My One and Only (Bewitched and Bewildered #10)(51)

"She'll be just fine," Micah replied.

To Serenity, the ice-cold water felt good going down. She focused on slowing her breathing. If she didn't get herself under control Laelia and Radclyffe would start mollycoddling her. When she looked up it was like she was seeing Kendrick for the first time. "How?" she whispered.

"Oh, my gods," Kari said, slumping back on her chair.

Kendrick held up two fingers. "That's two ladies who beat you to it Law."

Law looked around and besides herself, Kari and those from Lycaonia, everyone else wore a confused expression. He turned to Kendrick. "What has Serenity choking and my baby sister Kari looking like she's about to faint? Why would Micah threaten me with air shackles," he demanded furiously.

"Probably because of your temper," Serenity answered taking a deep breath. She stood on shaky legs and Micah rose with her. They both turned to face Kendrick and she dropped to a deep curtsy while Micah bowed.

Law popped Micah on the arm. "Stop that. What in the world is going on? Why would you bow to Kendrick?"

His question sent Meryn into a fit of giggles. "Maybe we should have Sebastian scrounge up a two-by-four, so you can beat him over the head with the answer."

"Now, Meryn. It isn't very obvious," Aiden chided.

Meryn sniffed. "I was the first person to figure it out back home."

"Micah Whiteoak, Serenity Meadowsweet, please rise," Kendrick said formally.

All her life Serenity hated the way Storm Keep was ruled. Everyone was so obsessed with their test scores that the brighter days of their king and queen had fallen to legend and myth. In her heart, she always felt that, as a people, they should be doing more.

She couldn't believe that the humble archivist who had lived in the Lower City for centuries was their long, lost king.

As the truth hit her sobs broke free and her tears ran unchecked down her face. Micah wrapped an arm around her, no less affected. He stared at Kendrick with a look of absolute devotion tears dripping off his chin.

Kari wiped at her eyes. "That is just beautiful."

Law stood angrily and faced Kendrick. "You and me outside. I am tired of questions answering questions."

Kari laughed. "Law, do not threaten to beat your king, as an Ashleigh you are sworn to protect him." Her words rang around the table, everyone stared at Kendrick who raised an eyebrow to Law.

"Well?"

The blood drained from Law's face so quickly Serenity was sure he was going to keel over. "That's...just...not...possible," he managed to croak out, grabbing at his chair to stay upright.

Kendrick straightened his back and turned to face the table. "My name is Julian Stormhart, son of Kiran and Celeste Stormhart. I hope you will be able to keep my secret and when the time comes, help me and my people."

Laelia and Radclyffe jumped to their feet bowing. "Your Majesty," they said.

"Laelia, Radclyffe rise. Treat me as you always have, after the sound proof spell is taken down, I'll be just Kendrick again." When they stood straight and stared at him Kendrick raised a brow to Radclyffe. "Still want to make bondage jokes?"

Radclyffe gave a strangled groan and bowed again. "I am so sorry."

Laelia pulled him back up laughing. "Your Majesty, that was just mean," she admonished. Kendrick just chuckled.

Anne rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. He thinks he's so witty when his ego swells." She popped Kendrick on the ass. "I'll deflate him later."

Kendrick leered down at her. "I know something you can deflate."

Magnus gripped the table with both hands. "Help you with what exactly?" he asked.

Kendrick gave them the sarcastic smile they were all used to. "Help me take back my city and free my people."

His words ignited the table into a flurry of questions. Serenity continued to stare, heedless of the chaos around her. Kendrick looked over and winked. He may be her king, but he was her friend first.

"I'm tired of standing and I'm starving. If you're done being magnificent can Sebastian, Hal and Ryuu serve us dinner?" she asked sitting back down.

Micah cracked his back. "I think all that bowing pulled a muscle." He sat down next to her.

Laelia and Radclyffe were staring at her as if she lost her mind. But she knew she did the right thing when Kendrick gave her a look of gratitude.

"Yeah, I'm hungry," Meryn chimed in.

Kendrick sat back down and placed his napkin in his lap. "What kind of sandwiches do we have tonight?"

Laelia and Radclyffe sat down slowly as if unsure they should and Law was still standing, blinking at Kendrick.

Kendrick pointed to Law's chair. "Sit," he said.

It was as if the strings holding up Law were cut. He collapsed down in his chair.

"Roll over," Meryn teased.

Law turned to Meryn scowling. "Ease up tater tot, it's not every day one learns that their king has returned."

"Return of the King, that was a great movie," Meryn said nodding.

Hal still looked distracted as he began to walk around the table with his tray of sandwiches. Ryuu and Sebastian, however, looked unruffled as they began to serve.

Ryuu started with Meryn. "Denka, I made sure to make Colton's famous sandwich as it is a favorite of yours."