Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H Read Free Book Online Page A

men. Even when the majority of the court turned their backs on Joel, Marc remained a loyal and steadfast ally. He’d even been the one to unwittingly bring Gib and Joel together when they’d been assigned as roommates—an act Joel felt he would never be able to repay.
    “Welcome home!” Marc greeted Joel with a warm tone, perhaps an attempt to cover the chill left in Liro’s wake. “You’ve been missed.”
    Joel flicked a modest smile. “Thank you. It’s good to be back. Congratulations, by the way. While in Shantar, I received word that you and Lady Beatrice are expecting a child.”
    The corner of Marc’s mouth quirked upward. “Who told you?”
    Joel pointedly made an effort not to glance in his father’s direction, earning barked laughter from the dean.
    “It was your father, wasn’t it?”
    “Perhaps,” Joel admitted, hiding a blush behind a strand of dark hair that had fallen into his face. “He may have mentioned it in a letter.”
    “He’s horrible at keeping secrets.”
    Koal groaned and muttered under his breath. “Secret? It wasn’t like you hadn’t already told all of Silver.”
    “Hey,” Marc joked. “It’s worth boasting when a man of my age is still able to perform well enough to make a baby.”
    King Rishi’s thin lips curled slyly. “It’s no boasting matter when it takes a man this long to figure out how the hell to make a baby!”
    Koal rolled his eyes at both men. “Be sure to inform me how well you’re able to keep up with the little one once he begins to run rampant through your home.”
    “I’ll manage!” countered Marc. “And the child only stands to benefit from the wealth of knowledge I’ve acquired over the years.”
    Koal snorted. “Yes. All forty-something of them.”
    As Marc and Koal continued to banter, Joel’s attention shifted to the understudies still standing on the gallery steps. Liro had stormed from the chamber, but three young men remained—his cousins, Didier Adelwijn and Hasain Radek, and, standing beside them, Gibben Nemesio. Joel’s heart hammered in his chest.
    Six moonturns had done little to change Gib’s appearance. Modest of stature but never lacking in bravery, Gib regarded Joel with devout attention, and the smile playing on Gib’s lips suggested he was excited to see the other man. Gib’s hair was longer than Joel remembered—soft mousy curls that just barely grazed his shoulders—and as always, Gib’s rich, sun-kissed skin beckoned for touch. How long had it been since they’d held one another in an embrace? Too long .
    Joel trembled as he studied his companion through heavy lashes but found feet and mind frozen, unable to move or even call out a greeting. It was a good thing Diddy had the clarity to step forward and break the awkward lull, or Joel might have been destined to stand there the remainder of the day.
    “I’m so glad you’ve returned,” Diddy exclaimed. Sweeping up beside Joel, the prince didn’t hesitate to hug his cousin.
    Joel gave Diddy a gentle pat on the back. “Were you worried I wouldn’t?”
    “I’ve read of the lavish parties and vibrant scenery in Raja,” Diddy replied, a twinkle in his dark eyes. “I wouldn’t have been surprised if you’d chosen to take up permanent residence there.”
    Hasain chuckled. “With so much of interest here in Arden?” He flashed a smug smile in Gib’s direction before turning to face Joel. “I’m shocked Joel was gone as long as he was.” Hasain offered his hand for a shake. “Welcome back.”
    Joel felt his face grow warm at the insinuation but brushed it off as Hasain’s best attempt at humor. “Lord Hasain, I do recall you yourself sending letters home, agonizing of a homesick heart, while on your internship only one wheelturn ago. Or have you already forgotten?”
    Hasain’s face pinched, but for once, he seemed to be at a loss for words.
    Joel clasped his cousin’s hand and smiled. “Regardless, thank you for the warm welcome, cousin.”
    The