Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Captain Ryze bowed to Hugo, a smirk twisting his lips. “As you wish, Your Lordship.”
Hugo chuckled and hurried away. He was never going to get used to that.
After checking several rooms and asking some servants, he located Dorian in a dimly lit lounge filled with heavy furniture, thick curtains covering the windows, and a faint scent of wood smoke and spice.
“Dorian?” he called into the semi-darkness. There were two gas lamps burning in the room, providing weak light. He was about to leave and double-check that the servants had directed him to the right room when there was a soft noise from the far side of the room.
“How did you even find me?” Dorian growled as his head popped out from the other side of a tall, wing-back chair that faced away from the entrance to the room.
“What in the world are you doing in here?” Hugo demanded, marching across the room.
“I thought it was pretty obvious.” Dorian snorted. “I’m hiding.”
Hugo pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why are you hiding?”
“Mother and Queen Lilianna have made a list of suitors for me. An actual paper list, Hugo.”
That was more serious than what he’d thought he’d walked in on with Mother and the queen.
He stopped in front of his younger brother as he slouched in a chair with a book clutched to his chest, looking so very disgruntled. He did not want Dorian worrying about this today. It was his special day, and he wanted all of his family happy.
“I’ve spoken with Mother and Queen Lilianna about this and told them to give it a rest. I promise to speak to them both again prior to Everand and me leaving for our honeymoon. They won’t force you into a marriage you don’t want.”
Dorian huffed and dropped his book onto his seat as he rose to his feet. “Ignore me. This isn’t something you need to worry about. It’s my problem. You’re about to marry a prince. You have this whole life…”
Hugo reached out and clasped his brother’s arms. “The life I’m building with Everand will always include you and Augustine. I never want you to stop bringing me your problems and concerns. I might become the prince’s consort, but I will always be your brother.”
Dorian’s thin smile wavered, and he sniffed. “I know. And don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind finding my own prince charming, but I’m in no rush. My work with Mr. Cuthbert is improving. He thinks that I’ll be good enough to win some awards in the next year or two.”
A huff escaped Hugo. “Your work is good enough to win awards now.”
“Thanks. I want to focus on this for a year or two before worrying about marriage.”
“Fine. I’ll do what I can to hold off Mother and Queen Lilianna.” Hugo reached out and poked Dorian’s forehead. “Just don’t forget to make some time for love in between all your books.”
“I—” Dorian cut off whatever he was about to say when the door to the lounge burst open and King Hubert rushed in as if he were being chased. He shut the door behind him and released a heavy sigh of relief.
“Is everything okay, Your Majesty?” Hugo demanded, still shocked to see the king enter the room in such a frantic manner. And alone. The king couldn’t take two steps without having guards, ministers, and servants always following close on his heels.
The king swung around, his eyes wide. “Oh, damn. This room isn’t empty,” he muttered.
While confusion wracked Hugo’s brain, a chuckle slipped from Dorian.
“You came in here to hide too,” Dorian observed.
King Hubert appeared embarrassed for a heartbeat, and his face cracked into a broad grin. “I am. This room is usually empty, and I sneak in here twice a day to clear my head.” He narrowed his eyes at Hugo and Dorian as he approached the center of the room. “You’re not hiding too, are you?”
“No, Your Majesty,” Hugo replied.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Dorian said at the same time. “Her Majesty and Mother are trying to arrange my marriage as we speak.”
“Your Majesty, this is my younger brother, Dorian. I think you might have met at one of the recent dinners.” Hugo made what were likely unnecessary introductions, but he could never be sure. The king had to speak to so many people during the day. It was a wonder he remembered anyone at all.
The king lit up. “Of course. You’re the maverick with books.” He wagged a finger at Dorian and moved closer. “I’ve been wanting to speak to you. There’s this book I adored as I was a child that was an illustrated journal of forest wildlife with a focus on animals in Wulia. My younger brother destroyed it when we got into a fight decades ago, and I’ve been searching for a new copy ever since.”