“You are no longer an Elevated Warrior,” Evie added,” as dumbfounded as I was that we had somehow forgotten thatminordetail.
“Exactly, darling. Braxton is the prince, the Harbinger’s son,andthe future king. He needs his own guard.”
Suddenly humbled, I exchanged a glance with Evie. All I wanted since I arrived here was to become an Elevated Warrior because that meant I would finally belong and be worthy of her. Not only had I achieved it, but I had surpassed it because of who my parents were.
At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but then I realized that I had accomplished the first part on my own merits, regardless of what my birthright was. That meant something to me.
The warm smile that began curving Evie’s lips said she knew exactly what I was thinking, and the love emanating from her eyes reminded me I had always been worthy of her… I just needed to realize that on my own.
Her soft kiss on my lips declared I now stood tall beside her—not just as the Harbinger’s son, but as the warrior I had become, and the future king. The man she loved.
“Who are you considering for the guard?” I asked in the next breath, my attention returning to Imogen and the chief.
“Well, there are a few who have caught my eye—”
“He shouldn’t worry about that,” Kingston interjected. “We will choose the guard for him and then decide where they will stay. I haven’t approved—”
“Approved?” Imogen chuckled. “I am not asking for permission, darling. I outrank you in about five different ways. You are no longer the only one making decisions here about the safety and care of the prince and princess, so get used to that.”
Burned.
Evie’s eyes widened but she immediately controlled her expression, while my lips pressed tightly in a straight line, trying my best not to laugh so Kingston wouldn’t kill me. He growled something none of us was able to understand and crossed his arms as though he couldn’t really argue with that—though he was dying to do just that.
“It ismyguard, Chief,” I added, calling his attention to me. “Iwillget a say on who stands beside me.”
“Very well, Prince,” my mentor agreed with an approving smile. “However, he is no longer your chief,” she clarified. “You arehisprince and future king now.”
A bit of sadness hit me at that, the realization mirrored on Kingston’s scowl. “He will always be my chief.”
Emotion crossed his gaze, but he huffed, shifting on his feet.
“So, who are you considering?” I asked again.
“Well, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted…”
Willow snickered at that, coming to stand between Evie and Kingston.
“I have seen great performances from a few so far who stand out among the warriors. First, however, we must determine how many to assign you. I believe five to be a good number.” Her gaze connected with Kington’s before returning to me. “I know the princess has ten—nine,” she corrected herself, accounting for Penelope’s passing. “But you have magic abilities and Dragons to help protect you. So, five should suffice.”
Kingston nodded. “On that, we agree.”
“Me too,” Asher added, stopping next to Imogen on my right. “I’d like to join the conversation, if that is alright?”
“It is,” I assured, glancing behind us to realize that the others had all entered their rooms.
“You are welcome, cutie.” Imogen winked at him, making us all smile.
“Are you seriously flirting with him right now?” I half-heartedly scolded.
“What? I’m just being honest. Heisa cutie.”
“He also happens to be the Legion’s Commander,” Kingston added. “Some respect is in order.”
“You are too serious all the time, Kingston,” she huffed and then glanced at Asher. “My apologies, Commander Dawnsky. I meant no offense.”
“None taken,” Asher assured with a smile that said he knew her teasing was innocent. “I have taken notice of a few warriors as well when supervising the training, and I believe they might be the same you are considering.”
“Very possible. I made a point to watch them train yesterday, and Harper informed me they have excelled in their progress and the development of their abilities.”
