Reign of Resurgence: The Advantage by Andi Neal

Author:Andi Neal [Neal, Andi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: kings, castles, adventure fantasy, warriors, thriller fantasy, ebook for free, fantasy alternative worlds, fantasy historical series story, series thriller, story short stories
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Tristan stepped into the royal dining hall a bit hesitantly. When he heard the sound of familiar laughter and saw Shaylin sharing a private moment with her father, he very nearly stepped out again. But King Darius spotted him over his daughter’s shoulder.

“Tristan!” his name boomed across the room. “My good man, please come and join us.”

Shaylin turned and studied him with a quiet but intent gaze. Tristan wavered between retreat and fascination. “I don’t mean to interrupt, your majesty.”

“Nonsense,” the king declared. He strode across the room and pulled Tristan into the room. Then he confided, “I actually do not care to be called your majesty in the privacy of my quarters. When it’s just you and my family, please call me Darius.”

“King Darius?” Tristan asked.

Darius laughed. “No, just Darius. So few call me by my given name. I find it at times a bit…taxing.”

“Oh, Tristan,” Rhea swept into the room with her youngest daughter. “There you are.”

“I’m sorry. Have you been looking for me?” Tristan instantly apologized.

She gave him a warm smile. “Only to tell you that your feast is ready. But you must already know that since you found your way here. Kyra told me you are quite hungry.”

As if to confirm that, his stomach growled noisily. Tristan chuckled nervously. “I am, yes. Thank you. A, uh, lady told me that the, uh…meal was ready.”

“Please, sit,” Rhea requested as she and her husband took their seats at each end of the table.

Kyra stepped forward and snagged his hand. “Would you mind terribly sitting next to me? I’m very curious. I held back all my questions on our walk so as not to bombard you.”

Tristan looked at her and couldn’t help but smile. “It would be my honor, Princess Kyra.”

She laughed. “That sounds very pretentious, but I rather like the way you say it. However, please simply call me Kyra.”

He grinned. “You may call me whatever you like.”

“I would very much like to call you Tristan,” she requested with a chuckle.

“Tristan it is,” he agreed easily.

Quin strode into the room. “I apologize for my lateness.” He pulled up short at Tristan’s presence but continued to the table after a moment.

Once they were all seated, servants ushered in trays of food. He noticed they were all thanked by name. The servant who set his plate in front of him did so with a smile and a head bow.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

“So, Tristan,” Kyra started once the servants left the room. “May I bombard you with my questions now?”

Rhea spared her daughter a look. “Kyra, Tristan is a guest at our table. He is already anxious and uncomfortable.”

Tristan held up a finger to halt her lecture. “Actually if I may…her frankness is kind of nice. I kind of like it.” When Rhea’s lips curved, he shifted his attention back to Kyra. “Ask and I will do my best to answer.”

Kyra gave him a bright smile. “What is your station? In your land.”

“Oh, well actually, I’m a student. Or I was,” he told her.

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