I smile, showing him my fangs. “Or you could offer me your pretty neck.”
“I will chop your head off if you come close.”
My eyes narrow. “I thought you were instructed to not harm me.”
He never provided that information, but it’s a safe bet. “Who told you that?”
I open my mouth to reply, but I sense we’re no longer alone. I tense and observe our surroundings. Then comes a whistle, which Telar replies to with one of his own. Hell. It seems I’m about to meet a friend of his.
The foliage parts to my left, and a tall Nightingale male with dark blue skin and short aquamarine-colored hair emerges from the shadows. I recognize him from the battlefield. He’s someone important. A royal.
“Castiel, what are you doing here?” Telar asks, annoyed.
“It’s Prince Castiel, and I don’t answer to you.”
Oh, tension. I can use that to my advantage.
Telar squares his shoulders, glowering at the prince. “I don’t answer to you either.”
His retort doesn’t seem to bother the Nightingale royal. He turns to me and shakes his head. “Tsk. I can’t believe he was right about you.”
“Who was right about me?”
He approaches, making me even more tense. I’m still unable to use my hands, thanks to the vines binding my wrists. Up close, I see tiny freckles on his face that resemble stars. His eyes are the same color as his hair, which makes for a striking combination. He is a very attractive male, I’ll give him that, but he’s a Nightingale, and I don’t trust any of these suckers.
“You look awful,” he states matter-of-factly.
“Gee, thanks.”
He continues staring at me as if appraising a horse. “You’re also hungry.”
How does he know that?
“Is it that obvious?”
“No, but I overheard you saying as much to that one.” He nods toward Telar.
“It’s not my job to feed the savage,” Telar grits out.
“No, your job is to bring her to the king, and you are extremely late. Why do you think I’m here?”
King? Shit, do they mean Vivi and Rikkon’s father? My mind begins to work at warp speed. King Ruel seemed to be on our side after the showdown between him and his wife. But he was adamant that we leave Ellnesari at once, and now it appears he’s expecting me. Did he know I was planning on staying behind? Maybe he can see the future like Rikkon can.
Telar’s brows shoot up. “He sent you after me?”
“Yes. I don’t understand why you didn’t walk the wind.”
He crosses his arms. “Walking the wind would mean getting close to that vile creature. I didn’t sign up for that.”
Prince Castiel rolls his eyes—a reaction I wasn’t expecting. It makes him almost likable. “One of these days, Telar, you’ll get your head out of your ass.”
I snort, earning a glower from the Aquila soldier.
Prince Castiel turns to me, offering me his arm. “I don’t have any problem getting close to you, Princess.”
I wince. “Please don’t call me that.”
He cocks his head. “But aren’t you a princess?”
