Page 186 of Shadow Queen
From the corner of his eye, he saw Adrian’s head jerk toward him in surprise. But this was what Adrian had prepared for his whole life—to serve, to lead. And the men would follow him.
The Shadow King nodded. “Depart before dawn.” The king glanced at Adrian and gave him a small nod, then he turned and strode into the castle.
Alexander turned to Adrian. “Are you ready for this?”
“Ready as I can be. I won’t disappoint you.”
Alexander gave a small smile. “I know.” He drew in a long breath. “There’s only a little left of the day. Take me to my nephew.”
The grin returned to Adrian’s face, and they turned from the courtyard and strode toward the city.
Evening had turned into the full of night as Alexander stepped from the grand statehouse. Adrian followed him out. The hours had passed too quickly.
Adrian’s son, Theisen, was everything Alexander had imagined him to be, and more. With a head full of black hair and blue eyes, the child was beautiful. He could steal a heart at first glance. This child was family, immediately loved. As Alexander held him in his arms, he felt what every man feels for those he loves—he’d give his life for this child.
And Sevina—Alexander knew instantly she was perfect for his brother. While she was the image of quiet beauty, Adrian responded to her every touch and followed every gentle word. Alexander watched in shock as his brother minded things that Catherine had never been able to get him to do: not setting his sword on the table and using his silverware properly at dinner. And Sevina looked at Adrian with eyes of a pure heart. Alexander found himself grateful his brother had found such a love.
As the evening drew to a close, Alexander said his goodbyes. He’d be leaving before the sun rose to return to Mercia, and he wasn’t sure when he’d return. Adrian walked him to the door, then down the stairs and to the gate of the walk, where they paused.
His brother shifted uneasily. “There is something I wanted to talk to you about.”
They’d just spent two weeks traveling together, what had not already been said?
“Mercia will always be in my heart,” Adrian said. “But Kharav is where my son is, where my wife is. Where my home is.”
Alexander took a step back.
Adrian swallowed. “And I’d like to provide for my family here.” He paused as he looked back over his shoulder at the statehouse. “Sevina is accustomed to a very different life than that of a mere soldier’s wife. And her father can and will provide, but… I’m her husband…”
Alexander knew what he was asking, and he didn’t hesitate. “I’ll sell the manor in Mercia, and you can use the money to establish a life for yourself here.”
“No, not the manor.” Adrian shook his head. “It’s too much. The city house on the isle is sufficient. And you should keep the manor for your son one day.”
Alexander smiled sadly. “You know I’ll have no need of it.”
“The manor was our home.”
The manor had beenAdrian’shome, with their mother. But to Alexander, it was only a memory of the pain. Still, it was the house of his father, and his father’s father. But this was the dawn of a new era, a new generation, and if Norah had taught him anything, it was that some things had to change to move forward. His next generation would be in Kharav, and Alexander would see them provided for.
He nodded. “The city house then. I’ll arrange it and send the proceeds for you to purchase a home here.”
Adrian’s eyes welled. “Thank you, brother.”
Alexander pulled him close and embraced him. “Stay well. Until we see each other again.” He gave his brother a final cuff on the shoulder, then pushed open the gate and started back toward the castle.
When Alexander reached the mainway, a familiar face was waiting for him. He couldn’t help but smile.
Katya was leaning against a gas lamp post. She wasn’t wearing her wrap, and her long hair hung around her shoulders. She was beautiful.
“When they told me the Bear had brought the Aleon army to join us, I almost didn’t believe them,” she said.
He smirked. “I like to be beyond belief.”
“As you always have been.”
They stood in the light of the lamp post.
“Can I offer you a drink?” she asked.
