I turned my head slightly, looking up into his emerald eyes, wanting him to tell me more.
“Gunnar is the oldest of our kind, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him,” Xavier said, his mouth lifting at its edges before leaning away.
We both straightened as the creature’s fin started to lower, creating a ramp to the ground.
A plump older man beamed down at us from his seat. He stood and walked down the ramp, four others trailing behind him. His cerulean travel cloak fluttered as he moved, and I spotted gold and blue trinkets that clinked together hidden beneath.
His dark complexion was flawless, a rich mahogany, and his ocean-blue eyes sparkled as he looked at us all with a bright smile. Thick, long, graying hair fell to his mid-chest wrapped in golden metal, that seemed to chime as he walked.
Lord Gunnar bowed deeply, then threw his arms open wide as he approached Xavier. They shared a hug so intense it looked like it could crush bones. Xavier’s face lit up with a grin, and it was the first time I had seen genuine joy enter his features.
“Xavier, my boy! How are you? Good to see you, good to see you!” Gunnar’s deep, velvety voice rumbled.
I offered a soft smile when his gaze shifted to mine, and his gaze lingered briefly before returning it to Xavier. “Where’s that brother of yours? I’ve got a debt to settle from an old card game.” Gunnar chuckled, his eyes scanning the area. “Think I could trick him into another game?” His smile widened, but his grin faltered slightly as he studied Xavier’s face more closely.
“My brother won’t be joining us this visit,” Xavier said, his face shifting to a neutral mask. Gunnar’s brow lifted in curiosity, but he let it go without pressing further.
“Right, well, maybe you and I can squeeze in a game, then.” Gunnar’s grin returned as he gave Xavier a friendly pat on the shoulder.
“And who is this ravishing creature?” Gunnar boomed, his eyes landing on me again with a curious glint in his eye.
I opened my mouth to respond, but Xavier beat me to it. “This is Zara. She is my guest.” Xavier introduced me with a touch of formality, though it took every ounce of restraint not to roll my eyes at the label. “We can all get properly acquainted later when you’re settled. You must be tired from your journey.”
Gunnar’s ocean-blue eyes sparkled with interest, but he nodded in agreement. “I’ll go wash up and find you later, then. Nice to meet you, Lady Zara.” He winked and flashed a broad grin towards Julian, who immediately embraced him in a hearty greeting. Lord Gunnar's eyes darted to me again, but Julian dragged him away and through the doors before he could say anything else.
“Why didn’t you tell him who I was?”
“Would you have preferred I introduce you as my prisoner?” Xavier quirked an eyebrow as he let out a light chuckle.
“I am a princess, you know?” I said, trying to emphasize my point.
“You are? Huh, never would have guessed.” He smirked.
I let out a string of curses under my breath, and Xavier’s eyes sparkled at my reaction.
Just then, a piercing screech tore through the air, sharp and unnerving. My head snapped upward just in time to see three massive, winged creatures plummeting from the clouds, their descent swift and terrifying. Without thinking, I grabbed onto Xavier’s arm, my pulse quickening.
Xavier chuckled softly, the sound calm and amused. “Those are griffins,” Xavier explained. “Aria’s pets. Aria is the steward of my western territory Territan.” He paused, still watching me. “They may look vicious, and they can be, but they’re harmless unless provoked. Very loyal creatures.”
The griffins descended with precision, their massive forms touching down with a resounding thud that vibrated through the ground beneath us. Dust swirled around their muscular legs, their massive claws gleaming in the light. A shimmering coat of golden-brown feathers covered their sleek, broad chests and faces while a lion-like mane cascaded around their large, regal heads. Their bodies were a blend of golden fur and feathers, with large wings that folded neatly against their sides. Their piercing amber eyes scanned the surroundings with unsettling intelligence.
At the head of the formation, the largest griffin stood proudly, its rider—a red-haired woman—perched confidently on its back. With a fluid, practiced motion, she dismounted, swinging down effortlessly to land in front of us. Her boots hit the ground in a soft thud as she straightened, her eyes sharp and confident.
The griffin Aria had just dismounted snapped its beak sharply, the sound ricocheting off the stone walls. Its piercing gaze tracked her every step as she approached.
Aria strode forward in a bold, red leather jumpsuit. Golden armbands ran along her bare, toned arms, linking together like intricate pieces of armor, flaring out at her shoulders like delicate wings. Strapped to her thighs and back were various weapons, and her boots were the same deep red as her outfit.
Two men hurried to her side, their arms weighed down with luggage. They bowed quickly before disappearing toward the doors, followed by three others in the same fashion.
“It’s good to see you again so soon, Aria. Dedra will show you to your room,” Xavier said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Aria’s gaze locked onto mine, and I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet her stare.
“Xavier,” Aria replied simply, her voice smooth as she bowed slightly, her eyes never leaving mine.
I gave a slight nod in her direction, and she took a sudden step closer to me.
“This is Zara. We'll all get acquainted after everyone is settled in,” Xavier interrupted, stepping in front of me to block Aria's approach.
