“Thank you.” Jax dipped his head at Norivun and added, “Truly, thank you for helping them. I’m in your debt.”
“I’m afraid it’s the other way around. We’re inyourdebt.” Norivun scowled. “It’s my duty to clear up this atrocity since my continent’s mines grew the gems that are responsible for this, and one of my fae forged the anklets. I shall ensure this is made right.”
Jax brought his fist to his chest and bowed. Norivun did the same.
Formalities concluded, Norivun placed his hands on his hips. “You can all be on your way. We’ll take it from here.”
By the timewe returned to Stonewild’s palace, King Paevin’s funeral processions were over, the new queen had taken her throne, and the entire continent was looking forward to the Centennial Matches finally beginning.
But I couldn’t have cared less about all of it. I was exhausted, both mentally and physically, but even though Jax’s and my future was still uncertain, we at least had several hurdles behind us even if I hadn’t gone to the courts yet to officially plead for my freedom. Thankfully, in this reality, there was no rush to do so. Everyone believed that the crown prince of Stonewild Kingdom was my new guardian since Guardian Alleron had officially been declared missing.
Evening had arrived by the time the portal key transferred us back to Jaggedston. We’d arrived just in time for the evening meal, the first one we would be attending since we’d left the capital over a week ago.
And even though I wasn’t looking forward to another tense meal with his parents, I knew that it was necessary. I wasn’t going anywhere, and unless the king and queen of Stonewild wanted their son to abdicate, eventually, they would have to accept me.
After a quick bath to scrub away all of the grime that’d accumulated on us in the caverns, hand in hand, Jax and I left his private chambers and took his secret lift to the first floor. Once out of his tower, we strode together toward the dining hall.
“Prince Adarian!”
We turned simultaneously to see several palace guards racing toward us from the front of the palace. “My prince, apologies for interrupting you and your”—the guard’s gaze slid my way—“guest, but urgent matters have arisen in your absence.”
Jax cocked his head. “They have? I wasn’t aware.”
The guard twisted his hands. “Yes, I’m sorry, my prince. Every dillemsill we’ve sent hasn’t been able to reach you.”
Jax and I shared a side-eye. That wasn’t entirely surprising, given the potent magic surrounding the caverns in Faewood. I doubted any dillemsill was able to see through its dark magic.
“And what’s this about?” Jax asked coolly.
The guards shared an uneasy look before the first addressed Jax again. “Authorities from the supernatural courts have been looking for you and...” His focus slipped my way again, and a pulse of fear grew on his face.
I frowned, and a swell of uneasiness erupted inside me. “Is something the matter?”
But the guard returned his attention to Jax. “I’m sorry, my prince, but we were instructed to inform you immediately when you returned that you and your guest have been summoned to the supernatural courts.”
My stomach dropped.
Jax scowled, and his grip tightened around my hand. “What’s the meaning of this?”
“I’m sorry, my prince.” The guard bowed. “I am unsure as well. I’m simply passing along the message that we were instructed to tell you.”
Jax’s jaw ground together. “Message received. You may return to your duties.”
The guards both bowed and marched back to the front of the palace.
Jax wheeled on his heel and pulled me with him toward the dining hall.
“Jax, aren’t we supposed to?—”
“We’re not going down to the supernatural courts. You’ve been through enough.”
“But Jax?—”
“Elowen”—he stopped and spun toward me—“you’ve been running yourself into the ground for weeks.Weeks, my love. I won’t allow it to continue.” His voice gentled, and a pulse of his protectiveness surged toward me on our bond. “Come, let’s dine, and then we’ll return to my tower. I don’t want any further stress put on you. You deserve a break. The courts can wait.”
A swell of uneasiness still rose in me as I followed my mate toward the double doors ahead. The guards at the dining hall’s entrance immediately opened them when Jax strode forward. However, their side-eye when they beheld me wasn’t subtle.
My uneasiness surged when we strode into the hall. Scents of mouthwatering food drifted through the air, but the room was surprisingly empty save for another servant who rushed forward.
