“Of course,” the experienced-looking warrior girl replied, as though it was obvious. “He’s the Harbinger of Justice’s son. Braxton is practically royalty.”
“Oh, right,” Aaron agreed, and we all relaxed again.
For now, that explanation would have to do. The rest of my mate’s story was too complicated for their first day.
“Before you accept, there is something more you should know,” Braxton began, glancing at each of the guys and girls he’d first friended after arriving to Caelisium. “Standing by my side won’t be so easy. The Warlock King has set his sights on me, so being my guard will be as dangerous as being Evanna’s guard. Perhaps more… Are you willing to risk your lives and fight by my side?”
“We will fight with you,” the seasoned-looking warrior answered without hesitation.
“It will be an honor,” Aaron added, and the rest nodded, echoing their sentiment.
“Why does the Warlock want you?” the sweet girl asked. “Did he find out about who your father is?”
“No. And it needs to remain that way,” Kingston ordered.
“Then, why?”
“There is something you need to see,” Imogen added, turning to my mate.
His Dragon Eye instantly ignited, and he lifted one hand, calling to his magic. Just like it had done when he restored his father’s painting, his magic rose in golden vines that sprouted from his core, curving, and slithering down his arm, all the way to his hand. The magic flickered and swirled around his fingers.
“Oooh,” the others echoed in awe, and I was glad they hadn’t gasped.
“I have Dragon powers, and Raithian can sense the magic within me. He wants it for himself.”
“Dragon powers? How?”
Another guy who had been quiet until now asked, stepping forwards.
“I am part Dragon,” Braxton confessed, and the gasps burst out of them. “My father used Tharion’s blood to help him heal, and that blood became part of him, so when my mom got pregnant…”
“It became part of you too, giving you Dragon powers,” the guy finished for him.
“Exactly.”
“Wicked,” another added.
“Could you please introduce your new guard formally? I’m afraid I don’t know their names,” I interjected, feeling terrible because, well, I had no idea who was talking, and I couldn’t keep referring to them as guy and girl.
“We are so sorry,” the sweet girl was the one to answer. “I am Charlotte, and this is my brother Edward.” She pointed to the one who thought my mate’s powers werewicked.
“My name is Quinn, Princess. Honored to serve you both,” the seasoned-looking warrior informed, and I grinned, relieved to finally put a name to the face.
One by one, they all introduced themselves to me, completing the circle.
“Thank you for risking your life for us. We truly appreciate it, and we vow to protect you just the same.” I paused, glancing at Braxton. “Since you are Elevated Warriors now, you should know I have chosen him as my mate,” I explained, receiving another wave of gasps. Really? “It is the reason for ourfamiliarbehavior before.”
“Congratulations, Princess, Prince.” Quinn smiled at us, formally bowing her head.
“Thank you, but no need to bow or call me that. I’m still just Brax.”
“If Red Wing calls youtheprince, then you arethe prince,” Aaron added, nervously glancing at Imogen.
“Okay, Brax,” Charlotte answered nonchalantly, and my lips twitched.
3… 2… 1…
“There will be no calling him by his name,” Kingston protested. “You will address him as you do the princess, with the utmost—”
