King Tomb (Forever Evermore, #3)(39)
I pointed at the coffee table with one hand while grabbing a baby bottle from under the bar’s shelf, fixing Isa a bottle for bed. “Antonio, I need copies of those first two videos so I can send them to the other King and Queen, but alter that second one.” My hand flittered back and forth between King Zeller and me. “They don’t need to see us dancing and running off together.”
Antonio didn’t move from where he was standing, only a blank expression showing on his features. I blinked slowly, then groaned. Staring down at my task at hand, I muttered a curse, then glanced up at King Zeller. “He obviously can’t do it.” I shook my head. “I don’t have the equipment to make copies of those, nor do I really know how.”
King Zeller stared at Antonio, but he nodded once. “I can take care of it at headquarters when no one’s around.” His head tilted as he bounced Isa, attention still on Antonio. “Elder Farrar, would you mind amusing me for a moment while I test a theory?” When Antonio nodded, King Zeller asked, “Have you ever seen Queen Ruckler and me kissing?”
Antonio’s mouth opened…but no response came except for a gurgle.
My jaw dropped. “Holy shit.”
“Definitely,” King Zeller murmured thoughtfully. “It appears the spell won’t allow him to even speak of us now together.” His eyebrows puckered. “Elder Farrar, what are Queen Ruckler and I doing at this very moment?”
Antonio sighed in relief and stated, “Lil is making a bottle while you’re holding,” he choked and gurgled, then sighed again, stating, “Isa.”
My lips pinched in thought. “That is interesting.”
King Zeller stayed silent while I fixed the bottle, but when I brought it over and watched carefully as he fed her to see that he knew what he was doing, he stated calmly, “That spell,” his head cocked, his eyes roaming over Isa’s sweet face as she sucked at her bottle, “is also a form of protection.” His thumb lightly ran over Isa’s cheek, soothing her in repetitive motions. “Not just for us, but for our daughter.” His jaw worked back and forth, and I knew what he was thinking.
I shook my head. “There may be a way to break it without breaking their silence.”
“Possibly,” he murmured, his eyes going to Antonio. “But I’m still undecided as to whether I want my memories back.” An eyebrow cocked at Antonio’s narrowing eyes, but he glanced at me, his eyes slowly roaming my features. “Even more so than before.”
Instantly, I nodded. “Understood and agreed, but I still want the option to choose.”
Nostrils flared, he also nodded, and he spoke slowly, as if he were telling me some great concession. “And I’ll try to be courteous with you for Isa’s sake, but that’s not entirely me, so if I’m not always polite…well, don’t expect an apology.”
My lips twitched. “I never would have expected one or guessed you to be cunning and heartless.” He began to scowl, and I held up a stopping hand. “And I’ll try not to be a cold-hearted bitch for Isa’s sake,” a pause, and I decided to leave myself wide open, “but that’s not entirely me, so don’t always expect an apology when I am.”
Two black eyebrows rose with a gentle nod. “Never would have expected one or guessed at your true nature.”
My lips curled the slightest bit, enjoying the bit of a truce we had reached as we eyed one another.
After a moment, Antonio cleared his throat, gaining my attention. “Was that all you wanted to speak to me about?”
I licked my lips, and I felt my expression soften further. “No, that wasn’t all.” I moved to where he was standing and went on tiptoe, crushing him in a hug. “Thank you for doing what you could to help me.” I kissed his cheek, feeling the ice melt from my heart for him as he embraced me back, holding me fiercely. “I’m sorry for being so awful to you.” My eyes stung, and I quickly wiped them on his shirt before any tears could fall. “I’m so sorry.”
He ran a hand up and down my back, and I realized I was trembling in his hold, truly sorry for hurting him. His voice was gruff when he stated, “I know, Lil. I know.” He kissed my temple. “I’ll always love you and help when I can.”
My voice shook, throat clogged as guilt and love rode me hard, hiccups interrupting my words. “I love…you, too…Dad.”
All the air rushed out of me as he crushed me in his arms; I was truly unable to breathe he held me so tightly, his strong arms killing my ribs. I didn’t complain, knowing he wasn’t meaning to hurt me, and I could only imagine the relief he was feeling at this day finally arriving, no longer hurting and unable to tell me about Isa’s father. I only held him back and unconsciously held my breath.
“Your hold’s too tight on her,” King Zeller said softly but firmly behind me. “She hasn’t taken a breath in a minute.”
Instantly I could breathe, Antonio’s grip loosening, and I inhaled heavily, waving off Antonio’s apology. “I would have said something eventually.”
Antonio’s chuckle was soft as he shook his head. “Or passed out.” He had a point, but I wouldn’t admit to it. He kissed my forehead, then he moved and kissed Isa’s forehead, unafraid of baring his neck to King Zeller. Then he surprised me by squeezing King Zeller’s shoulder gently before heading to the tent flap. He paused and glanced over his shoulder at me, eyebrows cocked, and without any of the kindness he showed moments before, he barked harshly, “I spelled your damn bedroom for a reason.” His finger jabbed at me. “Use it.”