Elena has something to do with this?
“Stopwith the game, Hirovale,” I sigh from behind, “wechoose our lives. We choose how we live them and what we will do. You do not get to dictate our actions.”
Keane’s hand on my waist squeezes hard.
“And do you share the same sentiment, Prince?” Hirovale asks.
Keane watches the Ancient for a moment before replying. “I have been around Lady Alexis long enough to know that you will not force any actions from her. She will do as she sees fit.”
Hirovale grins in agreement, “which is why I asked the question of you.”
“You are the strongest of the Ancient Ten” Keane nods, “I will take your advice and direction with deep consideration.”
Hirovale laughs at his response. “Spoken like a true King.”
His comment makes me frown again.
The Ancient keeps referring to Keane as Ki-
“-Don’t, Alex,” Hiro interrupts the thought.
Don’t go down that path.
I scowl and take a hard step around Keane, moving to his side.
And why not?I demand silently.
Hirovale narrows his eyes and takes a step back, his glance quietly taking in the two of us before he starts assessing the proud stance of Keane.
“Does she know of your intentions?” the Ancient asks him softly.
I look at Keane in confusion.
“She will,” the Prince nods, “but I will not rush her.”
“You may have to.”
“And you?” Keane asks, “what of your intentions?”
“She is my Human Reborn.” Hirovale says steadily, “her life and mine will be closely intertwined. She will restore magic to the Old World in its proper form… and I will be there to guide her.”
I truly am over this Ancient and how he thinks he can dictate what I do. I take a hard step forward and glare at the him in strong resolute, willing him to hear my words.
“I am Alexis Deveren of the Kingdom of Disce. I amhumanand I am my own. I will do nothing of the sort until I have a proper explanation as to why, and then,onlythen, will I make a decision of my own actions.”
Keane’s hand falls into mine with a squeeze.
“There’s the fire,” Hirovale smirks, eyes holding mine with an unknown secret. He reaches his own hand up to the sky above him, waiting until Stormfall glides through the forest behind him. The Bird of Ash sweeps down and lands on his wrist, his talons sinking into one of the black bands around his forearm.
“I will leave you both for now,” the Ancient extends his hand out to mine, “but Stormfall will always remain. He has done nothing wrong, Alex,” he reminds me again, “do not take your anger out on him.”
I watch as the Bird of Ash takes a small step down Hirovale’s fingers, his yellow eyes watching me timidly. I smile at my new friend and extend my own hand towards him without hesitation, already feeling guilty for how I was yelling at him earlier.
In a quick movement, Hirovale wraps his fingers around my wrist and holds our hands together. My breath completely catches in my chest at the touch as the strongest rush of coolness courses down my arm. He holds me tightly so that Stormfall can walk between us, his golden gaze never leaving mine until his Bird of Ash starts moving up my arm. Once the baby beast is nestled against my neck, he releases us and immediately locks eyes with Keane.
“Continue your preparations here in Fumagalli,” he tells him in new seriousness, “and I will continue to provide the sleeping air as protection. Look south as well, towards Varon and the Great Forest. They will need protection too…”
Keane remains quiet, listening intently.
