Just saying those words out loud brings a shiver of animosity through my whole body.
“And Cal knows of all of this?” Alanna asks quietly.
“Yes,” I reply, meeting her gaze, “since this morning’s meeting with the King, the majority of the travel group is aware of what is going on. I intend to speak with Lord Daniel soon.”
“Barnes and Claymore?”
“No, nor the three human Warrior soldiers.”
Alanna leans back in her chair with a hard sigh and finishes what’s left of her drink.
“We still plan to travel to Woodlands, yes?” she asks, glancing into the dying fire in the room.
“Yes,” I reply definitively and stand up, reaching for her empty glass, “I anticipate once the Livyatan delegation has left we’ll start making the arrangements.”
“And are you expected to kiss their ass until then?” she stands with me.
I turn sharply to the blonde Discerni and begin laughing, laughing at the fire behind her question because I know she’ll do no ass kissing of her own tonight.
“I asked the Prince the same question….”
“And?”
“Prince Isham knows I am not fond of him or his group. I do not intend to fight with him, but I also do not intend to be friendly. In fact, if at all possible, I wish to avoid him altogether tonight. But we’ll see how that goes.”
“Good,” Alanna gives a hard nod as the two of us walk back to the door.
“Stormfall,” I turn and glance to the Bird of Ash outside, “are you ready to make your debut to the Kingdom of Disce?”
Storm gives a strong caw and then flies directly through both rooms, landing on my shoulder in proud grace.
“You as well, Golem,” I nod to my magical friend in respect, “I should enjoy and appreciate your attendance at court tonight.”
Alanna shifts beside me as Golem bows his head with a rare grin.
“You will be making a statement, human,” Alanna says quietly, “are you prepared for that?”
I set my shoulders straight and look back at Golem, then glance down at my beautiful emerald dress and Stormfall perched on my shoulder.Allof us will be making a statement tonight. There will be no more hiding.
We depart my room and move through the second floor of the castle as a ragtag crew again. There’s no stopping the open gazes that greet us in the halls, and no stopping the gazes that turn back and do a double take when we reach the Great Oak. I grin at everyone commenting on our small group behind their hands and move towards Holis who’s speaking with Sutton and Triple under one of the oak’s limbs. Tripler spots Alanna and I with wide eyes, his flirtatious grin beaming in approval as his sister follows his gaze. Holis, Barnes and the three Warrior soldiers all turn in our direction, each of them hiding their looks of shock at the arrival of Storm and Golem.
I give the group a deep smile of appreciation.
Everyone here has seen me with Stormfall over the past fortnight and has kept their suspicions of the Bird of Ash a secret. They’ve also kept quiet about the travel and relationship I’ve formed with the King’s Golem, earning my deep respect.
“This is going to be an interesting night,” Sutton bounds forward with an amused smile, reaching around me for a hug.
“It will be,” I grin as her brother approaches.
“Lady Alexis,” he nods, grinning from ear to ear.
“And what has you so happy, Tripler?” I laugh at him, glancing over his rich black tunic and pants. With the exception of Holis and I, the full of our small group is adorned in pure black, though Tripler, unsurprisingly, outmatches all of our attire. He’s dressed as a royal and exuding wealth, carrying himself as the self-made man he is.
“I just can’t wait to see all of their faces tonight,” he chuckles, eyes roaming over my dress before glancing at Stormfall and Golem at each of my sides.
“They won’t know what to do with themselves,” Sutton grins in agreement.
“We shall all try to keep our faces straight then,” I laugh, greeting the three soldiers and Barnes with a nod, “though I doubt we’ll be able to do so.”
