I nodded, stepping back, but I didn’t make it very far. Casteel’s arm had tightened around my waist. “I need to speak with Malik.”
Casteel glanced down at me. “I told Kieran while you were sleeping.”
“Do you believe it?” I asked him.
“I didn’t at first, but I don’t see why she’d lie or how she could look so much like you.” Kieran turned. “Malik’s in the kitchen.”
“Still surprised he’s here,” Casteel said, and I tensed at the wariness in his tone.
Kieran nodded. “I can understand that.”
Casteel’s hand returned to the center of my back and remained there as we followed Kieran down the hall to the area of the kitchen. I’d only taken a few steps before one word entered my thoughts.
Sister.
I exhaled roughly as we passed through a rounded opening. The chamber was well lit, but the shades had been drawn on the windows lining the wall, blocking out the morning sun. Blaz and Clariza were at a well-worn table, the surface dull and full of many nicks of various sizes. Marks that must have come from the various daggers and blades laid out upon it.
Malik sat with them, staring at the cup of coffee between his hands. He didn’t look up as we entered, but his shoulders tensed in the same way Casteel’s did beside me. There was no warm, long-overdue embrace. There was no acknowledgment.
Chairs scraped against wood as Blaz and Clariza rose, and I suspected they were about to kneel. “Not necessary.”
The two exchanged glances. Blaz gave me a toothy grin as he sat.
“Thank you for opening your home to us.” Casteel addressed them as his hand moved up and down my back. “I know that this was of great risk to you both.”
“It’s our honor and worth whatever risk,” Clariza said, her eyes wide as she clasped her hands together. “You look much better.”
Casteel inclined his head. “I feel much better.”
“Would you like a cup of coffee, Your Majesty?” Blaz asked.
“Coffee would be nice.” Casteel glanced at me, and I nodded. “And you don’t have to use any title. We are not your rulers.”
Clariza gave a small smile as she rose. “I’ll get you two some coffee. Blaz tends to make it more cream and sugar than actual coffee.”
“I see nothing wrong with that,” the mortal replied, leaning back.
Neither did I as Clariza hurried to the hearth. There was a lot we needed to be updated on, but Malik remained at the table, his head bowed and body rigid. I glanced at Casteel. He eyed Malik. Had been since we entered the kitchen. I looked around, my brows knitting. “Where’s Reaver?”
“Cleaning up,” Malik answered, taking a sip of coffee.
“Finally,” Kieran muttered, and Casteel looked at him.
I opened my mouth and closed it, but then Malik finally lifted his gaze. The question burst out of me. “Is Millicent my sister?”
Several sets of eyes landed on me as the mortals’ lemony curiosity gathered in my throat, but Malik… His eyes narrowed as he sat straight. “Blaz? Riza? I hate to ask, but can we have a moment?”
Blaz rolled his eyes. “I don’t know. I would like to know the answer to this question. I’d also like to know who Millicent is.”
“I bet you would,” Malik replied acidly.
Clariza came to us, two cups in hand. “There are also some biscuits if you’re hungry,” she said as I took one of the cream-colored mugs. “Blaz and I will check on Reaver.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Her stare held mine for a moment, and then she nodded. She turned to her husband. “Up.”
“Really?” Blaz exclaimed. “You know how nosy I am, and you’re asking me to leave?”
“Really.” She pinned him with a stern look that was rather impressive as I took a deep drink of the hot, rich coffee.
Blaz sighed, grumbling as he got to his feet. “I’m going to eavesdrop, just so you know.”
“No, he won’t.” Clariza threaded her arm through his. “He’ll just bitch and moan in our bedchamber.”
“Could just be moaning instead of bitching, you know?” Blaz responded with a waggle of his brows.
“You keep talking,” she said as they walked from the kitchen, “and that becomes even more unlikely.”
Casteel’s lips twitched around the rim of his mug. “I like them,” he said as they disappeared down the hall.
“They’re good people,” Malik said, staring up at me. “Did Millicent tell you this?”