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

young Radek lord grunted in response, but Joel had already turned his attention toward the last remaining understudy still to be greeted. Gib stepped down from the gallery staircase, wringing his hands together. He seemed unable to maintain eye contact, which was just as well, because Joel was having an exceptionally hard time meeting the other man’s gaze. Joel’s stomach and throat felt heavy, as though a giant rock sat at the base of each and prevented him from moving or speaking, and despite the cool air pouring through the window, the room seemed unbearably warm.
    Joel sucked in a breath of air when he realized Gib was standing directly ahead. Say something! Joel opened his mouth but found himself unable to form words.
    And then Gib’s soft voice rose above the buzzing in Joel’s ears, and the silence came crashing down. “Hello.”
    The single word was enough to break the ice, and Joel found his own voice just as he’d begun to doubt he ever would. “Hello, Gib.”
    “I’m glad you’re home.” A shy, handsome smile crossed Gib’s face. “I–I’ve missed you.”
    “I missed you, too.”
    Joel resisted the urge to kiss Gib, instead, offering a hand for a simple shake. Gib took hold of it without hesitation, squeezing Joel’s fingertips. Joel caressed the other man’s palm for a brief moment before releasing the hand and dropping his own arm back into place at his side. They would have time later for a proper reunion—when their affections weren’t being aired for all to see. As it stood right now, Joel could feel the eyes of the other gathered men upon him.
    Gib seemed to understand and went back to wringing his hands together. “When did you get in?”
    Joel cleared his throat. “Just now. Ambassador Cenric and I were on our way to brief the King and Seneschal Koal.” He cast a glance over his shoulder, in the direction of his mentor. I hope this briefing doesn’t take all night . I’d love nothing more than to go home and spend time with Gib .
    Cenric Leal possessed no magic, but in that moment, it was as though the ambassador could read Joel’s thoughts. “I’ll deal with all the paperwork. Why don’t you go catch up with your friends?” He winked at Joel.
    “Thank you.” Joel bowed his head to hide his pink cheeks. Now if only Gib wasn’t on duty.
    Koal exchanged a silent, knowing glance with Cenric, and then he dismissed his own understudy. “Gibben, we’ll go over the notes from the council session later. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
    Gib opened his mouth to respond, but his words fell upon deaf ears as Koal, Cenric, King Rishi, and the rest of their entourage had already turned and were talking amongst themselves as they departed.
    Joel rubbed the back of his neck. “I suppose I should go see Mother and the girls. Would you like to accompany me?”
    “Did you even have to ask?” Gib replied, laughing.
 
     
    A mark later found Joel and Gib standing in the grand entranceway of the Adelwijn estate. The family servant, a wiry man with greying hair named Otos, let them inside, and almost immediately, Joel’s mother and sisters flocked into the room in a flurry of exuberant screams and cheers.
    Lady Mrifa threw both arms around her son’s neck. “Oh, by the Light of Daya!” she squealed. “You’re home!”
    Nearly toppling from the force of the embrace, Joel managed to laugh before his face was covered by kisses. He sighed but tolerated the fawning for the time being. Mrifa kissed his forehead and each of his cheeks, her vice-like grip around his neck nearly enough to choke him.
    “Oh, Joel. I feared you would never return!” Mrifa wailed against his chest.
    Behind him, Heidi’s voice sounded exasperated. “Mother, stop being so embarrassing .”
    Mrifa wiped a tear from her eye as she finally relinquished her hold. She whipped around to regard her daughter, pursing plump, cherry lips. “Heidi Adelwijn, when you have children, you’ll understand the worry a mother