Shadows crossed Raiden’s hard expression; his hands clenched so tight the knuckles turned white. Teal light crackled around his fist, charging the air with magic. Dyna placed a hand on his arm and tugged him back a few steps.
“If His Grace were here, you would never dare insult his House in this manner,” Eldred said, moving to cover them. “He will hear of this.”
“Will he?” Varden retorted. “All of Greenwood knows Rawn Norrlen is rotting beneath the Blood Keep, Magi Master. And well deserved. Princess Aerina was meant to marry into my Household before he stoleher from me.” Varden eyed Raiden with an air of superiority and disgust. “Your mother was forced to marry a lowborn castle guard when he seeded her with you, ruining her name and repute. Now that he is gone, she is free to right her name again. Would you not want that for her?”
Raiden ground out through his teeth. “Leave.”
“Or what?”
Lucenna had enough. She struck the ground at Varden’s feet with a bolt of electricity. The elves jumped back, startled. “That was your only warning. Go beforeImake you.”
“Foolish woman,” Eldred snapped at her. “He taunted us for a reason!”
Varden laughed as he stepped backward, and two of his company in green robes came forward. They had been looking for a reason to fight, and she gave it to them. His Magi Masters chanted in Elvish, and a violent force of magic charged the air.
“Cease this, Varden,” Raiden said evenly as he looked past him. “Unless you wish to explain tothemwhy you are here.”
Everyone turned to see a calvary of soldiers in dark armor riding up the path, kicking up dust behind them. Their chests bore the gold dynalya sigil of Greenwood.
The King’s escort had arrived.Finally.
Varden sniffed, curling his lip. “I see Her Grace is otherwise engaged today. I will call upon her at another time.”
He headed for his carriage. It was a light blue with gold embellishments, flying the flags with his sigil. A footman stepped down to open the door. Once Varden went in, his guards mounted their horses. The other nobles followed suit and returned to their mounts and carriages. The ground rumbled as they rode away.
Dyna smirked. “The Royal Guard seems to have a formidable reputation.”
“They are not the Royal Guard, but the King’s elite unit of armed forces called the Ranger Regiment. They are the most lethal warriors in all of Greenwood,” Raiden said.
“Rawn was once offered a position among them.” They all turned at the sound of Aerina’s voice. She stood behind them at the gate, and her eyes watered at the sight of Raiden’s red cheek. She went to him, reaching for his face. “My dear boy, I’m so sorry.”
He sighed and took her hand. “I’m fine, mother. You shouldn’t be out here.”
Keena flew around Lucenna’s shoulders. “We tried to keep her inside, but she was determined to reach her son when that rude elf struck him.”
Lucenna noticed Von and Klyde standing outside of the estate doors. She moved to join them, but Eldred took her arm and pulled her aside.
“The next time there is a confrontation, do not interfere. You are not suited for a battle against a Magi Master.”
“Excuse me?” she hissed.
Eldred frowned at her. “The level of your magic is inferior.”
She scoffed, purple electricity glowing on the surface of her skin and eyes. “That is easy to say when you have access to limitless Essence. But if you wish for a demonstration of my power, I will gladly meet your challenge.”
He shook his head. “I do not say so to insult you. Yes, you have magic, but you are untrained and emotional, throwing out spells with no proper plan. It is clear you have never had a real teacher, have you?”
Lucenna blinked at him, feeling her face heat. No, she had never had a proper teacher. If only he knew simply using her magic was enough to get her killed where she was from.
“You still have much to learn.” Eldred returned to Aerina and Raiden as the Rangers rode up. The ground rumbled with the stampede of their horses. They dismounted and bowed to Aerina.
A Ranger with short blond hair and green eyes stepped forward with a bow. Fine black leather armor fit his tall frame. The symbol of his rank was embossed on his shoulder pauldron. “Evening, princess.”
She gave him a soft smile. “It has been sometime, Commander Camsen. Welcome to Sellav. I take it you are to lead my escort?”
Camsen handed Aerina a rolled-up scroll. “Yes, princess. My orders are to accompany you and your company to Avandia, where the King and Queen await your presence. We will see to your safety along the way.”
“Thank you,” Aerina said, taking the scroll. Everyone watched silently as her eyes swept across the letters on the page. They widened, and she looked up in surprise.
