Evander pov
"Kaelen, get to the kitchens," I ordered, trying to keep my voice steady. "Bring real food to my rooms. And wine. The good stuff from the cellar."
"Right away, Our King Alpha," he said, giving me a mock salute and a wink at Ember before disappearing.
I got Ember back to the room and made sure she was settled on the bed. Once the door was bolted and I knew she was safe, I stepped back out into the small sitting area. Kaelen was already there, kicking his muddy boots up on my expensive table with a tray of roasted lamb and dark wine.
"Get your dirty boots off my table." I flinged his foot.
"Is this how you treat your own brother?"…he paused, then added, "You, haven't seen for while." he said softly, giving me a puppy dog glare.
"It won't work this time , young man. I looked at him even meaner. "We are no longer kids." I added.
"Some people are born with bad attitude." he muttered.
"And some are born with a charm to annoy others." I fired back at him, sipping the dark wine.
"Arrogant man." He hissed. I smiled, honestly I miss annoying him so much .
"It feels good." My wolf whispered.
"You look like hell, Evander," Kaelen said, dropping the titles now that we were behind closed doors. He tossed a piece of meat into his mouth. "Seriously. The madness is biting hard, isn't it? I can see the silver in your eyes."
I sank into the chair opposite him, grabbing the wine bottle and taking a long swig. "It's been a nightmare, Kaelen. The Council is breathing down my neck, Cassian is a traitorous snake, and now they're trying to chain me to Princess Isadora."
Kaelen whistled, leaning back. "The North girl? I saw her in the hall. Sharp as a razor, that one. Not your type at all. You like them with a bit more... heart. Like the little healer in there." He pointed at the lock room.
I stiffened, glaring at him. "Don't start. She's the Anchor. That's all."
"Yeah, sure," Kaelen smirked, reaching for the wine. "And I'm a vegetarian . He added, been all sarcastic.."Come on, man. I've known you since we were pups. You've got that look.
"What look?" I asked been confused.
"The 'I'll kill anyone who looks at her' look." he said grinding the meat in his mouth.
"I don't know what you are talking about." I tossed a big meat into my mouth.
"Nice act. But take your talent to the theater," he kicked my knee with his boot.
"Don't stain me," I groaned. Cleaning his mud off my cloth.