King In The Making (Throne of Thorns #1)

Chapter 26 - An old man's story

Chapter 26

"Your majesty," The man said and dropped to his knees, rendering all of them speechless as Raf's loud growl died down on his throat.

"What?" Eve whispered in confusion, not removing her eyes from the man's face. He was old. Wrinkles marred the skin around his eyes and his hair had long turned grey. His cheeks and chin were covered by a slightly long, grey beard and his hands were calloused. It was obvious he had lived through many summers around the sun.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Thalia almost snarled as she walked around Raf's body and took her place by his side. His large shoulders were blocking her view and she didn't particularly like the fact that he was hiding her annoying target for the last two days from her.

The man's head rose and his brown eyes fell on her. His lips curved into a knowing smile the moment Raf circled a hand around Thalia's waist and pulled her closer.

"My queen," He bowed his head slightly; his words making Thalia slightly uncomfortable. She wasn't sure how he knew who they were but she didn't like it. Not knowing if he was trustworthy or not was making her feel on edge.

"Umm," Thalia took a quick glance at Raf's side profile. His eyes were focused on the old werewolf in front of them and his stance was protective, ready to fight if the stranger ever thought about getting close to where she was. Thalia's heart swelled on her chest and she pressed closer to his body.

"How do you know?" Blynn walked to the man, crossing her arms on top of her chest.

"Blynn Badeaux, isn't it?" He turned his head towards her, shifting slightly in his place without making an effort to get up.

Blynn rolled her eyes. "What gave my name away?"

"It could have been anything from being king Anton's best friend to your silver pupils," He smiled at her and Raf froze at the mention of his father's name.

"I see you haven't lost your wits, Cedric Manson," Blynn returned the smile. "I was worried they had disappeared the moment you joined Black Hawk."

The man cringed visibly before sighing. "I-"

"Get up," Raf interrupted him and the man followed his order.

"Thank you, your majesty," He smiled warmly, shaking some snow off of his pants.

"How do you know who I am?" Rafail raised a brow, feeling better now that he didn't have to strain his neck to look into the man's eyes. He still had to make an effort but that there wasn't much he could do about his own height.

"Don't the mantels hide our scents?" Declan looked at Blynn as he walked to the other side of Raf, with Even following him closely.

"They do," Blynn nodded, momentarily removing her eyes from Cedric.

"It wasn't the scent," Cedric spoke. "I still can't smell anything, which is slightly disturbing," He glanced at Blynn.

"What was it then?" Thalia looked at him expectantly.

Cedric lowered his head before speaking. "The sheer power he radiates. You came close to catching me once or twice and I had this urge to show my neck even though I couldn't see or smell anything. I've only escaped by using my hearing. I was glad to know my ears still work at this age," He finished with a low chuckle.

"If you've known for a while, why come to us only now?" Rafail inquired, his face showing nothing of the doubt he felt towards the man's words.

Cedric sighed and ran a hand through his grey beard. "I wasn't sure."