“Lyrica.” And it was final. There she was, a little princess, poised to be queen one day.
And they thanked the moon as much as Seidrik wanted to. He hoped that Askara would treasure meeting his mother, for that’s all he could do for them. Maybe not.
“Come.” Stamel drew Seidrik away by his arm, a half smile across his lips. “And we’ll talk about why you were crying.”
“I wasn’t.” Seidrik halted as he said it. “Fond memories of my mother.”
“And I didn’t realize you wore lampblack on your eyes.” Stamel reached for Seidrik’s face, thumb flicking under one of his eyes to stare at a dark residue. After staring at it, he gave Seidrik the softest of kisses to his forehead.
“I don’t.” Seidrik stared at it and touched his eyes cautiously.
“Strange.” Stamel sniffed and tasted his finger, face twisting in thought. “A mystery, perhaps… Did you sneak into the springs?”
Seidrik took a deep breath. “I did. And I did not partake. The moon was kind enough to dissuade me.”
Satisfied with his answer, they turned, catching Ingred staring them down with brows raised so high, they shot into his hairline. “Well, that explains a lot. Leave it to you, Brother, to sniff out an omegaanywhere.”
Seidrik’s heart pounded in his chest, cold sweat making him shake on the spot.
“Alluin doesn’t know, and we’d like it to stay that way for now. What will your silence cost me?” Stamel stared Ingred down with a hardened expression.
“You have dirt on Lord Tynmal. I want to know what it is.” He stared at his nails and gestured for them to follow him. Ingred was smart enough not to go to his quarters but rather led them to Stamel’s.
“The secret behind that may cost me yet more for your silence,” Stamel said, shaking his head as they stepped behind locked doors.
“Then I grant immunity.” Ingred waved his hand. “My goal is to procure Amarie as my wife. Her father has been rather discouraging when it came to my proposal. I’m a prince, so I cannot see why he’d be displeased with the offer.”
Stamel glanced from Seidrik to Ingred several times before sighing heavily. “I’ll tell Fathers one day. But you know my son, Neffa? With the threadmaker in the town square?”
Ingred nodded once. “Tynmal holds a large grudge over that. It seems he had a fondness for Rekai and his family, considered the young omega like a son to him.”
Stamel snorted. “One doesn’t fuck their sons. Neffa is Tynmal’s son. I only took the blame to keepTynmal in my pocket and restore Rekai’s honor. The goddess gave you orders, and she gave me orders, too.”
Ingred twisted his lips in thought. “Before you leave, be sure Tynmal is convinced to allow my proposal. Amarie is keen for it, but her father’s reaction makes more sense, now. Thank you. I heard nothing and saw nothing. I know nothing. Goodnight, Brothers.”
At that, Ingred turned to leave.
“Brothers?” Seidrik thought to ask, brow furrowed.
Ingred turned, gaze cold over his shoulder, green eyes glinting. “You’d have to be mates for Stamel to sacrifice a secret.”
As his footsteps faded away, Stamel clapped Seidrik’s shoulder. “We’re safe. Ingred’s too lazy to get caught up in drama like that.”
And Seidrik had to trust.
Chapter Eight
Stamel
He’d had three sonstechnically. Not a one had he been permitted to be around while they were pregnant. He’d caught glimpses of Rekai and had seen Kimbel’s father, Tauna, once when he presented his belly as if he’d be given a crown for his deception. He’d been prepared to do the right thing back then, but his fathers had stepped in. They’d been understandably upset with him for fornicating about drunk, but Tauna had been a grown male courting a teenager. A disgrace.
Watching Lumic grow over the months had been a sharp reminder of that. And so dearly did he want one of his own, a child he could be a part of from conception to birth and beyond. A child that would have favor. And an omega he could watch grow round and full. That part seemed especially appealing.
“You’ve taken your nightflower?” Stamel asked, catching Seidrik’s expression.
“You watched me take it before we went to bed earlier, and my honeythistle water.” Seidrik’s cheeks pinkened, and the scent that came off of him flooded Stamel with lust.
Just a taste,he thought.Stamel leaned in for a soft kiss, their lips brushing.Intoxicating.
