in an hour or so.”
Elian nodded, breathing a soft sigh of relief. Telephones weren’t often used on Kardalusia, most people choosing to correspond through letters or by traveling to the different cities to meet with others. He was glad, however, that every household was required to have one. He desperately needed his best friend to encourage him, something Tabansi excelled at.
“Thank you,” he said and smiled at his husbands. All three men returned his smile before turning to leave the room.
Without hesitation, Elian rushed to his dressing room and flung open the door, racing inside. Sitting in front of the vanity that resided within, he lifted the phone from the gold cradle and tapped out Tabansi’s number on the pad. His foot tapped impatiently while he waited for his best friend to answer.
“Hello?” Tabansi’s lyrical voice answered on the second ring.
“Thank Andalusia!” Elian breathed.
“Elian?” Tabansi asked, sounding a lot more alert than he had previously.
“Yes. I need you, Tab. I married the Royal Marriage Group earlier today and now I’m freaking out,” Elian’s words rushed from his mouth.
“What? Wait, wait, wait. You’re the Royal Coração?” Tabansi asked.
Elian nodded even though he knew Tabansi couldn’t see him. “Yes. It happened earlier today. They came to the soiree house and chose me. Actually, they’d chosen me a while ago and everyone knew except me. But that’s not why I called, Tab!”
“Then why did you call?”
“They’re going to want to have sex with me!” Elian said frantically.
Tabansi chuckled, “Well, of course they are. The marriage won’t be official until it’s been consummated. You know this, Elian. Hell, you took the same Coração classes that I did. So what’s the real problem?”
Elian sighed deeply, “What if I’m bad at it? What if I suck at this just like everything else?”
“Not possible. You were born to do this. Born not only to breed, but to be good in bed. You’re a Coração. You’re the Royal Coração, Elian. Besides, they know you’re a virgin, and if they’re good in bed they’ll teach you how to be good as well,” Tabansi encouraged him.
Elian nodded and let out a deep exhale. “You’re right. Thanks, Tab. I knew you were the right one to call.”
“No problem. Now,” Tabansi’s voice lowered and Elian started to giggle, already knowing what his friend was getting ready to ask him. “How gorgeous are they exactly?”
Chapter Eight
Nevin
N EVIN stepped away from Elian’s dressing room door, a small smile on his face as he listened to Elian describe the way Nevin, Corbin, and Gaige looked, excitement tingeing his words. He was glad that Elian had called his best friend and seemed a lot more calm and collected than he had been just moments before. As soon as they’d stepped into the palace, Elian had seemed on the verge of flying apart, but now he seemed almost at peace. Nevin felt his stomach clench slightly with a small measure of jealousy before reminding himself that he wanted Elian to feel comfortable and at ease, even if it took someone else to do it.
He wouldn’t be jealous of Tabansi, another Coração. He knew that Tabansi and Elian were best friends; it was something he’d learned when he’d had Elian checked out. The two were practically inseparable, and Nevin knew the separation from his best friend was going to be hard for Elian. Perhaps they should invite Tabansi up to the palace to visit. He could tell that to Elian, Tabansi was like a brother to him and having brothers of his own, Nevin understood the desire to share the big changes with them.
Nevin’s mind turned to his younger brothers. There was Walker, Waldwick, Wadley, Irwin, Ingo and Izayah. They were all really close. Well, all of them except Ingo. Nevin’s younger brother had always been a little odd when they were younger, but as they’d grown up, Ingo had become withdrawn and between his snide comments and
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