More gasps escaped them, and I began to wonder if they had another form of expressing shock. My lips twitched; I was strangely enjoying this.
“Shut up!” One of the girls answered, slapping his arm, and we all laughed. Except my guardian, who pinned her down with a glare until the poor girl stepped back.
“How is that possible?” another girl asked, one who looked like a seasoned warrior even though she and the others had just graduated from the training.
“I was born right before my parents left to the Mirror World, so no one but the king and queen knew I existed.”
“You were the Harbinger’s mission,” a guy whispered, calling Braxton’s attention to him.
“Yes. Because of that I grew up there instead of here. It had to be that way.”
“I brought him back with me when I went to the Mirror World to search for his father, but we couldn’t tell anyone who he really was. I’m sorry we lied about his identity; there was no other choice,” I offered.
“We understand… You had to clear the Harbinger of Justice’s name first, or our people would not welcome him.”
“That was part of it,” Kingston admitted, “Yet, it is far more complicated than that. As his new guard, you will learn the truth, but it will take time.”
“Wait. We are going to beyourguard? But we just finished training,” a new guy countered, completely flabbergasted.
“Do I have to do everything myself?” Imogen threw her hands in the air. “You people do everything backwards.”
Braxton and I chuckled at that. “Sorry. You start again.”
“As you already know, I am Imogen, and I was the Harbinger of Justice’s commander while he led the Skyborne Legion.”
“We could never forget, Red Wing. You are a legend,” the experienced-looking warrior assured in complete admiration, as though it was obvious.
“Whatever you need from us is done; without question,” the second guy added. “It is an honor just to have been called upon by you.”
I really needed to learn their names.
“I appreciate that,” Imogen continued. “I have been watching you for a while. You were all selected because you have excelled in your fighting abilities from the start, working harder than the others and rising among people who have been around a lot longer than you.”
Some chests puffed with pride while others just seemed honored their surpassed efforts had been noticed.
“Ultimately, it was your existing friendship with Braxton that added the most important element needed to become an Elevated Warrior,” Asher informed. “It takes skill to be one of us, but you have to care for the people you protect too. Only then can you truly be willing to do what it takes, not only to ensure their safety but to follow them to the end if needed.”
He and Braxton exchanged a glance, appreciation clear in their expressions. They had become true brothers during his time with us.
“I love you so much!” Harrison mocked from the back.
“I love you more, Brother!” Elijah added.
“No. I love you more!” They hugged, pretending they were going to cry.
“Kiss already!” Islay shouted, making my mate laugh.
Chuckles danced all around us while I slowly shook my head. They were so silly.
Their mocking stopped with Kingston’s harsh clearing of his throat, and even I straightened.
“Anyway…” Imogen faced the new warriors again. “We have selected you to be the prince’s guard. If you accept the title, of course.”
“We accept! It’s an honor,” the sweet girl replied instantly, almost jumping on her toes from excitement.
“Wait, theprince’s guard?” Aaron asked, and Braxton tensed next to me.
Imogen’s eyes began to widen at her slip.
