I awkwardly bounced Bobbinvoxlyn, who refused to be happy, as Noxlyn and Camden had a whispered conversation. It felt odd to stand here and watch them, though neither seemed to mind our presence. My eyes closed briefly as I struggled not to lean into Monqilcolnen. Warmth was radiating off him, and like most drakcol, I adored the heat. I wanted to bask in his warmth, but that was something I couldn’t do.
Bobbinvoxlyn released an ear-numbing shriek that made me wince.
Monquilcolnen moved even closer and commented, his breath rushing over the sensitive tip of my ear and sending a tremor through my body, “He has a solid set of lungs.”
“Indeed.” I squirmed as my tail coiled around my own ankle. The urge to run away dashed through me, making my muscles tighten in anticipation, but I controlled the sensation. Monqilcolnen finally moved from his place in front of me to standing behind me, but he kept the close proximity between us. Why? And more importantly, why did I want to run from himandcling to him at the same time?
Noxlyn and Camden finally finished their hushed conversation with Noxlyn grunting and refusing to pay up for whatever Camden was demanding. Camden frowned before turning a blindingly bright smile at me and stepping closer. As he neared, I felt Monqilcolnen close the minuscule distance between us, his chest brushing my back for the barest moment, which sent my soul skittering.
What by the Crystal’s light was happening?
Camden smirked, then shot Noxlyn a knowing look. “Wyn, perhaps we could get something to eat?”
I glanced at the squalling kit in my arms. Maybe human ears weren’t as sensitive as drakcols’ were? If I took Bobbinvoxlyn out, people would stare the entire time, and I didn’t want to try to eat while jostling an angry baby.
“I believe,” I said, “I should continue to the atrium."
“I see,” he replied. He suddenly threw himself at Noxlyn, making me blink. Noxlyn didn’t react, except to help hold Camden up and shake his head, as if this was a normal occurrence between them. “But, woe is me. I’m near expiring from hunger. I need to eat.”
I blinked at the sudden movement and asked, “Are you truly that hungry?”
“Yep,” he said, smiling and clinging to Noxlyn. “But Nox will take me. You and Monty should keep walking to the atrium for a little outing.”
“I’m sure the commander has other things to do,” I mumbled.
“I would be honored to escort you and Bobbinvoxlyn.”
I swallowed an annoyed growl. Why couldn’t he beg off? He was a commander. He had to be busy, didn’t he? Monqilcolnen could hardly hover around me all afternoon, even if I did have Bobbinvoxlyn with me. Unless Kalvoxrencol had pinged him to request for Monqilcolnen to watch over the kit. I thought Prince trusted me, at least minimally. Besides, the Crystal knew Edith was watching Bobbinvoxlyn at all times.
“Wyn,” he said, gesturing in the direction of the atrium.
I fell into step beside him, but I heard Noxlyn mutter, “That doesn't mean anything.”
Camden replied in a light voice, “Yes, it does.”
Both of them vanished in the crowd as we headed toward the atrium. We remained silent, but thankfully, Bobbinvoxlyn provided more than enough noise to drown out any possible awkwardness. The glass doors opened at our arrival, and the soothing air of the plants rushed over me, making my tight shoulders relax. Drakcol needed sun and plants on a primitive level. I’d been neglecting coming here as often as I needed.
Bobbinvoxlyn gurgled and finally settled, making me cock an eyebrow. Beads of water clung to his blue scales from the high humidity of the atrium, and his round face relaxed as he looked around.
“Apparently, he simply needed some time outside,” Monqilcolnen commented.
I agreed. Back on Tamkolvanloknol, Kalvoxrencol would take him for a daily walk outside. Here, he would take Bobbinvoxlyn out and about, but not quite as often. I switched the kit to my other arm. He wasn’t heavy, not truly, but to carry him non-stop was taxing.
“Shall we?” Monqilcolnen asked as he motioned to the bark path.
While I stepped onto the path winding through the manufactured jungle, I said, “You needn’t come with me. I’m sure you are far too busy.”
“Not at all.” He gave me a serene smile. “I’m happy to spend time with you.”
I didn’t believe him. I wanted to, but no one could remain as calm as Monqilcolnen did for as long as he did; he had to be lying or, at minimum, controlling his emotions to an extreme. True emotions on his face were rare. Or perhaps I didn’t know him well enough to pick them out. Or maybe he was shy and not comfortable around me yet. Then again, he was the purest spiritual soul ever tested. He might, indeed, be as perfect as he presented.
I came to a stop and looked at the ground, my tail hugging my calf. “May I ask a question?”
“Of course.” He stepped closer. “You don’t have to fear me, Wyn. I won’t get mad at you.”
I hoped that was true. “Did Prince Kalvoxrencol ask you to monitor me?”
“No.”
