I nodded before rising. I turned towards a flurry of activity from the guards as the king strode from the inn towards the carriage.
‘What does he eat?’
The desire to say ‘nosy little boys’ was overwhelming, but I couldn’t help but smile.
‘Anything really. Rabbit, sheep, deer when he can catch it.’
The boy gulped. His brown eyes widened as Pablo stood, and he craned his neck to see the wolf better.
‘And…and when he can’t catch those?’
I bent down and put my mouth close to his ear.
‘Well, he’s rather fond of nibbling the backside out of teachers’ breeches.’
The boy giggled, revealing a gappy smile before racing back to his friends.
‘You’ve made his day there, miss.’ I jumped at finding one of the guards standing nearby. The wolf usually warned me when a stranger got too close. I glared at Pablo, nudged him with my knee. He rewarded me by sneezing on my skirts.
‘I’m Tenner, miss. Your father’s asked me to ensure your safety till we get to your intended. Congratulations by the way.’
‘The king isn’t my father, and thank you…I think.’
Tenner reached out, ready to offer me his arm, and I repressed a groan. The moment people learned I was partially sighted, their attitude altered. I’d been told they were only trying to be kind, but were they incapable of asking if I required help first?
Pablo stalked towards Tenner, who drew back quickly.
Facing him, with his baby face and slightly too big uniform, it was clear why he’d been awarded the unenviable job of watching me.
A well-built guard helped Enfys into the carriage as we crossed the bustling harbour. A grin tugged at the corner of mymouth as they gave us a wide berth after spotting the prowling wolf. I sighed, ignoring Tenner’s offered arm again, and instead focused on the carriage.
The scarlet interior was overwhelmingly dark. I rested my arms on either side of the doorway, choosing to disregard Tenner’s outstretched arm for a third time.
‘No need to be nervous, miss,’ the guard said, his voice low.
I turned my head, catching sight of a warm smile I had no intention of returning.
‘I’ve heard the rumours too. That there’s diafols on the road, and I know I look young and all, but you’re lucky to have me.’
I took him in, wondering how many years would pass before he grew into his uniform. If he had to face one of the distorted creatures tainted by Vyrium, I wouldn’t place any bets in his favour.
He drew even closer, his face swimming in my vision. ‘Your father didn’t want any old guard. I’m an Anomaly!’
As the final word left his lips, Tenner pushed his shoulders back, raised his chin.
I stood on the step, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. ‘Fresh out of training then?’
‘Only last month, miss,’ he said, drawing back. ‘I can’t say much about my power.’ He offered a conspiratorial wink.
I exhaled slowly. This was the king’s guard. Over half of them were fresh out of training whatever magical gift our benevolent Goddess Evella had blessed them with.
‘And this blade here?’ I started as he unsheathed the bronze-tinged blade. ‘Imbued with only the finest Vyrium. So you see, miss’ – he grabbed my elbow, pushing me into the cramped interior – ‘you’ve nothing to fear.’
‘You’ve no idea how relieved I am,’ I muttered through clenched teeth, stumbling into the confined carriage.
Enfys coughed, and as my eyes adjusted, I made out a vacant seat next to her. Opposite, the king had spread out his papers. I snorted. He needn’t have bothered going to such great lengths to claim his side. I’d no desire to sit next to him.
I clicked my tongue at Pablo, who placed his great paws on the floor of the carriage.
