Bird of a Flock (Bow 2)

Chapter 50

Ryraso knew the truth now. Nel'os shivered as he walked through the gardens, hiding from nobles determined to find out about his personal life. People were asking questions, and Nel'os did not enjoy being the triad's spokesman for this. Not for the nobles, not for the castle servants for anyone else had come to try to wriggle the truth out of him.

The Winglady had sent some of her courtiers to try to get the gossip. A worrying prospect if the girls wanted in on the action. The Winglady was not usually so forward. She was mostly content to rule over the female conclave and not interfere with Tai-ray's domain. From her message, however, she desired more from them and was growing tired with not being kept in the loop about matters. They would have to introduce Ryraso and Eyeri officially to her and soon.

Still, the Winglady getting impatient or possibly flat out curious was the least of Nel'os' concerns at that moment. Ryraso knew the truth, and he was angry with them, with all of them. Nel'os could sense some of it was anger at himself for not having guessed the Royals hadn't had the fairytale courtship everyone believed but... They were in love now. There were no signs on the surface that anything much darker had happened. The only crack in their armour was the fact they would have to tell anyone they bonded with the truth.

Ryraso now knew, and if he wanted to, he could ruin them. As much as Nel'os didn't want to think of Ryraso as someone who would, it didn't change facts. Ryraso was dangerous, and if Ryraso reacted like this, there was nothing to stop others from doing so too. Or far more likely, reacting worse.

Could they truly trust anyone with such a secret? Could Cai'ress? Nel'os bit his lip and leant against a stone wall as he considered it. Cai'ress's family had trained the man to be a submissive noble, taught to overlook things and obey the head of this nest without question. But there was still a chance, and that was possibly far too dangerous. If Cai'ress found out and rejected them, the nobles would know something was occurring. Cai'ress had been loyal for five years; he had put in for the long haul.

If they could not trust anyone, their nest would have to remain just the four of them. A small nest indeed, tiny compared to most Winglord's past and for most nobles too. It would all be Nel'os' fault also. He had cursed the entire nest the day he starting drugging and blackmailing Tai'ray. Or possibly the moment he refused to give Tai'ray a chance, or the moment he simply said no to the former Winglord.

He had cursed them all.

Not that the 'if's mattered now. The events had happened, and now it was time to deal with the cards fate had dealt. Their bark was worse than their bite. Even if it meant leaving Cai'ress, they could make things fall in their favour. Three mates, while a small nest, was a fine number. People would assume Ryraso wasn't ready for more mates. Many humans struggled with it. Not to mention, Tai'ray had already made it clear he didn't want a harem of political hostages as consorts. It would just be another thing that set them about from other Winglords. The commoners wouldn't blink an eye.

Didn't stop Nel'os heart from hurting. He loved Cai'ress. He didn't want to let him go. Nel'os wanted Cai'ress by his side while he did his duties. But Tai'ray wouldn't look at him. Cai'ress' first impression had not impressed Ryraso either. Dyn'ad had feelings for Cai'ress too, but the ones he had for Ryraso were bigger than the ones for Cai'ress. If a decision between the two appeared, Dyn'ad would pick Ryraso. In that respect, maybe it would be kinder to let Cai'ress go and find people who could truly love him.