Page 147 of The Nymph Prince

“Give it here then, will you?” I snatched the goblet from his hand.

When I took a drink, my eyes widened. Whatever I’d been expecting? That wasn’t it. The ale was sweet and a little tart, tasting of honey and berries along with a flavor I’d never experienced before. After one sip, my whole body turned to mush. My tense muscles relaxed and a feeling of euphoria trickled through me.

“Nectar of the gods, sweetheart,” my mate said before giggling. The giggle broke off into a hiccup, and his expression turned serious.

As he sat there, staring at the table with unblinking eyes, I started to worry.

“Lorcan?” I placed my hand on his back.

He hiccupped again and jumped, as if he’d been asleep and the noise had woken him up. I couldn’t control the laugh that rumbled through my chest.

“I’ve never seen you so taken with drink before, sweet prince.” I leaned in to kiss his warm cheek. “Maybe we should retire for the evening.”

Lorcan purred as he nuzzled my face. “I haven’t made love to your new body yet. I’d very much like to change that.”

I’d like to do the same. But not when he was intoxicated.

“Let us get you to bed first. We’ll worry about the rest later.”

“Mm.” His head lolled to the side, falling on my shoulder. Seconds later, he began to softly snore.

“Allow me.” Malik slipped his arms under Lorcan and picked him up. He regarded the prince with tender eyes before looking at me. “If it’s of any consequence, I’m pleased that you’re here.” Then, as if the moment had been too sentimental for his liking, he added, “For the prince’s sake.”

“Of course,” I said, not believing him for a moment.

“You’re a warrior, correct?”

I froze at the voice and turned to see King Triton scrutinizing me with blue-gray eyes.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I responded, bowing my head.

“My son is taken with you.” His brows rose as he downed the rest of his wine. “With the death of his mate, I expected him to be more…shattered. Yet, here he is cozying up to you as though his heart is whole.”

Shit.

“I cannot speak on his behalf, Your Majesty,” I said.

“No. You cannot.” He sighed as he scooted back his chair and stood. His icy stare moved to me again. “Though it makes me wonder.”

I stood from the table and faced him, not wanting to seem disrespectful. “Wonder what?”

The king smirked. He turned and left the dining hall.

Something told me he wasn’t fooled.

I followed Malik and a sleeping Lorcan down the steps and across the room. Before we left, I caught Seth’s eye. He hadn’t spoken to me since the morning after the battle when I told him the truth about his brother. Maybe it was the small burst of courage from the ambrosia, but I had to remedy the situation.

“Go ahead without me,” I said to Malik. “I’ll be up shortly.”

I kissed Lorcan’s forehead before approaching Seth.

Seeing me, he shook his head and jumped to his feet. He stormed out of the Great Hall, and I trailed him. Aye, I probably should’ve given him his space. Given him more time to grieve. But the urge to make things right was hard to ignore.

Theron had always protected Seth. From everything. Even though he was gone, the impulse to do the same was engraved in me.

It would’ve been ideal to take the body of a man no one cared for. Without anyone to grieve him, there would’ve been no complications. But that wasn’t reality. Men had pasts—families. It was foolish to think I could’ve been spared that complication.

“Seth,” I said once following him outside to the front garden. He’d been heading for the path that led to the barracks. “I know it’s hard—”