My lips pressed together to keep from laughing at the serious way they were discussing a change in menu.
“Lamb and parsnips with tarragon.” Quinn groaned.
“Lamb?” Emon frowned then swiveled to Eshe. “What’s going on with our beef stock? Did Gain raise the prices again?”
Eshe rolled her eyes exasperatedly. “Of course he did, your majesty. The moment you left actually. I am sure beef pasties will be back on the menu soon enough with word of your return. It’s likely Gain saw your morning run this morning and peed his pants knowing what that would mean.”
The shifter king grunted. “I’m not giving him reprieve. Put Gain on the community cycle next month. Let him service the very neighbors he has been ripping off.”
Eshe nodded. “With pleasure.”
“Which reminds me…when is my next rotation?”
I frowned. The king of shifters did community service?
Emon noticed and winked. “Don’t look so shocked, how do you think I stay in such good shape?”
Penina gurgled around her apple. “Don’t let him fool you. He takes the easiest jobs.”
Emon bristled. “There has to be some perk to being king.”
Everyone rolled their eyes. I sensed this wasn’t their first conversation regarding the manner.
“There is an open spot for nymph duty, your highness.” Eshe fluttered her eyelashes and everyone sniggered.
Emon rubbed that scruff of his beard, his lips thinning with a grimace. “Anyone want to trade?”
The room was silent. Even Jarquinn, theancientfae healer, looked disturbed.
I dared to break the stoic silence. “What is nymph duty?”
“Babysitting, beauty.” Tyr called down. “Those little demons go wild when they know their parents go away for their great hunts once a month. They fucking terrorize the city.”
I raised a comic brow at all of them and bit at my lip. “You are afraid of watching baby nymphs?” I turned towards the king who was rubbing his hands against his pants with nervousness. “Even you?”
Emon flinched. “I’d rather face down a full flight of dragons or better yet your shadows then those little beasts.”
I choked. Then snorted. Then a burst of laughter bubbled out from me and once it started it could not stop. I felt tears roll down my cheeks and my stomach pull in my hilarity. Wheezing, I was able to control myself into soft giggles, wiping my eyes with the palm of my hand.
“You do all realize—” I chortled again and then took a deep breath to calm myself. “That baby nymphs naturally go into a deep sleep when their parents hunt in the wild? Their mothers and fathers leave them with siren songs they collect from conch shells. A week long lullaby to keep their little terrors in a deep sleep.” I snickered.
Silence. Dead silence. Even Penina’s foot stopped bouncing on the table.
“Eshe.” Emon said softly. “I want an immediate rush on siren cursed conch shells. The faster the better.”
I shook my head, more laughter escaping me.
“Consider it done, your majesty.” Eshe nodded with determination set in her eyes.
“And take Quinn with you when you go to see Gain.” He added.
Quinn sat straighter in his chair, a hopeful expression crossing his handsome face. I glanced at Eshe next to him who did not seem to share a similar sentiment.
“No need. I can handle Gain.”
The king sighed. “I have no doubt you canhandlehim. I am hoping to avoid that.”
Eshe pouted. “Of course your majesty.”
