Page 149 of To Scale the Emerald Mountain

“This sight makes me so very happy!” A lilting feminine voice cuts through my fog of sleep. I reluctantly peel myself from Alec’s warmth as he groans his own displeasure.

Cescily smiles fondly down at us.

“Go away, Cessy. I have not yet slept off my death,” Alec mumbles at her, pulling me close again.

I poke him playfully. “Are you going to tell everyone that I stabbed you?”

“Probably,” Alec grumbles sleepily into my hair and throws a heavy leg over me.

Cescily laughs. “I suppose your idea for her to kill you succeeded in setting you both free?”

“Yes. And it fixed whatever Locane broke. Now, leave.” Alec pulls the blanket farther up my back, trying to protect my modesty. Useless, as Cescily has seen me naked many more times than he has.

The memories of my best friend and all our bonding, mischief, and adventures returning to me have been nearly as magical as the memories of my mate.

“Would if I could, dear brother,” Cescily tuts. “But you are needed for a council meeting.”

Alec finally turns to face his sister, blinking his bleary eyes. “Is it important?”

Cescily shrugs. “I don’t think so. I believe it’s for budgets or something equally boring. Want me to handle it?”

Alec sighs. “No, thank you. I need to address with the council what you and I discussed.”

“See you there, then,” Cescily says and bounces out of the room.

“What did you two talk about?” I ask.

Alec rubs his hand up and down my bare arm, leaving pebbled skin that has nothing to do with being cold. “When you and I leave The Capital to tour the Mother Continent, Cescily will rule in my stead.”

“Weren’t her and your mother doing that anyway, while you were searching for me?” I ask.

“Yes. Mostly Cescily, with Mother’s guidance. She demonstrated admirably her natural leadership skills. But since we will be gone for an extended period, and our trip will not be a secret, the council would expect one of my brothers to step in.”

“Why? Is your council not aware of the queens and daughters of your family that sit the throne when you men go crazy?”

Alec chuckles. “Our council, our family, Ellya. And yes, they are.”

“Then what does it matter if Cescily temporarily takes your place?”

“It should not matter, but they will no doubt say something about tradition and appearances.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I say.

Alec kisses my nose. “I agree.” When he stands, I pout exaggeratedly at him. “Come with me.” He extends a large hand to help me up.

“Really?” I smile and take it, letting the blanket pool at my feet. Alec growls, pulling me into him.

“Yes, really. You do not have to do anything, just observe. You may very well be one of those queens to rule in the event of my untimely death if we have children that are not of age. Or the more likely scenario where I lose my fucking mind.”

I scowl at him, the idea of either situation abhorrent. “Don’t say that.”

“I thought we were past not being honest with ourselves, my clove?” he asks me, and I plant a light kiss on the thick white scar directly above his heart. I head towards my dressing room to find something to wear, Alec trailing behind me.

“We are. But isn’t it the task we are about to embark on that makes you Vahnsing men go mad?” I throw over my shoulder, pulling a flowy silver dress over myself—not bothering with undergarments beneath.

“It is, and seeing as how I am being pulled into that quest, the likelihood of me going mad has greatly increased. That is, if I do not first succumb knowing that you are bare under that dress in a room full of men.” He pulls me back into him and buries his face in my neck while bunching my skirts in his hands.

“You don’t have to join me in finding the gems if you think it will preserve your sanity,” I tell him.