Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
“It’s not just any party,” Juniper informs him, plopping down beside her brother like she has some big secret. “Look!” She shoves the paper in front of Rowan’s face, and he sighs, snatching it from her to hold it at a reasonable distance.
As he reads it, I pour myself and Willow a cup of tea.
“Nice. Are we going?” Rowan asks, swinging his gaze to me. Everyone in the room has their eyes on me now, awaiting an answer.
Love of Vakeeli.
Sometimes I forget I’m the one in charge of them.
“If Willow wants to go, I suppose we are,” I say as she claims the spot next to me.
“It’s not a party without the Blackwater Clan.” Rowan grins, rubbing his hands together. “Oi, I have the perfect suit for the night.”
“You really think it’s wise taking Willow there for everyone in Vakeeli to see?” Killian asks, pointing his attention to my mate. “Not to ruin it for you, Willow, but I worry about your and Caz’s safety. I know I may seem like the party dragger here, but we have to remain realistic. There are still enemies out there, and many of them will be attending Armistice Night.”
“I’m not comfortable with the idea, if I’m speaking honestly,” I admit, and Willow turns her disappointed gaze to me. “But it’ll be her first of this lifetime, and she deserves to go.” Her smile appears again, along with a flutter in both our chests. “As Juniper said, we’ll bring a fleet. I’m sure all other territories will be doing the same.”
Killian sighs, head shaking.
He knows there is no arguing.
“We’ll need dresses right away.” Juniper leaves Rowan’s side to sit next to Willow. “I think the best place to get one is in Vanora. The dressmakers are remarkable.”
“The Blackwater tailors are good too,” I counter.
“Sure they are, but Vanora has better resources when it comes to the quality of the dresses,” Juniper says. “Their silk and tulle are the most sought after, and with all the people in Gold Class in their fancy clothes attending their fancy parties, the Vanora tailors are much more efficient. Trust me, if you want Willow to look like a goddess, we have to go there.”
“When is it anyway?” Killian grumbles, leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
“Six days from now,” Juniper answers.
“That’s very soon.” Willow shifts next to me.
“They do it on purpose.” Rowan picks up a paperweight and tosses it in the air, playing catch with it. “Keeps everyone focused on the preparations instead of their desire to kill each other.”
Frankly, it works.
“Come on, Willow! Let me show you a few designs in the books I have in my bedchamber and see what you like.” Juniper is already halfway out of the room with Willow’s wrist clasped in her hand.
“Jun, we were having tea!” I shout, but of course my cousin ignores me, rushing around a corner just as Willow passes me an innocent look.
See you in our room after? We can finish what we started.
Our room. I can’t stop myself from smiling. I’ll never get tired of hearing her call it that.
“Are you smiling?” Rowan asks, leaning forward to get a closer look at me.
“Fuck off,” I mutter, burying my smile in the teacup.
“He is! Look, Kill, this fucker is smiling. Love of Vakeeli, he looks weird when he does that, doesn’t he?”
Killian takes the seat across from me. “I think he’s pussy-whipped.”
I point a finger at him. “Shut up.”
“He is pussy-whipped,” Rowan chuckles.
“But seriously, Armistice Night is a big deal, Caz. Sure, we can gather a fleet, but we won’t be able to take our eyes off her or each other for a second,” Killian forewarns.
“I’m aware. Look, we attend Armistice to let Willow and Juniper have a good time. Women love events like this, so we’ll just have to suck it up and go. We let Willow experience the dance, have a drink or two, and then we return to Blackwater. You have to remember, Kill, that Armistice Night is also a way to assert power. If I don’t show up, the other territories will assume I’m vulnerable and, like you said, Devlin is purposely dodging our contacts. He’ll most likely be there too, but for now, keep an eye on him and the Rippies. Make sure they’re not up to something. I don’t want any funny shit happening before or while we’re there.”
“I’m on it.” Killian rises, lumbering out of the room with his transmitter in hand.
When he’s gone, Rowan clears his throat and says, “I know we’re to keep an eye on each other, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fuck a lady or two while we’re there, does it?”
“Vakeeli’s sake, Rowan.” I stand and polish off my tea. “I don’t care what you do. I just hope none of them decide to chop your bloody dick off when they realize there isn’t a woman there you haven’t slept with. Who knows what kind of disease you’re carrying.”