I just nodded.
Jasper gave me a look from the corner of his eye—calm on the surface, but his mouth twitched like he was holding back a sigh. It was not quite disapproval.
More like:Really, Slade? Now?
I didn’t apologize. I didn’t need to.
Let the prince stew.
“Slade, Leo, and Phoenix…” Jasper began.
“And me,” Maddie cut in, stepping forward with her chin lifted.
Jasper gave a slight nod. “Have taken it upon themselves to form Elira’s inner circle,” he continued, his voice careful, diplomatic. “They’re very… protective of her.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” Maddie muttered.
She turned, planting herself between Caelen and me with casual defiance.
“Just to be clear, Caelen,” she said, her tone calm but unflinching, “Elira isn’t going to be what you expect. Whatever you think you know—” She shook her head. “You need to let it go.”
Caelen blinked, visibly thrown by the shift in tone. “I don’t mean her any harm.”
“I didn’t say you did,” Maddie said. “But she doesn’t need to be charmed. She doesn’t need careful words. She needs people who know who she is—now.Not who she used to be.”
The poor prince blinked, looking between us. “I know. I mean, I realise this. I spoke with her before. She seems - guarded.”
Maddie laughed. “Yeah. That about sums it up. She had it rough these last few years. She’s still working things out.”
I glanced across the ballroom.
Elira was dancing with Leo in the cotillion set, their hands linked, their movements fluid. But her eyes weren’t on him. Not really.
They were scanning the crowd—subtle, but sharp.
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her spine was too straight. Her shoulders too tight.
“What can I do?” Caelen asked quietly. “I’d like to help. If I can.”
“Give her space,” I grunted. “Wait for her to come to you. Don’t expect her to act how you think she should.”
Caelen nodded slowly, but his distress was plain. He wasn’t angry—just… lost. Like he wanted to reach her, but didn’t know where to begin.
Phoenix stepped in smoothly, cutting through the tension like a blade through silk.
“So, Your Grace,” he said, voice perfectly measured. “I’ve heard your kingdom still has access to vessels along the southern coast. How many ships are we talking?”
Caelen blinked, the question pulling him back to safer ground. “Ah. Yes. My father’s fleet is still intact—thirty-six ships, last I counted. Mostly merchant class, but a few warships remain seaworthy.”
Phoenix nodded once, already calculating. “And crewed?”
“For the most part. We’ve kept them training through the winters. They’re restless. Could be eager for a cause.”
“Good,” Phoenix murmured. “We may have one.”
Phoenix led the prince away, and I watched him go.
Jasper sighed beside me, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck.
