Niles

  Niles woke up to the feel of Birgit kissing her way up his neck. She was lying on top of him, with not even a shift separating them now. It had only been three days, but so far, married life was awesome.

  A knock sounded on the door, followed by Susi’s voice. “Are you two decent in there?”

  “No,” Niles called back and laughed as Birgit began nibbling on his ear.

  “Ugh, again…” Susi groaned. “Just remember, you two are supposed to be at the palace for lunch, and it’s already mid-morning.”

  Niles sighed. “I suppose we should get up.”

  “Oh, I think we still have a little time,” Birgit whispered in his ear.

  They made it to the palace just in time, and Princess Vedika was there to meet them. “There you are. I was beginning to think you had better things to do than have lunch with the king.”

  Niles smirked. “Oh, we most certainly did, but we’ve got the rest of our lives to do that, so we decided we could take a break for lunch.”

  “Niles,” Birgit admonished, and turned to Vedika, blushing. “Do I look alright?”

  “You are positively glowing,” Vedika laughed. “I am so happy for you.”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “So, what was the outcome of the investigation?” Niles asked.

  “I should probably make you wait,” the princess said, “but my father’s scribes will probably put you to sleep with all their long-winded explanations of everything. So, in short, our team won the competition decisively, and Birgit, my brother, and I will be awarded the title Protector of the Realm. We are also to receive official commendation for rescuing our classmates and sealing the rift. Our half-brother, on the other hand, is to be officially reprimanded for his behavior. As far as Sinja and Jabari. They were found guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy against the royal family, and attempted robbery. They were allowed to keep their lives after agreeing to provide us with information and a few other concessions, and will most likely be traded back to Solaria at some point for some concession on their countries’ part. Though they did not seem eager to return home. I doubt they will receive a friendly reception there, after attempting such a blatantly hostile and unsuccessful act.”

  Niles nodded and smiled. “Well, that sounds great. How’s that all affect your brother’s chances of being named heir?”

  “It was even better than we hoped,” Vedika answered, sounding very pleased. “It will still be up to the council of dukes, but he is certainly the hero of the hour. Oh, and before we head in. I wanted you to meet my new familiar.”

  “That was fast,” Birgit said, eyes wide. “I expected you would take a while longer.”

  “Well, I stumbled into a unique opportunity,” Vedika said and began casting her summoning.

  A bright flash of light signaled the completion of the spell, and standing before them was a winged figure in gold and silver armor.

  “Azrielle!” Niles and Birgit gasped in unison.

  “Niles, Birgit,” the seraph cried happily and ran in to hug them both.

  “But how?” Birgit asked.

  “This was one of the concessions Jabari made to avoid the headsman’s ax.” Vedika answered.

  “Well alright,” Niles said with a smile. “Now we can really have some adventures.”