Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 550(@200wpm)___ 440(@250wpm)___ 367(@300wpm)
At last, they pulled up to a set of large wooden gate doors that stretched across the gravel road. Drayce had barely slowed the vehicle to a stop when the doors swung open and the sight of more men in elegant white robes with long dark hair, just like Haru, greeted them. Unlike Haru, though, none of them seemed to possess willowy grace or a devilish grin. Haru was still one of a kind.
As they climbed out of the vehicle, several members of the Omari Clan hung back to look at the newest arrivals. At least until Adrian stepped out of the SUV. Faces instantly brightened, and people rushed over to offer him hugs and pats on the shoulder, greeting him like an old friend. The smile that rose on Adrian’s face was genuine at last, and the tightness in his shoulders released, allowing them to ease lower.
While well-wishers mobbed Adrian, Shey paused to take in the grounds surrounded by a stone wall. The gardens were a breathtaking dream, unlike anything he’d ever seen. Trees with feathery leaves and ornate stone gardens surrounded astounding wooden and stone buildings that were connected through a series of winding, roofed porches and paths, creating yet more secret gardens and courtyards. From the eaves hung stunning lanterns and tiny bells that tinkled in the breeze. He ached to wander the grounds and explore all the hidden nooks.
After a few moments, an older man with snowy white hair and long white robes stepped out of the building. There was a stern-faced woman on his right and another younger-appearing woman on his left. The man was likely to be clan leader Omari Nori. Were the two women a wife and a daughter?
“Ah, Cael, you’ve returned,” the man said with a happy sigh. He waved his hand toward Caelan, completely ignoring the king’s attempt to bow to him and urging him close. Caelan smirked and hurried to take the older gentleman’s hand. He assisted him down the three steps, though it didn’t appear as if he needed the help. Despite his obvious years, he was still spry.
“I have brought your newest guests to you,” Caelan replied. “I would like to introduce Crown Prince Shey Thrudesh-Vo of Caspagir. This is Tyche, the—”
Tyche cleared his throat loudly, cutting off Caelan. “A friend. A friend of Prince Shey.”
Caelan’s lips twitched, and Nori arched a bushy gray eyebrow. No one was fooled. Haru had taken one look at Tyche and known he was a god. Shey had no doubt that Nori had done the same thing.
“And I’m sure you remember my personal guard, Adrian Westergren,” Caelan continued without missing a beat.
Adrian stepped up, clasped his hands together in front of him, forming a circle with his arms, and bowed deeply. “It is an honor to see you, Omari Nori. Thank you for the warm welcome from you and your clan.”
Shey immediately copied Adrian’s motions and bowed as well. Tyche did too, though he might have also taken the opportunity to step back, half hiding behind Shey. Not that Shey minded. He was happy to provide a shield for Tyche until he grew more comfortable in his surroundings.
Nori’s face split into a wide grin at Adrian. “I knew you would return. I am glad, though, it wasn’t because Haru had kidnapped you.” He turned his attention to Shey, and his expression grew a little more reserved. “It is our honor to have a member of the Caspagir royal family visiting us. We hope we can make you feel at peace during your stay with us.”
He turned slightly and motioned to the two women who’d accompanied him. They stepped forward. “This is my chief advisor and Haru’s older sister, Omari Megumi.”
Shey’s eyes flared. Haru had a sister? He’d had no idea.
The woman sighed wearily. “He never mentioned me, did he?”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to insult you.”
She snorted, and her lips twisted into a devilish smile that was a faint echo of Haru’s. “You didn’t. My brother is a pain. He views all the dragons of the Omari clan as brothers and sisters. Why would he view the dragon born of the same parents as anyone special?”
“I’m sure he has a special place in his heart for you.” Shey’s attempt to console her made her laugh.
“The only one who has my brother’s heart is that one.” She pointed directly at Adrian, who was shooting her dark looks and shaking his head.
Nori chuckled but quickly covered it with a cough. “This is my other advisor, Omari Uki.”
The three of them bowed to Omari Uki, though not as low as they did to Omari Nori.
“It is an honor to have all three of you staying with us. We hope you can help our dear child, Haru, as well as shed some light on what is happening in your part of the world.”