Page 46 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)

Lazaar

Lazaar was on the opposite side of the square, being bombarded with questions about his accession and how it felt to be the most powerful being in all the realms.

He was fawned over and complimented on his long, silk cloak and his hair, which had been decorated by the fairies with black diamonds and roses.

Lazaar accepted so many gifts that his attendants had to keep taking them back to his quarters and returning for the next armful.

He felt grateful and humbled to be receiving so much glory. But he was most grateful for the people not being afraid of his dark side or his turning against him and their lord.

That would never ever happen.

Zepharali sat at the royal table with his brothers surrounding him, talking, drinking, and releasing raucous laughter as they reminisced about days of old.

They’d fought so many battles. The stories they were entertaining the masses with seemed to never end.

Lazaar could feel Zepharali’s joy and love pumping into his core as strong as his own pulse. Every now and then, they’d lock eyes at the same time and send whispers of guaranteed ecstasy when they were once again alone.

Shall we go to our cavern this eve, beloved?

I’ll go anywhere you want, my prince.

“What are you grinning ear to ear about?” Elephaa chuckled.

“Oh.” He smirked. “Um, the music and the singing. It’s wonderful, is it not? It’s bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.”

“Mm-hmm.” She grinned.

The commander of his court was already his best friend. She not only protected him, but he’d begun to confide in her and trust her with his deepest secrets.

“Your grace, if you approve, I’d like to accept the offer of a dance from Lord Iohn of the Planes Empire.” Elephaa blushed.

“Ooh, he is quite the looker,” Lazaar teased. “I admire a lord who’s not intimidated by a powerful female.”

“Me too, your grace. You have no idea how hard it is to find a proper gentleman not intimidated by a titaness.” She lowered her eyes to her missing limb. “Especially one that is not whole.”

She and Lazaar had already had extensive conversations on this subject. And no matter how hard he tried to convince her that she was still fierce and whole in every way, his friend was sometimes saddened by not being in the infantry with her older sisters.

“Go on, enjoy yourself. I don’t anticipate danger,” he urged. “The evening is wrapping up, and Myst is at my side.”

“Okay,” she murmured, though she remained to scan the dense crowd.

“Just go.” He laughed. “You forget I’m the most powerful being there is. I doubt anyone will try to test that declaration.”

Once she had gone, he went to Zepharali and settled by his side, the same as the other wind titans’ mates, and fell easily into the conversation.

They’d already consumed plates of the abundant meats, fruits, and every other variety of food Scáthanna had to offer.

The wolf shifters were the only ones still eating the last of the rabbit trifle and fire-roasted starling.

“Well, brothers, I think it’s time for us to return home.” Theodor stood. “Because if I have to listen to this one complain one more minute about your gorgeous suns, I’m going to catapult him back to Amárach.”

Boraleashe scowled as his hand, Adresin, continued to fan him with an ice-infused cloth.

Lazaar turned his face into Zepharali’s shoulder and laughed.

The other titans stood and gave a slight bow to the king before giving each other tight hugs.

“Until the next celebration,” Notalus hefted his drink. “Since our days of war are over.”

“Hear, hear,” Adres added, raising his goblet.

Lazaar nodded.

Their threat of war was over. He dared a dominion or species to challenge any realm, including Earth, now under his protection.