“Yes, they have,” Asher confirmed.”
“I agree with that as well,” the chief admitted. “They have promptly advanced through the ranks, exceeding my expectations. The question remains; is it too soon, or are they ready?”
“Andtheyare…?” I stretched out the words, reminding them I was still waiting for their answer.
“Oh, my apologies.” Imogen snorted at her own slipup. “They stopped to talk to you this morning before we left Dragon hunting. I believe their names are Quinn, Aaron, Louis, Harvey, and Charlotte.”
“Really?” I asked, kind of shocked by the news.
Quinn was a natural badass, the way she carried herself said she was a warrior through and through, but I hadn’t gotten much of an opportunity to train with her and the gang since Kingston stole me to train me himself right away. Or maybe just to keep an eye on me since he didn’t know the truth of what happened with my father, and he had no idea whether or not I was a psycho like Raithian.
“Yes.” It was the chief who answered. “I believe that meeting you as one of them, and seeing you leave their side to train as hard as you have—reaching the Elevated Warrior rank—inspired them to do the same. A true leader doesn’t order others to follow; he inspires them with his own actions… Your father had that gift in spades, and I recognize it in you too, Braxton. You have your father’s spirit.”
Holy shit. That was the first compliment Kingston had ever given me, and the most amazing one at that.
“Chief, I—”
Imogen’s gasp of horror cut me off before I could even answer, calling everyone’s eyes to her. “Forgive me, Prince, but I think I might actually be dying. Kingston, did you really just give an honest compliment to anyone for the first time in your life?!” she asked him, making us laugh. “I didn’t think I would live to witness such a thing.”
“Will you ever take anything seriously?!” he growled, only to have Willow’s hand caress his arm as though to calm him.
“It’s okay. She is just teasing. It’s who she is,” she offered sweetly.
The fight immediately left him, and he glanced down at her, a small smile curving his lips. “I know, Lady Willow. Thank you for reminding me.”
Get a room already!
“Anyway…” I sighed, glancing at my mentor. “Do you think they’ll be up for it? Being my guard won’t be an easy feat now that Raithian’s eyes are set on me. Even with my Dragons around.”
“They are ready,” Imogen concluded confidently.
“Wait, what about Edward and Thea?” I asked suddenly. “You didn’t mention them along with the others.”
“Thea hasn’t progressed as a fighter like the others have,” Asher offered. “We’ve discovered she has other aptitudes to better serve the Legion, far better than being a warrior.”
I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by that, but his smile said her skill was a good one to discover.
“My uncertainty about Edward is that he seems to hesitate at times,” Imogen added. “His attention is often focused on the girl, Charlotte, more than his task at hand.”
“That is because she is his sister,” I offered knowingly. “He is very protective of her.”
“Clearly without reason. She was the first one to make my list,” Imogen snorted.
A small smirk curved my lips with her statement. “They arrived here just before I did. After escaping the Hollow together.”
“It is why his attachment to her sometimes interferes with his focus,” Asher explained further. “They only had each other, and they went through a lot before they could escape.”
It wasn’t hard to see that it struck a chord with Imogen. What was left of her lightheartedness was replaced by the light of the past that encumbered her gaze.
“I can understand that kind of attachment, and his worry for her.” A saddened sigh left her. “I’m also confident that he can grow past that, especially once they become Elevated Warriors together. You’ll make sure he does?” Her question was directed at Asher, who gave her a single nod filled with duty.
“Then it is decided. Our prince’s guard is complete.”
“They’ll serve you well,” Asher assured me. “They know who you are inside and appreciate you like you do them. That loyalty will drive them more than anything, which in my experience, makes them perfect to be your guard. The friendship you share will make their duty to protect you stronger.”
A certain emotion crossed his expression and he paused, his determined gaze focusing on Kingston. “Chief, I would like to formally request permission to leave your side and become the prince’s commander.”
What the—? Stunned, I glanced at him for a few moments. I had no words.
