Relaxation

With the ceremony concluded, the newly crowned royal family retreats to their chambers. Kael happily discards the ceremonial robes, and flops down onto a couch, drained by the whole thing. He doesn’t even bother with clothes, simply wearing his underwear and undershirt. He’s only alone there for as long as it takes Evie to change, the elven woman slipping into comfortable clothes and immediately joining him. She sighs contentedly as she snuggles against his side, and Kael rubs her back, smiling as she worms her way fully onto his lap.

Ria, having changed herself, laughs when she sees the two of them. She doesn’t comment further, however, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of wine. Ria pours a glassful, which she downs in a gulp, before pouring another. A grin on her face, she takes the bottle with her as she comes back to the living room, settling in a nearby chair. Crossing her legs and holding the wine glass, she’s the image of relaxation, and Kael chuckles as he continues stroking Evie’s back.

“Comfortable?”

Ria shrugs, taking a sip. “Of course. Gotta unwind, right, big guy?”

Before Kael can answer, Gabby emerges as well. She has changed too, or rather, simply undressed. No matter how often he sees her, Kael can’t help but admire the holstaur’s soft, curvaceous figure. Gabby winks at him as she sits on the couch as well, leaning against his other side.

Ria takes a moment to admire Gabby as well before speaking again. “Pretty good speech, big guy. You’re getting good at this stuff.”

Kael shrugs, as best he can while half covered by women. “I just spoke my mind. The truth is powerful.”

Ria nods. “Especially when that truth is well received. Still, you’re more of a wordsmith than I knew.”

Kael chuckles, seeing her grin. “Maybe next time you can give the speech.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “Not a chance, big guy. You’re the talker!”

Kael rolls his eyes, and he feels Evie giggling softly. She lifts her head, smiling. “Miss Ria is right, master. We all want to hear you speak instead.”

Gabby laughs as she speaks. “Sorry, sir, you’re outvoted. Don’t worry, though, we’ll make it up to you!”

Ria nods, sipping more wine. “Exactly! Think of this as your payment for having a surplus of sexy around you.”

The girls all laugh, and Kael can’t suppress a smile. Before he can continue the banter, however, he spots something near the door. A note has been slid beneath. Ria spots it at exactly the same moment, and she immediately springs to her feet to retrieve it, nearly spilling her wine in her haste. She eyes the note for a moment, before handing it to Kael, who opens the folded paper. The note is short and to the point, and marked with the now familiar flaming hand symbol.

Nice speech. Poor decision. See you soon.

-RM

Kael nods as he sets the note down. “That’s done, then.”

Ria, who has sat back down in the chair, regards him curiously. “You don’t seem bothered by that, big guy.”

Kael shakes his head. “Not at all. Why seek out my enemies, when I can make them come to me. And if they focus on me, then the people will be safe.”

Evie looks at him, worried. “But that puts you at risk, master.”

Kael nods. “True. But they forgot something important from my speech. I’m not just a king. I’m not a cowering nobleman.”

Kael smiles, and there’s a flash of steel in the expression.