Page 157 of Kingdom of Aramis

“What about you two?” I look at Gem and Brodie. I don’t know as much as I would like about my mates’ families yet. There just hasn’t been enough time.

“My parents are kind of aloof,” Gem explains. “Both of them have precognition as their gift, so they find it difficult to be around people.”

“That’s a thing?” I gasp.

“Yeah, it can be for phoenixes. There aren’t very many of us. We were one of the races targeted in the great war. As far as I know, they are the only two in existence at the moment. They live in an isolated area and avoid being around big crowds so they don’t become overwhelmed. I think it’s bullshit. They can block it if they try, but they are also very self-involved, so they don’t try too hard. I was grateful when the trait didn’t pass down to me.”

“Yet,” Layla warns. “Sometimes it can take years for mythicals to grow into some of their powers.”

Gem grimaces.

“I’d love for my parents and brother to be there. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them. They are so busy with their wolf pack that we don’t see each other as much as I like,” Brodie says.“My younger brother should be starting college soon. I wonder if he’s been bond marked.”

“Wouldn’t they call and tell you?” Gretchin asks, and Brodie shrugs.

“I don’t know, but probably not. Wolves are kind of funny about bond marks. They think their loyalty should stay with the pack. It’s why I’m not as close with them as I used to be, because I put my bond group ahead of the pack. They wouldn’t be thrilled if Briden was marked. They’d probably encourage him to hide it, kind of like Nox. So if he is, they might avoid coming to the city in case he runs into any of his bond group. They would have made me hide mine, but I was already at college with Hunter and Gryffin when it appeared.” I can hear his disappointment for his parents in his voice. I guess I don’t have a monopoly on asshole parents. Well, my mother anyway, because my father is turning out to be quite a blessing.

“Right then, I guess you guys can go do whatever, but Colbie, we need to have you fitted for your gown.” Evie turns her attention on me, and I groan.

“Can’t I wear something already in my closet?” I ask, thinking about all the dresses in there.

“Absolutely not,” Gracelin exclaims. “We already have the dressmaker working on something fit for a queen. She just needs to fit it to you.”

“Damn it,” I grumble, and Archie giggles.

“Colbie said a naughty word. She needs a time out.”

I look hopefully at Gracelin, but she shakes her head.

“Colbie is an adult who is allowed to say those words,” she says. “I’ve told you that when you’re an adult, you can do the same.”

I sag back into Brodie, who chuckles beneath me. “Fine,” I mutter, and the others laugh.

“Come on, pamper day will be fun,” Violet enthuses. I wrinkle my nose, and she laughs.

“Hunter, your dad wanted to speak to you as soon as you arrived regarding the outpost. He said to tell you and Micah to head over to the barracks when I saw you,” Lucas tells him.

“Will do,” Hunter replies, and he comes over to give me a quick kiss. Micah does the same, then they both leave the room.

“Eww. Am I going to have to do that?” Archie asks. He lost interest in the various knives strapped to Titus’s body. I watched Titus gently push his hand away every time he reached for one.

“Do what?” Adam asks.

“Kiss Colbie like that? On the lips? Is that what sidepieces do?”

Everyone chuckles, and I shake my head. “Nope, only cuddles and lots of games,” I assure him, and he returns his attention to Titus’s arsenal, satisfied with my answer.

“Here.” Titus holds out his hand, a small, child-sized dagger appearing on his palm. He hands it to Archie. “Mine are far too sharp and dangerous for a young warrior to learn with, but this one is perfect for you to practice with.” He bends it slightly, showing Gracelin and Adam it’s rubber before handing it to the boy.

Archie’s eyes widen with excitement and glee. He takes it and suddenly thrusts it into the air. “Die, die.” He slashes it around, and Gracelin groans again, glaring at Titus.

“You’re on my shit list,” she tells him, but Adam grins and nods his approval.

“Archie, you will have lessons with me once a week to learn how to use it. You’re a warrior now, and that means you need to learn to be responsible with your weapons,” Titus explains, and the boy stops stabbing invisible people and nods solemnly.

“Okay, I need to learn how to protect my sidepiece.”

“Well, your sidepiece doesn’t need protection at the moment. We are going for mani pedis and a massage. The staff is waiting for us.” Gretchin holds out a hand and tugs me off Brodie’s lap. He releases me reluctantly. I lean in and give him a kiss before doing the same to the other remaining five.