Page 48 of Third Offense

He and Auric. They were my mates.

Which explained my elation over Auric having found Netiri’s scent as repulsive as I did.

They’re mine, I thought.Not yours.

Novak grunted, then gave Auric a knowing tilt of his head. His messy dark hair fell into his ice-blue eyes, giving him a lazy and devious appearance.

So…?he seemed to be asking.

“There wasn’t much to scout,” Auric lamented. “Before I could get anywhere, Iston found me and directed me to the kitchen. Then Netiri appeared. At least I didn’t leave entirely empty-handed.”

He gestured to the trays.

Novak’s expression told me he didn’t like Auric’s response, just as Auric’s tone told me he wasn’t pleased with his lack of discovery.

But both my mates fell silent as they indulged in our meals. I joined them, sighing contentedly at the familiar flavors.

I could get used to living like this again.

Maybe.

“What about the guards?” I asked as I finished eating. “Did they follow you, or did you bypass them?”

“Neither. They let me wander,” Auric replied. “Although, I suspect they’re how Iston and Netiri found me. Or perhaps it was the cameras.”

“Cameras?” I repeated, a chill slithering down my spine. “I hate cameras.” The Nora Palace was full of them.

“Me too,” he agreed.

“Maybe I can ask Queen Gaia about them,” I thought aloud. “See if she’ll turn them off for our wing?”

“Is that such a good idea?” Auric asked.

I shrugged. “She’s supposed to be my mother, right? I should be able to talk to her about things that makes me uncomfortable.” Although, the female whom I’dthoughthad been my mother was definitely not the person to talk to about anything involving my security.

“Your father knows best,” had been one of her favorite sayings.

Hopefully, this time would be different.

“You should,” Novak agreed.

“It doesn’t mean she’ll tell us the truth,” Auric pointed out.

“I know,” Novak replied, the two of them sharing one of their famous looks.

“I’m not testing my mother’s merit,” I told them both. “I want to develop a bond, to trust her.”

“As you should,” Novak murmured, making me roll my eyes.

He was only saying that because they wanted me to gather intelligence that we could use.

Or maybe it was a mixture of him agreeing that I should create a relationship while also obtaining useful knowledge.

Win win,he would say.

And I couldn’t argue that point.

Sighing, we all finished our breakfasts until only the chocolate was left. I turned it over and considered the golden dust.