Page 24 of The War is Coming

“Training is important as well, especially if the war comes,” Frederick pointed out.

“Yeah okay. I’ll go and train now, but if I break or pull something, I’m blaming you.”

Frederick burst out laughing. “Wuss.”

Blake grinned. “I’m off to train; I’ll catch up with you both later. Have fun, Maletayah.”

Frederick and Maletayah watched Blake leave.

“Admittedly, I’ve not had dealings with any kings for a thousand years, but I don’t remember them being as relaxed as Blake Hayes.”

Frederick gestured, and they both started walking. “Blake hasn’t been king for long; none of the three kings have, but they are all relaxed until they need to be serious. As I show you around, I’ll fill you in on everything.”

CHAPTER 12

Later that morning, Alex walked into the kitchen looking for his brother and found him pouring himself a coffee.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Alex said. “It saves me looking for you.”

“Want one? And what’s up?”

“No thanks. I was going to see if I could locate the rogues’ island. Want to come?”

Baylan was about to take a sip of his coffee and put his cup on the counter, staring intensely at his brother. “Just because Tudor is resting doesn’t mean you can do something dumb.”

“Doing something dumb would be going alone. But that’s fine; I can find someone else to come. I’m sure Saxon wouldn’t mind a break from his research.” Alex turned his back on his brother and smirked to himself; there was no way his brother wouldn’t come now.

“Okay, have fun with Saxon. You’ll probably have to take Tatum and Wynter as well, as I can’t see them letting Saxon go on his own.”

“The more the merrier,” Alex said, throwing a grin at his twin over his shoulder and started walking away.

Baylan let out a loud sigh, and his shoulders slumped. “Fine, I’ll come with you, but I just want to point out what a truly stupid idea this is.”

Alex turned and faced his brother full on and grinned. “Duly noted.”

“What’s a stupid idea?” Donovan asked, walking into the kitchen.

“My little brother’s dumb idea of trying to find Rogue Island.”

Donovan looked at them both. “It is a dumb idea, but also a good one. I’ll come with you both if you want.”

“I knew I liked you, Donovan,” Alex said happily.

“Should you both go though? I thought you two couldn’t go on the same missions.”

“I forgot that,” Alex said. “That’s fine, Bay, you stay here, and Donovan and I can go.”

“I’ll keep him safe,” Donovan said reassuringly to Baylan.

Baylan gave a rude snort. “Yeah, good luck with that. Don’t forget to let Ares know what you’re doing.” Baylan paused and looked at his brother, who wore a sheepish look. “You were going to tell him, right?”

“After we got back, I was,” he admitted.

Ares suddenly appeared in the kitchen in front of them, arms crossed over his chest, a stern look on his face.

Alex glared at his brother. “You didn’t?”

“I was just about to message you when I heard your conversation. Brother, you know better.”