“Why aren’t you training?” a low growl comes from my left. The tone is piercing, clipped, and unmistakably angry. “Valric is waiting for you in the grand hall.”
I turn abruptly, startled by the voice, and find Fenris storming toward me. His strides are long and purposeful, his dark eyes blazing with irritation. My heart races, a blend of anxiety and my own irritation. But I stand my ground, crossing my arms and lifting my chin. Princess or not, I will not tolerate being spoken to in such a manner.
“He never informed me he would be here,” I reply defensively, the edge in my voice matching the heat rising in my cheeks.
Fenris halts just a few steps away, his gaze narrowing. “Well, I’m informing you now. So go.”
“Excuse me?” I growl, my voice low and challenging. My magic stirs faintly beneath my skin, as if deciding it doesn’t like his tone either.
His eyes flash as he takes a step closer. “Are you hard of hearing?”
Before I can reply, a flash of red streaks into my vision, cutting between us like a blade. Scarlett plants herself squarely in front of me, her fiery hair blazing in the sunlight like a warning, her posture tense and brimming with protective energy.
“Hey, buddy,” she warns, her voice sharp enough to cut. “Who the fuck do you think you are, talking to her like that? I hear she’s your princess, not your slave.”
A mix of exasperation and gratitude bubbles up inside me.
Fenris bristles, his jaw tightening as he looks down at Scarlett. “This is none of your concern, human,” he snaps, his tone low and dangerous.
Scarlett doesn’t so much as flinch. Instead, she crosses her arms, mirroring my earlier stance, and leans forward slightly. “Oh, I think it is. You see, Everly happens to be my best friend. And I don’t take kindly to anyone—especially some arrogant fae prick—talking to her like she’s dirt.”
For a moment, Fenris looks utterly stunned, clearly unused to anyone standing up to him.
“And she has been training in the arena since dawn,” Lutin pipes in, earning a sharp glare from Fenris.
Fenris’s dark brown eyes pierce mine as he stares at me over Scarlett’s head. There’s flashes of violet flickering in his irises, hemust be really powerful. I can see why they have him patrolling the borders of the Outlands.
“Scarlett,” I interject softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. I can handle this.”
Her head turns and her eyes linger on me for a second before she huffs and steps aside, though she doesn’t go far.
I take a step forward, closing the space between Fenris and me. “You don’t get to storm over here and bark orders at me, Fenris.” I keep my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. “I’ll meet Valric when I’m ready, not when you decide.”
Having his full attention fixed on me has my fight or flight response in high gear, and I do my best not to fidget under his intense gaze. After a tense moment, he turns on his heel and stalks off, leaving the charged air behind him.
Scarlett immediately breaks the silence with a low whistle. “Damn, E. That was badass. Who knew being in Faerie would give you the courage to stand up to a bully?”
I exhale, letting the tension leave my shoulders. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Scarlett grins. “But if that guy keeps pulling this crap, I’m decking him. Royal guard or not.”
I look over at Tristan, whose face is etched with worry as he watches Fenris storm off. His vibrant purple eyes meet mine, confusion clouding their depths, and he shrugs.
“I’m starting to think I cursed his family or something,” I mutter.
“Don’t take it personally, Princess,” Kian says. “Since the attack, he’s been distant and cold with everyone.”
My gaze falls to the ground, and with a sigh, my fingers work their way through my long braid, undoing it. “I really wanted to go into Skora today to help repair the village.”
“Really?” Senka’s voice pipes up, shocked.
I turn my head to the side and frown at her. “Yes. They need help, right?”
“Well, sure, but you're a princess,” she continues slowly.
My frown deepens at the unexpected response.
“How about Scarlett and I go into the village to see what help they need, and you go do whatever this Valric is wanting?” Mia suggests, her hand finding mine and squeezing.
