King Hall (Forever Evermore, #1)(100)
Instead of the normal short evening graduations and Awakenings, it was going to be a full-day event, starting early because an influx of Mysticals was coming to our big day. Mysticals from all over the United States of America, and even several from other countries, would be in attendance, endeavoring to see the Prodigies’ “first” Awakenings and, generally, there to ogle us. Since there were going to be so many attending, the Kings decided it would be advantageous for us to be introduced to those in attendance with a small celebration between our graduation and the Awakenings. Even though I couldn’t be happier with what I had pulled off today, tomorrow’s event wasn’t entirely a pleasant thought.
King Kincaid couldn’t be more cheerful about it, though, which he expressed for, like, the third time before the salads were even placed in front of us. Somehow, he knew it hadn’t worked out between Broderick and me, the wolf drifter having been booted from the mansion that night, so he was hopeful I would meet someone tomorrow. I couldn’t say I disagreed with his eager thought, but I was hopeful for a different reason than him. He thought I was having lots of no-no sex with a Vampire, when — in the land of reality — my reason was I wasn’t having any sex, and hadn’t for way too long for my needs.
Pearl and Jack found King Kincaid’s behavior entirely entertaining as he said, “It’s truly delightful so many Shifters will be there tomorrow.” For the fourth time. Fi gave him an odd look, but he didn’t seem to notice, taking a sip of his wine and peering at me, smiling grandly. “Don’t you think so, Lily? Imagine all the Shifter alphas you’ll meet.”
Since he had actually brought me into this, I deadpanned, “It’ll be a real marathon.”
Jack, Pearl, and Ezra choked on their drinks.
King Kincaid merely patted my hand, his grin widening, even as he muttered under his breath, “Let’s hope so.”
King Venclaire coughed hard — Vamp hearing — while glancing at Ezra, who was studiously wiping his mouth with his napkin (when he hadn’t eaten anything yet), his eyes crinkled with mirth as he hid his grin. King Venclaire quickly raised his glass as everyone eyed King Kincaid strangely, saying, “Let’s have a toast.” Everyone obediently raised their own glasses. “To our Prodigies. Even though they only broke one of our records,” he smirked as the other three Kings high-fived each other over the table, “they did fantastic.” His grin widened. “Let’s have each King say their favorite part of the Prodigies’ training.” A nod toward King Fergus. “Feel free to go first.”
King Fergus rubbed his chin, and then sniggered. “My favorite would have to be watching them fly through the air for the first time. Their expressions were incomparable.”
The Kings nodded, all smiles.
Lowering my glass, I rolled my eyes. Here we go again. Kings and their pleasures.
My friends followed suit, glaring or looking bored or picking at their nails.
King Nelson said, “I think the high point was seeing Pearl tackle Jack after their first attempt at linking in preparation for funneling.” He chuckled, bowing his head to Jack. “You can really take a hit.”
The Kings snickered.
King Kincaid cleared his throat, offering, “My much loved part was when Jack tackled her in return.” A head bow to Pearl. “You don’t scream at all like a girl.”
“More like a banshee,” King Fergus grumbled, rubbing his ear as if he still heard it.
In his defense, it had been…bad.
“Ah, that leaves me,” King Venclaire murmured, chortling. “I think the most entertaining incident was when Lily shoved Ezra into the deep end of the pond after that one monstrous attempt at linking.”
Instantly, my cheeks pinked. That hadn’t been my finest moment.
The Kings snorted merrily, probably remembering Ezra dragging himself out of the pond with a catfish stuck under the collar of his shirt, then moving so fast I didn’t see him coming and dropping the damn fish down my top, to which I had probably screamed like a girl.
Alright yeah, I had. It was all slimy and flipping and gross.
Fi sighed heavily, eyeing her mate from under her lashes.
King Kincaid stopped snickering, clearing his throat and holding his glass out straight. “In all seriousness, here’s to our Prodigies.” Warily, I held my glass up for a second time, but only after my friends did so first. “Even though all four of you are lollygagging with your individual choice of home base,” his eyebrows rose at our swift innocent expressions, “which I’m sure we’ll hear the reason for soon enough — even if we don’t want to. Besides that, all of you have done a tremendous job this year.
“The circumstances haven’t been easy with all that has passed, but you’ve prevailed and learned and worked hard, truly impressing us.” We blinked at him, and he nodded. “Yes, you’ve impressed us. I do believe when the four of you become the Kings and Queens that your reign will flourish as none have before. All four of you are utterly remarkable. It has been a pleasure knowing and teaching you.”
All occupants at the table, minus my friends and myself, began clinking glasses, shouting, “Hear, hear!”
I was stunned by his words, but they had been truth to all. I had scented the air halfway through to make sure. My friend’s demeanors showed the same shock I was in, but we quickly got with the program and toasted along with everyone else. Guess the Kings didn’t hate us so much, after all.