Hidden Depths by Emma Holly Read Free Book Online

sounded jealous, which wasn’t possible. Ty was the bull all the wereseals wanted, male and female alike. Hell, if they’d known what he liked to do in secret, spanking probably would become the next big fad.
    “I’m not marrying her,” he said, the words emphatic. “I want a queen who makes me happy.”
    He’d never said that aloud before. It sounded childish. Kings didn’t marry for happiness. Ty pressed his lips together against a smile, but at least he didn’t laugh.
    “Good,” he said. “Because I’d be happy if you picked a queen who liked me.” Anso didn’t mention that his father thought he was going to spawn, which would render picking of any sort irrelevant. Preferring to put dealing with that off, he wriggled back down and nudged Ty’s shoulder. “Angling to be my third?” Ty shook his head and smiled faintly. Wereseal kings often ruled in triads: a queen, a king, and a trusted male intimate. Anso certainly would have offered Ty the position if he weren’t so easy with his favors. Politically speaking, with so many partners, Ty’s loyalties would always appear suspect. Fair or not, appearances mattered. The kindest thing was not to ask him to change his ways.
    Indeed, the idea of Ty restricting himself in bed made Anso snort softly.
    “I know I’m not your third,” he said, his eyes drifting shut once more. “What is my spot on your dance card? Two of twelve? Five of thirteen?”
    “One of six,” Ty answered, which Anso suspected was no more than the truth.
    Ty drew up his knees to bump Anso’s companionably. “I’m slowing down as I get older.”
    Anso laughed. “As long as I’m number one.”
    “Always,” Ty swore, the ring of honesty in it.
    Anso let that vow nudge him into slumber.

    * * *
He woke to the sound of low conversation in his outer chamber. One of the voices belonged to Ty. The other was Lord Noth’s, the head of the King’s Council. Along with an elected legislative body and the king, the Council formed Oceana’s government.
    Anso sat up abruptly, the blanket Ty must have covered him with dropping to his waist. It had happened then. His father was dead. From newborn pup to grayfur, Anso was responsible for Oceana now.
    He scrambled out of bed and nearly fell over. Had he been screwing Ty when his father passed? Did Lord Noth guess that was why Ty was there? Ducking into the bathroom, he scrubbed a wet washcloth up and down his chest, removing the remains of his own semen. He still smelled of sex when he pulled on and tied his robe.
    Well, too bad , he thought. He’d taken comfort with a friend at a trying time.
    Lord Noth was married, but presumably he’d done as much himself when he was younger.

    Anso squared his shoulders and drew a long calming breath. If he truly needed his people to think him perfect, he was in trouble.
    Despite knowing he was king now, the sight of dignified Lord Noth dropping to one knee took him aback.
    “Your Majesty,” the noble said, his head bowed respectfully. “Please allow me to offer my sincere condolences on your loss.” The words weren’t empty. Lord Noth and his father had been known to butt heads, but he’d been a staunch ally.
    “Thank you,” Anso said. “I’m sure your guidance shall be as valuable to me as it was to my father.”
    Even with his head inclined, Anso saw Lord Noth’s involuntary smile.
    “I know,” Anso acknowledged. “I expect you and I will disagree sometimes too. Do rise. I’m not used to talking to the top of your head.” Lord Noth rose with a shorter bow. With a start, Anso realized he was waiting for orders.
    “Have the Council gather in an hour,” he said, the decision coming more easily than he expected. “My father kept me apprised, but the ministers can brief me on outstanding matters. It’s important they know I’m listening to them. We can also go over what needs to be arranged for the funeral. My father deserves full honors.”
    “Very good, sire.” The Council head