Chapterforty-one
Everly
Kian and Tristan have been ordered to stay behind and guard me. I’m pissed to have been left behind, but dress in the battle gear Zaria had made for me. I am so glad to no longer be in men's clothes. These pants are molded to my legs and have special clips for my knives. The black long-sleeved shirt is loose, but the black corset that laces over the top of it is fitted. I turn to the mirror and smile as I make quick work of braiding my hair. By the time I’m finished, my arms are aching. My hair has grown at least a few inches since being here, and it’s so much thicker.
I run my hands down my body and twist left and right, taking in my reflection. I look badass.
At the sound of my whistle, Nymeria and Anika abandon their spots on the daybed out on the balcony and eagerly trot over to me. The wolves are incredibly tall, their heads easily reaching my chest, making it effortless for me to nuzzle their necks.
“Ready?” I ask them.
Silently, they head toward the door, and I shadow their movements, stepping out into the hall. Tristan and Kian take me in, their eyes widening in surprise.
“Well shit, princess. You look like a warrior,” Kian remarks.
I swallow roughly and pull my shoulders back. “It’s time to train.”
“Are you sure?” Tristan eyes me incredulously.
“Of course.”
The two share a knowing look before giving me a nod. Feeling more confident than I probably should, I lead the way outside toward the training arena. It’s mostly empty, with only a handful of soldiers sparring. A few cast cautionary looks my way, their eyes probing and assessing. The mate mark on the side of my face burns with their attention, and I release a sigh.
Nix comes flying over, a trail of glitter following in her wake. “I heard you were awake!”
“Nix!” I grin.
“Wow, look at you.” She whistles. “Sorry I’ve been MIA. Nero had me working on something with Silver.”
“Where is Nero now?” Tristan inquires.
“Human realm. Silly Puca went and swore to protect the Daughter of Light. He was only supposed to check on her for a close friend, apparently, but then he got attached.”
My mouth falls open in disbelief. “Wait, Nero can go to the human realm? I thought the gate was closed?”
Nix smiles, and the corners of her mouth curl up in an unsettling way. “Nero doesn’t need a gate. Neither does Silver.”
Umm, okay. I wish I knew that information earlier. “Who is the Daughter of Light?”
Nix shrugs. “Some goddess who is about to end some long-winded feud of bad blood between her family and another god.”
I blink several times at her cavalier tone. “How can you talk about something like that so calmly?”
“No skin off my nose.” Nix grins at me, putting those sharp teeth on full display.
“Right . . . ” I give her a long look.
How can the fae be so . . . unaffected?
Then I remember Nix’s words from when we first met:Us fae are selfish, spiteful, manipulative, and easily offended creatures.
Tristan starts walking off, calling over his shoulder. “Come on. You wanted to train. Let’s train.”
“Okay.” I nod.
Kian bumps my shoulder with his and grins. “I’ll keep your mind so busy you won’t even think of the prince once, and you’ll be too exhausted afterward.”
I roll my eyes at him and take off to do my laps, leaving him to catch up.
