“I need to go see someone,” she lied, partly.
Vhalla moved quickly, leaving them behind without further word and heading toward the camp palace.
“Halt!” One of the soldiers on either side of the camp palace’s doors stopped her progress. He assessed her thoughtfully. “What business do you have?”
“I was staying here.”
“I received no mention. Camp palace isn’t the place for you, majors and royals only.” He waved her away.
“No, you don’t understand.” She shook her head, suddenly remembering that her chainmail—the chainmail Aldrik had made for her—remained forgotten in his room. “You must let me through.” She took another step forward, and the soldier stepped in front of her.
“Soldier, you’re out of line.”
“It’s too early to be causing trouble.” Jax startled her with his proximity. Both soldiers saluted the Head Major of the Black Legion.
“What are you doing here?” she questioned.
“I could ask the same of you.” Jax cocked his head to the side. “Well, let us through,” he ordered the guards.
The soldiers obliged the head major, letting them enter without problem. The long hall was empty, paper and ledgers spread upon tables. She had underestimated how early it really was.
“Well?” Jax folded his arms over his chest. “I need to see Baldair,” Vhalla explained.
“That much I’d figured.” He grinned. “Moving from one man to the next very quickly, aren’t you?”
Vhalla lashed out as fast as the wind, so fast that even Jax stared wide-eyed as she gripped the collar of his shirt. “Don’t you dare,” she snarled.
Surprise retreated from his face. His black eyes grew even darker with an intensity she’d never seen before. It sent his jovial exterior running in terror. A grin spread across Jax’s cheeks slowly, barring his teeth like an animal. “Do you want to do this, here, now?” he asked softly. “I’ve been a very gracious host to you so far and am happy to continue to be.”
Her grip faltered. This man’s moods swung like a pendulum and, in this moment, she had a very clear picture as to how and why he had become Head Major of the Black Legion. Jax raised his hand slowly, placing it on her shoulder. Even with the telegraphed movement, she still jumped.
“Let’s not, shall we?” His other hand rested over her wrists, pushing them easily away.
“It’s not what you think,” she said, still defensive.
“I promise you, you haveno ideawhat I think.” Jax wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Now, let’s go get you your prince.”
Vhalla withheld comment, deciding not to retort that the golden-haired prince was notherprince.
Every step began to add another doubt as to her chosen course of action. What did she plan to achieve? As Jax went to knock on the door, she nearly stopped him. But the opportunity was eliminated as his knocks faded into silence.
“Who?” A sleep-hazy voice called.
“Your blushing princess,” Jax called in a girlish falsetto. “Go away, Jax.”
She could hear shifting from within.
“Alas, darling, it’s not just me.” Jax glanced down at her. “You’ve a certain lady looking for you.”
There was some mumbling and distinctly feminine whispers before a set of heavy footsteps marched over to the door. The latch was lifted from within, and it opened a crack for the prince. “You?”
“I’m sorry to disturb you, my prince. I forgot my armor here.” Her resolve had vanished.
“Why did you seek me out if you just wanted your armor?” The question was gentle when it could’ve been annoyed.
She didn’t have an answer.
“Wait for me in his room.” Baldair nodded his head toward the door across the hall.
