a flippant gesture. “I would have done the same in his shoes.”
“If it helps, Stolas felt bad afterward.”
A wry grin flashed across his face. “Did he now? A Shade Lord with a conscience is a rare creature indeed.” His grin soured as he leaned across the table, eyes darkening to the color of his coffee. “If Renk knew who Neri really was, if he somehow discovered that our children have the same power running through their veins as King Bellamy, he would—he would—”
His fist suddenly hammered the table, causing the carafes to jump and the coffee in her mug to slosh over.
He exhaled, his eyes ashamed as they met hers. “I apologize for losing control. When it comes to my children and their safety, sometimes all rational thought flees.”
Haven smiled despite the twinge of sadness she felt—and always felt—witnessing a parent’s love for their child. “We will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Especially now that I know they’re Bell’s family—which makes them mine.”
A flicker of surprise rippled across his face, followed by gratitude. He bowed his head. “You truly are a marvel, Goddess-Born. Only Freya’s daughter could possess such a kind heart beneath such ferocity.”
“Careful, King Eros, or someone might hear and think you’ve gone soft.”
His laugh was so much like Bell’s that she was forced to remember his age, how young he was. This would be Bell in ten years, Goddess willing. With a partner at his side and wisdom beyond his years, ruling over Penryth and working with Eros to make the mortal lands a better place.
The vision swelled inside her until she thought she might burst, a bittersweet hope she barely dared grasp onto, barely dared pray for, in case she somehow cursed such a bright future with her greediness.
Soft footsteps echoed across the balcony as Neri approached, looking resplendent in a flowing sea-green silk robe and loose ivory gown that nipped at her bare feet. Tiny gilded seashells hung from her ears, tinkling as she strolled across the patio.
Even simply dressed and without shoes, she was every bit a queen.
Yawning, she assessed the empty balcony before turning an inquisitive stare toward Eros. “Where are the attendants, my love?”
“I sent them away so the Goddess-Born and I could talk privately,” Eros explained.
Their shared gaze lingered, communicating in that silent way only lovers could before a knowing expression came over Neri’s face.
Her eyes were no longer sleepy as they flicked to Haven. “My son spoke to you last night, at the cove.” It wasn’t a question so Haven merely waited. “I thought he might have by the way you looked up at him but . . .” She uttered what had to be a curse in her native tongue before switching back to Solissian. “He’s going to be in so much trouble.”
“Don’t punish him too harshly,” Haven said. “He’s partially the reason I passed the test.”
“Ah, I see he’s already charmed you with those big puppy eyes and that impish smile. Too much like his father, that one.” She slid onto the cushion nearest Haven, stretched like a cat, and sighed. “With all the attendants chased away, who will fetch me my breakfast?”
Haven suppressed her grin as, with a beleaguered groan, Eros left the table to procure Neri’s food.
That, Haven decided. That’s what she wanted someday. Someone who loved her the way Eros loved Neri. Who cherished her above all else and thought nothing of his ego when it came to making her happy.
Any other mortal king would have cast their wife aside when the opportunity to take the throne presented itself. Her shadowy lineage and common background would have made his ambition to take Veserack and hold the Broken Three nearly impossible.
Yet Haven had no doubt he would die before he let a single person insult his wife.
Someday, when they had more time, Haven would ask Neri the story of how she and Eros met.
Haven lifted her eyes to see Neri watching her as if she knew her thoughts. Perhaps she did, because her words were about love—of a kind. Just not between her and Eros. “Goddess-Born, I don’t mean to cause hurt by what I say . . . but what I saw under the sea the first night here. You and the Shade Lord, Stolas Darkshade are . . .”
In love.
The unsaid words hung in the air between them, growing a life of their own with each second that passed. Taunting her with their inaccuracy because in love implied they both felt