to enjoy the day until the trumpets blared from the watch towers that a royal visitor was approaching. The rest of the house nobles stood from the table at the same time with confused but intrigued expressions.
“What does that mean?” Dustin grabbed Notalus’ elbow.
He could feel his alpha’s concern, could sense his wolf pacing in his chest.
“No need to be alarmed, my love. The first notes of the heralds mean we have one half hour before our visitor arrives.”
“Are you expecting someone?”
“No.” Notalus frowned, glancing at his son. “Theodor, you didn’t neglect to tell me of—”
A great gust of frigid wind raced past them, blowing food and napkins off the table and across the gleaming floor. Notalus had just enough time to fling his rob around Dustin before another powerful surge of cold shot through the courtyards, this time leaving a frost over the leftovers and a thin layer of ice in their water goblets.
“Shit! What in the…”
“It’s okay.” Notalus lowered his shield from around them as the temperature dropped to almost freezing temperatures, their breath now visible when they spoke.
“It’s him…” Theodor gritted out, leaving the room so fast his guards had to jog to keep up.
“It’s who?” Dustin rasped with impatience, taking in everyone’s nervous reactions.
“It is Boraleashe,” Notalus informed. “He is here in Tir an Fhomhair.”
Dustin was hustled back to Notalus’ chambers, where he was told to strip out of his work overalls. “I don’t understand why we have to change again. I just put this on less than an hour ago.” Dustin asked with his arms out at his sides while one of the many servants assisted him with his wardrobe change.
Notalus answered as Iulien clamped on Notalus’ bronze wrist guards, then switched the medallions on his robe. “Because it’s customary and tradition to receive a lord, a god, or any deity properly. It will be considered the highest act of disrespect not to.”
“Are you and your brothers close? What’s your relationship with this one?” Dustin asked, frowning when Dartia added a half shawl over his tunic and fastened it with a heavy gold medallion bearing Notalus’ crest.
“Well, we’re not brothers in the human sense. We are brothers at arms, brothers of the seasons. We are not of blood or kinship. We inherit the titan title from our fathers, but when we come of age to rule, that is when we meet the others—I mean each other. We are groomed to fight together and protect our lands. Our stallions are trained by the same gods so that when we ride into battle, we are in synch. Like brothers. So yes, all of the titan winds are very near to my heart.”