“She’s not here,” I say. “You were right.”
“I didn’t say she wouldn’t show.”
“Your face did.”
He softens and lets out a small chuckle. “Listen, Elle,” he says, leaning in to speak more softly. “Today isn’t a great day. Your father’s letting the dragons come train with us for a few days. I just got the word this morning. So I need to keep a close eye on that.”
“Why?” I ask, furrowing my eyebrows.
“Why did he let them? I don’t really know, to tell you the truth. I think it’s a bad—” he stops himself. “It’s the king’s wishes, and we shall abide by it.”
“No. I mean why do you have to watch them? You don’t trust them?”
His faces scrunches. “Of course not. Why would I?”
“You don’t know much about them.”
“Exactly.”
He looks at me with disapproval, like he has a lot more to say. Then he glances behind me, and his posture stiffens.
I turn and look at what caused the reaction in him, finding six tall males approaching, plus one female. All in black.
I stand beside Adrian, and we all wait.
When they get closer, Daegan’s eyes shift to me only for a moment. It’s enough.
Raef doesn’t wear his signature grin, and for a moment, I’m concerned. But then I realize—it’s still pretty early in the day. He’s not a fan of being up early. Plus, he’s likely trying to look intimidating as he walks onto his enemies’ training grounds.
They all look so serious, actually. You’d think they were walking into a battle. Even Yara, who I try not to make eye contact with.
Then again, they probably do feel like that, in a way. We’ve been enemies for thousands of years. Even before the curse.
“Captain Greenwood,” Daegan says, approaching Adrian. I wonder if this is the last of them that remained behind.
Adrian nods. “I was only just informed you would be joining us today. Forgive me, I wasn’t prepared.”
Daegan looks around. “You don’t need to prepare anything for us. We’re simply here to train. Perhaps learn a thing or two. You’re the most superior army in the land, after all.” I don’t think his sarcasm is lost on anyone.
I risk a glance at Daegan again, whose intense glare is focused on Adrian as he stands slightly ahead of his group with his arms crossed.
Adrian glances at them, then nods. “Of course. Let me show you around.”
Daegan nods, his mouth pressed together tightly.
Adrian turns to me again. “Another day, okay, Elle?”
“Fine—”
“You’re not staying?” Daegan suddenly interjects.
“What the princess does is none of your concern. Dayvan, is it?”
“If we can train, why can’t she?” Daegan replies, not standing down even a little bit. And not caring to correct him.
Adrian narrows his eyes at him. “How do you know she’s here to train?”
Daegan shrugs, not breaking eye contact with him.
