“It’s not just acoupleof Humans,” he rebuts. The older one sighs.
“The Humans are protesting for equality in Keylar; the city isn’t safe right now. Especially not for Royals from other City-States,” the older guard says. “Or daughters of high-profile Shifters,” he adds pointedly at Quinn.
“What do you mean by equality?” Reyna asks hesitantly.
The guard shakes his head. “That’s all I know.” Everyone in the cart knows it’s a lie.
“Equality is a laughable concept, particularly for Humans,” Vyx goads. Everyone keeps their gaze off Reyna. Aerin knows her friend well enough to know she’s fishing for information. “What could they possibly think they deserve? They should be thankful we don’t hunt them like we used to in the days of Old.” Vyx looks at her nails, unimpressed.
Aerin sneaks a glance at Reyna, who looks ready to rip the Viper’s head off. She glances at Khortland, who even without touching Reyna, seems to be calming her down.
The young guard laughs, “Exactly!” He visibly relaxes. “They want to live inside the walls, can you believe that?”
The announcer informs them they will be leaving the station for Valtara at sunset.
“They are in a lot more danger living inside the walls with us,” Vyx agrees, her hissing prominent in the words, as if to display her predatory nature.
The Fae looks smug. “I’ve always said Humans are only good for three things.” Aerin doesn’t need to hear the end of the sentence before she acts. They are all aware of the prejudices against Humans. Aerin throws out her invisible magic, like blankets, over Khortland and Reyna, before the Fae can finish. When he does, she is glad she did. “Labor, food, or fucking.”
Both Khortland and Reyna strain against the magic that holds them perfectly still. Vyx laughs in agreement as the guards sit back down in their chairs. Aerin doesn’t let her magic fall until they are far from Keylar.
The relief Aerinfeels when they pull into Valtara is short lived as the cart doors slide open. Fyton stands on the other side, flanked by a group of Valtara Royal Guards. Most are familiar faces, including Bryer.
Her father’s bond-mate narrows his eyes at Aerin. “Princess Tolvare, we are here to escort you to the Royal Village.”
Aerin’s gut sinks. If Father sent Fyton, then there is no flirting or conniving her way out of it. Fyton has never been fond of the Tolvare children, and Aerin’s certain she’s his least favorite of all.
Standing from her spot in the tube cart, Aerin pulls her shoulders back. She’s immediately flanked by Emrys in his Wolf form and Malice.
“Fine,” Aerin accepts, stepping forward. Fyton reaches a hand for her. Before it can land, Malice catches it. The sickening crunch of bones echoes. Pain crosses Fyton’s harsh features.
“Do not touch her,” Malice growls, flames dancing in his eyes.
“How dare?—"
Malice snarls like Reikan’s half out of his body, ready to devour the guards. Most of them tremble, but Fyton only looks furious.
“How dareyou, a lowly Fae guard, presume you have the right to touch the Princess,” Malice growls. Tension racquetsup. The Zeneith Royal Guards are unsure what to do. The other Valtara guards hesitate to interfere.
“Come on, let him go,” Bryer finally says, leaning in to separate them. He freezes when Emrys bares his teeth, letting loose his own menacing growl.
Aerin hears the other guards whispering, murmuring about how they thought the news was a rumor or a hoax. Khortland steps forward on the other side of Emrys, stroking a hand down Emrys’s spine.
“It’s alright,” he says to Emrys. Malice lets Fyton’s wrist go. The guard cradles it to his chest, a sneer on his face.
“We would be happy to attend a meeting with the King,” Khortland says casually. “My father wishes to send his regards anyways, best to get it done with so we can go back to enjoying ourselves, yes?”
Aerin smiles at Khortland, before looking back to the guards.
“You all act like I never listen to my father’s requests.” Aerin smirks at Fyton, allowing her powers to ripple around the guards, like wind playing with their hair. “Six of you seems quite excessive, but I suppose we do have a lot of bags. You two,” she points to the guards on the left of Fyton, “Go find our luggage.” They exchange glances but eventually break off from the group to comply. “Bryer.” Aerin tilts her head, examining the Fae. “Be a dear and escort my guest back to my apartment.”
Aerin turns to see Reyna, wide eyed, deep in the cart.
“Bryer will take you to mine, feel free to make yourself at home, and once all this Princess stuff is dealt with, we can go have some fun.” Aerin winks at her.
Reyna wipes the shock from her face before falling into an act. She struts out of the cart, Malice letting her pass.
“Well? Let’s go,” she says impatiently. Bryer seems resigned as he steps out of formation, leading Reyna away. Khortland holds his breath until she’s out of sight.
