Those words meant a lot to Darling, especially since his brothers were dressed in royal colors. And he knew exactly how much Ryn hated being in the middle of politics.

Not to mention, Ryn had a most valid point. If the gerents saw their solidarity, it would help squelch the idea that they might be able to use Drake to overthrow Darling.

“Okay. Let’s do it.” Darling paused long enough to kiss Zarya’s hand. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”

“Good luck.”

He inclined his head to her before he performed a military turn and went to the conference room with his brothers and friends two steps behind him.

Zarya didn’t know why, but it hurt to be left behind. She wanted desperately to follow and make sure that Darling was all right.

A stupid thought really, given who he was and the soldiers with him. They could definitely handle anything thrown at them.

Still…

A small furor erupted at the doors.

Afraid of what that might signify, she stood on her tiptoes to see over everyone’s heads. Something she didn’t have to do long. Two seconds later, literally, Nykyrian and Kiara entered with Caillen, Desideria, and Syn right behind them.

The gathered nobility exploded into a chatter of excited whispers.

“What’s the Andarion heir doing here?”

“Isn’t that the Exeterian prince?”

“That’s Desideria Denarii, the Qill princess.”

“Oh my God! That’s Kiara Biardi, the dancer!”

“Yeah, and she’s here with her father, the Gouran president. I saw him a few minutes ago in the washroom!”

Dozens of such comments circled around her. Comments that came to an abrupt halt when all the people they were talking about joined her and Maris.

Kiara grabbed her into a tight hug. “Sorry we’re late.” Stepping back, she patted her stomach. “For the record, when you get pregnant, you don’t just get morning sickness in the morning, and it doesn’t always stop after the first trimester… Oh the lies they tell us.”

Zarya smiled at her, grateful for her warm friendliness. “Well, for someone who’s been sick, you look stunningly gorgeous.”

Kiara returned her smile. “Thank you.”

“Where’s Darling?” Nykyrian asked, scanning the crowd around them.

Maris sighed. “The meeting started right before you got here.”

“Oh goody,” Caillen said in a tone that dripped sarcasm. “We arrived just in time for the boredom. So glad we rushed to get here. Yeah, us!”

Desideria glared up at her husband. “Caillen, cut the sarcasm.”

“Can’t help it. It’s the primary service I offer to everyone not wearing my wedding ring.” He flashed a wicked grin at his wife who rolled her eyes in response.

Syn sniffed like he was crying. “Awww, Kip,” he said to Nykyrian with an exaggerated pout, “our little baby’s all grown up and being political… We did such a good job with him. I’m so proud.”

Nykyrian scowled at him. “What the hell’s wrong with you?”

Sobering, Syn held his mobile up for Nykyrian. “I hacked their security feed. Wanna spy on Darling with me?”