Queen Aster’s face hardened.
“But now he has a mate and is starting his own family. You need not worry about my pining heart.”Honeythistle floated up and kissed Seidrik on his cheek. “You grew up quite handsome, though.”
“Honeythistle!” The queen shooed him away and sighed. “Silly child. Still has so much growing up to do. So, when were you two wed? And how did Alluin take the news, Treasured Prince?”
Honeythistle grinned rakishly and floated off, back from the vines where he came. The queen glanced over her shoulder with a miserable expression. “He brought himself a mate home, too. I’m so very thankful they’re a nymph.”
“Ah, well…” Seidrik cleared his throat.
“We are not wed. Few know of our mating, and King Alluin hasn’t even guessed.” Stamel bowed his head, squeezing Seidrik’s hand.
“Do send an invitation. I cannot leave my forest, but I will watch the spires for the bells they toll for you, as I did for Saria and her mates.” Queen Aster chuckled. “It will happen soon, then? It’s a surprise that Virion was the only one who made it to marriage.”
Seidrik shrugged. “We’re playing things safe at the moment. My gender will have to remain secret until the goddess thinks it wise to speak.”
“If you were trying to hide things, would have been best to stay on your preventatives, no?” Queen Aster covered her lips for a gentle laugh.
“I’m sticking to them strictly.” Seidrik cleared his throat, earning a raised brow from the queen.
She raised a hand and snapped her fingers, summoning another nymph from across the glade. She whispered something to the fuchsia-adorned female, and they left with a playful twirl in the air. “So, have you come about the sun pheasant?”
“I have, Queen Aster. I wish to offer my most humble apologies. We bring amberfly honey and ask what we may do to ease the tensions. Nymphs are reminding my people why we are to respect yourboundaries.” Seidrik held the jars out as the fuchsia nymph returned and traded him out for a small, roughly hewn wooden box latched firmly shut.
“You do well to remind your men to stay out of our bounds, or we will move on to more expensive trickery.” She huffed. “And if they keep stealing the climbing cherries, we’ll taint the ground and make sure their manhoods wither.”
“Can you do that?” Stamel stared at her with wide eyes.
“Do you really wish to know? And what will you bargain for that information?” Her eyes went predatory.
“It is none of my business. I have had enough of nymph bargains.” Stamel waved his hands dismissively.
“Good alpha.” Queen Aster turned in place and called out, “Saphonica!”
An indigo-colored nymph flew out a moment later, hands clasped. “My lady?”
“Bring our treasure’s ruby here a climbing cherry for later. I’m sure he and his mate will make good use of it. The southern glade is free; my sisters shall keep anyone from pestering you, and please do open that box after. I think that concludes our business.” The queen floated back and seated herself upon her throne of assorted vegetation and waved with nimble fingers and a coy smile. “Do invite me to the wedding.”
Stamel cut his gaze toward Seidrik.
“No, thank you.” Seidrik pulled back, but Stamel held his hand tight as the indigo nymph, Saphonica, placed a bright-pink climbing cherry in his hand. “Oh, Goddess…”
“Negotiations wereharderthan expected.” Stamel popped the fruit into his mouth, crushing it with his too-white teeth. Red juice tinged his lips, and he licked gratefully before swallowing.
“Toodaloo, Seidrik and his pretty mate! Don’t worry, most people get fucked over when they deal with nymphs,” Honeythistle called from behind his mother’s throne and earned a chorus of tinkling laughter from around the glade.
Chapter Fourteen
Stamel
“I simply cannot impress upon you howterribleof an idea it was to eat that climbing cherry at this particular time,” Seidrik said, his voice a whine.
“Or, was it my greatest idea yet?” Stamel shoved gently at Seidrik’s back as he stumbled off with the box in hand. “If you slow down, I might become indecent.”
Seidrik’s cheeks blazed red while he tripped over roots and tiptoed gently around forest flora, watching his step with such attention to every footfall. He truly respected the queen and her domain. Far wiser than he had been in his youth. A boyish infatuation, a crush on the first omega he’d stolen a kiss from, and he’d frittered away his crown by giving Honeythistle his trust, returning his name, all the honey he could grab, and a pair of sun elk antlers that would adorn his true mate. He couldn’t have imagined he’d have lost trust so blatantly that he would have attempted his brother’s life, but in his quest for forgiveness, he’d have his chance at being king once more and the love of his goddess-given mate.
“I mean, your advances are becoming far more tolerated by myself, but I feel like this is risking things unnecessa—” Seidrik gasped and huffed when Stamel pushed him against a tree and stole a kiss. “Okay, we must be quick about it and do realize theywillwatch, no matter what Queen Aster says. They are nymphs, after all.”
“I intend to put quite a show on for them. I had intended on cornering you in the armory later… But this is far preferable.” Stamel pulled away and swatted Seidrik’s bottom, urging him to continue their journey. A slender rod with a ring sat in his pocket, the dulled rounded bulb end poking his thigh with every step. He might have put Seidrik to shame so much faster in their earlier demonstration if the damned thing hadn’t been reminding him of its purpose. He pulled the polished silver of it free and spun it on his finger as they walked, catching Seidrik’s confused gaze.
