Page 29 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)

Zepharali

Zepharali was upset about the meeting he’d had with his council in the war room. Every time he went, it was more bad news. More warnings of the threat to Lazaar.

He wanted to see his heart, needed him in his arms where he’d always be safe.

“Father, I know you’re worried, and I know the powers of the vampire-mage make you uneasy.”

Dorema kept pace beside him as he returned to the ocean, where he could feel Lazaar having the time of his life.

“If she’s powerful enough to command an army of the dead, I fear not only for Lazaar but for my daughters and people as well.”

“We will continue to convene. I know time is of the essence, lord. We will not stop until we have a solution and a solid defense.”

“Lord,” Aoide said from his left, “I think it best to alert your brothers of our impending danger so they’re prepared as well if the plan is to include them in battle.”

“Gods’ help, I don’t want it to come to that, Aoide.” Zepharali calmed himself, not wanting Lazaar to feel his distress.

“Father, go to your prince. Calm your mind. We will see you both in the grand hall this eve.” His titaness daughter, who headed up Scáthanna’s Situational Evaluation Unit, veered in the other direction, leaving him with only his personal detail.

“What in unholy Hades!”

Zepharali frowned as he watched his mermen friend, Reif, throw his lover high into the air, dodging the small fireballs Lazaar hurled his way before he dove back into the water.

The waters churned as if a hurricane was brewing.

A second later, Lazaar was thrown out of the water again by one of the mermaid guards—even they were acting insane—and took his turn at evading the rapid fireballs striking the water like bolts of lightning.

Lazaar’s rambunctious laughter every time he broke the surface made it impossible for Zepharali to be mad.

Goodness, even Myst was getting in on the fun, plucking the merchildren from the water and soaring them into the sky while they laughed like crazed zeedyflies.

Zepharali ignored his detail chuckling behind him.

“Well, he’s a fast learner. Now you don’t have to teach him how to swim anymore,” one of his daughters snickered.

“Yeah, but I kind of wanted to,” he huffed.

“I’m sure there’s plenty more firsts you can teach him, Father. Damn, he’s badass with those fireballs.”

Zepharali didn’t answer.

He clocked the next time Lazaar was thrown into the air and shot across the distance and caught him in his arms before he could hit the water again.

“Beloved!” He laughed, holding him tight around his neck. “I knew you were close.”

“Have you had enough fun?” Zepharali kissed his wet lips. “You’ve been at this since dawn. It’s time for us to prepare for your introduction dinner.”

Lazaar was still catching his breath when he glanced down and waved goodbye to the merfolk, promising to return for another game soon.

Zepharali flew them back to his palace, landing gently on his balcony.

He was quiet and still deep in thought when he walked Lazaar to his quarters so his attendants could prepare him for the dinner.

“How much of Scáthanna will be at this gathering?”

Zepharali kissed both Lazaar’s palms. “Most of the guests will be my daughters…all five hundred of them.”

Lazaar’s eyes widened.

“My council, advisers, and a few dignitaries from other realms.” Zepharali kissed him on his forehead, then smoothed the worry lines away. “Word has spread of your kindness and loyalty. You’ll be greeted with great honor, I promise.”

Before Lazaar walked through the double doors, he leaned in for a long kiss, and Zepharali held his nerves in check while he gave him what he desired.

“I’ll see you soon.” Lazaar sounded shy as he gave him one final glance and allowed the guards to close him inside.