Breath (Scales 'n' Spells 2)

“Before the Great War, the various clans suffered endless minor skirmishes because of territory disputes,” Dieter added.

“We’re not worried about Rodrigo and his clan trying to usurp my territory or crown,” Alric said calmly.

“I’d like to see him try,” Cameron growled.

Alric placed a hand on Cameron’s arm and smiled. “Not going to happen. Rodrigo and his clan are happy in Brazil. They have no interest in our mountains.”

“Why now?” Dieter demanded.

Alric snorted. “Why now? Because the Burkhard Clan just laid its hands on the fourth mage located in five centuries and potentially located an entire clan of mages hidden far to the north.” Alric shook his head. “Rodrigo is done waiting around. Their mages and seeking spells are turning up nothing. As king, he can no longer wait. In all honesty, I’m surprised he didn’t fly into our courtyard when we located Cameron.”

“That’s true,” Dieter admitted. “Do you know when he is due to arrive?”

“Not officially. He has agreed to take at least a couple of days to make the trek to Germany and give me warning before he crosses into the country. That will give us ample time to make sure that rooms are prepared for our guests. We will need to have a special welcome banquet and all the usual festivities that go with honoring the king of another clan.”

Lisette barked out a laugh. “Do you even remember what those ‘usual festivities’ are?”

Alric flashed her a wide grin. “No, I do not. I was barely more than an infant the last time they happened. That’s why I’m relying on you, Dieter, and Gunter to dig out all the old journals to uncover what we need to do to properly greet our guests. Rodrigo and his retainers are here on grim business, but we will show them proper Burkhard hospitality. The relationship between our two clans has been strained for too long. I want that to end with this trip.”

“As you wish, Hoheit,” Dieter said with a bow of his head.

“Is it safe to announce the exciting news to the rest of the castle?” Baldewin asked, but his eyes were trained on a very quiet Ravi, who was staring down at his lap.

“Assuming that Ravi hasn’t texted it to the entire castle yet,” Alric said.

Ravi looked up with a gasp. “I haven’t told anyone yet!” he cried. He held up the phone from where it had been in his lap, showing a long text filled with exclamation points and what might possibly be snowflakes. “See! I haven’t sent it yet. I was just preparing it.”

Cameron squinted at the screen and laughed. “It’s to my sister. You won’t need to announce it. Ravi tells my sister, and the entire castle will know in less than twenty minutes.”

Alric groaned. “Ravi, delete the text. Don’t send it. Dieter will send out an official announcement to everyone so they have the correct information and their questions answered. This isn’t gossip.”

“Of course, Hoheit,” Ravi mumbled. He held his phone out so Alric could clearly see him delete the unsent text.

“I think that’s enough excitement for one day. Everyone, please see to preparations for what we’ve discussed.”

They all rose as Alric officially closed out the meeting. Luckily, Baldewin didn’t have too much on his plate. An update to the policy in regards to leaving the castle, a check in with his security team, and then he could finally find Tori. He needed to see the mage, to hold him. Only then would he finally be rid of this anxious twisting in the pit of his stomach.

Tori caught Ha Na’s arm with a laugh, doing the now requisite do-si-do to switch places with her. The distance between the tables was technically wide enough to walk by, even two abreast, but Ha Na insisted on this dance-style switch off when they had to change places. And since Tori had basically fallen in love with this seventy-year-old grandmother with outrageous hair, he played along with a smile.

Ha Na was amazingly fun. He could see where both Cameron and Cassie got their personalities from. Tori would give his eye teeth to have Ha Na as a grandmother.

She giggled, as she always did, her empty bowl clutched in the other arm. There was a sparkle in her dark eyes, happiness in her face, and he smiled helplessly back at her. This woman’s charm was lethal.

“Tori!” Cassie called from her comfortable perch in the window. “Stop flirting with my grandmother! You’re going to make Big B all insecure and jealous.”

“It’s too late for him,” Tori called back. “Ha Na’s already stolen my heart. There’s no turning back now.”

That earned him another giggle, and she closed in for a hug. “You’re the most precious thing. You play with me. Those useless grandchildren of mine don’t play with me.”

“Hey!” Cassie spluttered in protest. “I play with you all the time!”