His brows furrow as he points at himself. “Me?”
I smile at Evander when his gaze swings from Lachlan to me. “Surprise! You’ve been promoted to captain of the guard.”
He blinks.
My words are not quite registering for him like they do for everyone else. Mina jumps up and down cheering, while tugging on his arm. Tane claps him on the back, and Mathilda looks on with a broad smile.
“You’re serious?” he asks slowly, like at any moment I’ll rip the rug out from underneath him.
“We’re serious.” My hand grips Lachlan’s, and we smile at each other before turning back to him. “You’ve more than earned it.”
“What does that mean for Lachlan?” Mina asks, brow furrowing.
“I’ll be busy doing whatever she asks of her consort,” he chuckles.
Luna steps beside Evander, a kindness glowing in her eyes. “Congratulations Captain,” she murmurs.
My mouth parts in surprise and I’m struck speechless.
Evander’s cheeks redden as he gazes back at her. “Thank you.”
Luna flips her braid over her shoulder, her face slipping back into its usual show of arrogance. “You’re with me, berserker.”
Harald glances her way before locking eyes with Mina, who’s pouting.
“I’ll catch you later, sprite,” he calls over his shoulder as he follows Luna across the grounds.
Mina’s attention from him never wavers. Three times, he looks over his shoulder at her.
“Come on Mina, you can drop me from the sky.” I grab her hand, pulling her after me and away from the others.
I fall seven times. Seven times and not once do I stay in the sky on my own accord. The last time Lachlan shouts as I fall and then calls time out on any more flying lessons for the day.
“I thought I had it,” I croak, lying face down in the dirt.
I should be used to this by now. I’ve spent a ton of time lying in this dirt recently.
A strong hand rubs soothing strokes down my back.
“Ye are getting closer.” His voice rumbles through me, quelling some of the embarrassment I feel.
“I am so sorry!” Mina apologizes for what is probably the fiftieth time today. “I got distracted.”
She absolutely got distracted as soon as Harald’s shirt came off. And I can’t say that I blame her. That man is a wall of muscle.
“It’s alright.” I crack an eye open, turning my head. “Can someone help me up?”
Lachlan chuckles and scoops me up before walking us over to the water table.
“Get some water and then let’s see where you’re at fighting-wise.” He places a kiss on my forehead before steadying me on my feet.
Luna blips away from Harald, appearing at my side, and I jolt in shock.
“I’m taking a break,” she calls over her shoulder.
Harald spins around, searching for her before he realizes where she is.
“I see that,” he spits. But despite his words, he doesn’t look too upset as Mina strides up to him.
