“The generals are also in attendance,” Hisa advised, her steps slowing.
“Sounds good,” I told her, realizing we weren’t going to the chamber where we’d met with the generals last time.
Hisa stopped in front of a set of double doors toward the end of the hall, knocking once before pushing the doors opento reveal a large, circular chamber likely not used by the Blood Crown during the day due to its tall windows.
Placing a hand on Poppy’s lower back as we entered, I scanned the chamber, taking note of the smaller antechambers on either side. Mostly empty settees and armchairs surrounded an oval table in the center of the space. Chairs scratched over the stone floor as their occupants pushed back and stood to face us, murmuring greetings. All the generals we’d met with before were present. So were Naill and—
“Poppy!” a familiar voice exclaimed. A second later, Netta rushed out of the antechamber, nearly knocking her brother aside.
My lips lifted into a grin as Kieran shot his sister a glare.
Netta streaked past me like I was nothing more than an old, worn boot, her tight braids streaming out behind her. She threw her arms around Poppy, causing her to stagger back several steps.
“Wow,” I muttered. “Don’t mind me. I’m just invisible.”
“You and me both,” Emil said under his breath. “But you’re not sleeping with her.”
Tilting my head, I peered at him as Delano coughed quietly. Emil’s stare met mine. I arched a brow. “Come again?”
Emil seemed to realize what he’d said and immediately pivoted on his heel, heading toward a serving table where decanters, pitchers, and glasses had been laid out.
I turned back to Poppy. Netta still had her in a fierce hug, lifting her onto the tips of her boots. My lips flattened. “Please don’t break my wife, Netta.”
“Shush it,” Netta replied, and I caught Poppy’s muffled giggle.
Gods, that sound…
It was light and infectious. My grin was looser when I looked up, catching General Aylard’s stiff posture as he stood betweenthe dark-haired La’Sere and General Murin. He watched Netta and Poppy with an air of impatience and something akin to disgust.
Resisting the urge to peel Netta off Poppy before the damn wolven snapped a rib was as hard as not giving in to the desire to snap Aylard’s neck. I forced my legs to move past them. After everything, Poppy needed this. Her ribs would be fine, and Aylard could go fuck himself.
I made my way to where Kieran stood by the end of the table. “Thad?”
He’s in his chambers, he replied through the link.He’s injured.
I stiffened, now understanding why he’d been so late returning.How badly?
He’ll recover.
Before I could question him further, he said,How’s Poppy?
A muscle in my jaw ticked, and I debated not answering him. But even I wasn’t that big of a dick.I found her at the Cliffs of Sorrow.
His head cut toward me and then went to where Poppy stood with his sister.What the fuck was she doing there?
Trying to see if she felt connected to them.
Kieran exhaled slowly.Makes sense that she would. A moment passed.Did she?
I shook my head.
Not sure if that’s good or bad.
Neither was I.
Kieran pulled his gaze from her.Your father has returned, too.
My head swung toward him, but before I could question him, Poppy spoke. “We apologize for keeping you all waiting.”
