I narrowed my eyes, but he only hiked his lips higher, his head shaking almost imperceptibly. Ivren’s eyes drew to the groups of karls walking around us, and he whispered, “Not here.Neverhere. There is always someone listening.”
His voice returned to the deep one he’d greeted us with as he continued. “I see now. You definitely shouldn’t waste your power on these karls,” he said loudly enough for anyone to hear. “I still remember my bruises from when we last practiced.”
We’d never practiced—Lika had been too protective for that—but I gave him a teasing smile anyway. As I kept my face his way, my foot snagged on a spot on the ground where the grass hadn’t been so trampled, and Ivren’s hand flew out to steady me. My body swayed, nearly bringing me down once more, before his strong fingers locked around my wrist.
“Careful,” he said quietly. “You need to be careful here, Elvara.”
My eyes darted between his. As I pulled a sharp breath at the warning in his tone, his hand was ripped away, and Ivren flew backward onto grassy ground.
“Don’t touch her,” my guard snarled, moving both himself and Ivren out of my space.
Ivren chuckled hoarsely. “Her father’s rules don’t apply to me, karl. Besides, me touching her… that’s the least of your problems if you intend to keep her safe.” He nodded to Geord and the others who stood watching. “That’s where you need to keep your focus.”
“I intend to do both,heir,” Viljan shot back. The vein on hisneck strained as he and Ivren shoved out their chests, trying to stare each other down, each used to being the largest man in the room.
By fucking Odin.
“Stop,” I ordered.
Ivren’s dark blue and Viljan’s light blue eyes flew to mine.
“Just stop,” I echoed. “Ivren is right. He’s not the issue.” When Viljan’s face angled to his damp boots, I added, “You’re also right, Viljan.”
I offered Ivren my hand, helping him up from the grass. “I decide if someone gets to put their hands on me, and I don’t recall giving you permission.”
Ivren did nothing to keep away the grin spreading across his face.
“You have really changed, haven’t you?” he said. “I don’t recall you being so authoritative.”
“It’s been what? Ten years?” I lifted my shoulders. “I am the Sweengard heir. Of course I’ve changed.”
Ivren wiggled his brows. “I like it.”
“For fuck’s s—” Viljan started.
“Viljan,” I warned, silencing him.
“You watch it as well,” I added when Ivren laughed. “Now, I need to eat something before I bite either of your heads off.”
“I’ll join you,” Ivren said at the same time Viljan growled, “Not without me.”
I shook my head. “You can’t protect me every minute of every day, you know.”
“Yes, I can,” Viljan argued.
“Maybe not,” Ivren replied. “But I am quite fun to have around.”
My eyes rolled into my head before I gave Ivren a sharp flick of my wrist. “Thank you for helping us back there, but I’m sure you have somewhere to be.”
He waited for a beat, but as he saw the truth in my eyes, hegave me a slow nod. Ivren spun on his heel, a shadow of a smile still twisting his lips.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Viljan’s arms folded over his chest.
“I didn’t ask you to,” I said as I joined the line for food. “I assume you haven’t eaten either.”
And I had a feeling I would need Viljan to be in peak form if our days continued like this.
Eight
