Page 105 of Her Ivory Flame

“Yes.”

Guards moved around them and when they looked at her, she could see suspicion in their eyes but didn’t say anything to her. Once they looked over the group, they waved them in towards the gate and a few minutes later they were at the stable on the estate.

“Did you have any problems?” Finnley asked Kaden once they were all in the stable.

“No, they just are extremely wary of strangers.” Kaden growled.

It didn’t take long to get the horses untacked and settled into the stalls for the night before they were escorted into the mansion. The grounds were well maintained, a large pond in the front lawn and flowerbeds all around the building.

She had never met the governor of this town, but by the looks of his home, he cared more about himself than his people. It didn’t give her the best first impression.

Kaden walked next to her with the others behind them as they strode down the gravel to the main front door, a half a dozen guards keeping pace with them.

Vast marble pillars lined the inside hall just past the main door and led to a large foyer with stairs on each side. The second level could be seen with large banisters coming off the top of the stairs and it was all immaculately clean.

Everything was more modern than the castle, and she had a feeling this governor wasn’t just greedy with the guards, but his people’s money too.

“Welcome!” A male's voice came from her left side and they all turned to see who it belonged to.

The sheer roundness of the man walking towards them made her want to drop her jaw, but stopped herself only because she didn’t want to be rude. He was large and obviously never missed a meal or snack in his life, unusual for fae.

A cane tapped on the floor next to him as he leaned on it with every step and his formal clothes barely clasped around his large figure. The blond hair on his head was tied up and it was clear he took very good care of it.

“My name is Oak and I’m the governor of Bromel.”

They all nodded a hello and Kaden stepped forward in front of her.

“I’m Kaden, and these are my men Xander, Finnley, Boone, and Titus. Also our maiden Raine has joined us for the journey.” his hand gesturing to each one and then his eyes connected with hers. “Finally, let me introduce you to Alyra, Princess of Mydalsa.”

She had to consciously leave his stare and looked towards Oak, her head dipping slightly in his direction.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.” Oak said, his eyes looking her up and down slowly.

Kaden cleared his throat and Oak pulled his eyes away from her, her skin feeling extra dirty all of a sudden.

“Emris said we are to stay here for a week. We will try to stay out of trouble and be gone as soon as possible.” Kaden said plainly, his eyes watching Oak carefully.

“Of course. We do have a ball planned at the end of the week in celebration of summer starting soon with Princess Alyra as our guest of honor, feel free to do as you wish until then.” Oak’s eyes glanced back at her and she tried not to flinch. “If you need anything at all, please let me know.”

All she could do was give a slight nod, her throat going dry with the awkward tension she could feel and waiting for direction from Kaden.

“My men will take you to your rooms, we have one for each of you ready.” Oak continued.

“We will only be needing five rooms, not seven.” Kaden interjected and Oak looked at him with a curious expression. “I stay with Alyra and Finnley with Raine as we want to keep our females protected.”

She could tell there was an aggression in Kaden's tone and she wondered if he was feeling the same creepy vibes as she was.

“Of course.” Oak added and he gestured for his guard to escort them away, his eyes gazing over her again quickly.

She stepped around to Kaden's other side, out of Oaks line of sight and felt his familiar hand resting on the small of her back.

No one said a word as they walked down a maze of hallways and passed over a dozen doors before the guard finally stopped.

“These last seven were reserved for you. Take whichever ones you like.” The guards directed and then headed back the direction they came from without another word.

“Xander and Boone, take the outer rooms and the rest of us will be in the middle. I don't think we have anything to worry about but I would rather have Alyra protected on both sides.” Kaden demanded and everyone disbursed to their rooms silently.

Footsteps echoing down the hall, she followed Kaden a few rooms down and entered the room with him.