Page 38 of The Last Syphon

“What determines if someone’s blood is royal or not?” Inara asked.

“Not what. Who,” the woman with silver hair began. “You must be a descendant of one of the seven royal families of Arelia.”

“Andddd let me guess.” She ran her eyes over the seven of them, sitting up high on the dais in their ornate golden thrones. “You are the seven royal families?”

“She’s quick, this one.” The woman with the clean-shaven head chuckled. “I am Lady Niya of Line Draven.” She nodded once in greeting, and Inara returned the gesture. So far, she seemed like the nicest person there.

Well, the only one who hadn’t looked down their nose at her.

But it was still early.

“The male next to me with the perpetually sour look upon his face is Lord Tevi of Line Morin.” Lord Tevi didn’t bow in greeting. He just stared at her with those cold, dead eyes. “Lord Julius of Line Genry is next.” He was handsome, with a head of long, luscious blond hair and bright yellow eyes to match. Inara had a feeling his looks were deceiving. She couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was, but there was something about him that set her bones on edge. “Crowned Prince Walder, you have already met,” Lady Niya continued.

“Yes,” she said. “Unfortunately.”

Prince Walder narrowed his eyes but said nothing in return.

“On his left is Lady Ophera of Line Inx.” She was referring to the fancy silver hair updo lady. “Lord Villani of Line Enko,” Lady Niya continued, going down the line. “And finally, Lord Odami of Line Yorksen.”

Inara stared at them all one by one. “Yeah. Look, no offence, but I highly doubt I’m going to remember all of that.”

Lady Niya laughed. “It is a bit of a mouthful, I agree. Tell me, what is your name?”

Before she could answer, Lord Villani spoke. “Why are we entertaining this?” he barked in anger. “She is not of royal blood. That is all we need to know. Guard! Remove her and return the Guardian to its den until a more suitable alternative can be decided.”

Up until that moment, Fraener had done nothing but quietly remain on Inara’s shoulder, squawking every now and then. But at Lord Villani’s words, a burst of magic exploded out of him, teeming with anger. Fraener jumped off her shoulder and changed form mid air, going from the size of a bird to the size of an ox in the blink of an eye. His heavy body slammed down to the ground with a deafening boom. Fraener stretched out his wings and roared. The sound was nothing short of terrifying, and it caused the approaching guards to stumble back in horror and fear.

Standing protectively in front of Inara, Fraener glared at Lord Villani, almost daring him to try to separate them.

The Lord’s shocked expression almost made her laugh.

“That was pretty badass,” Felix whispered out of the side of his mouth.

Inara nodded, eyes wide. “Yep.”

“Separating them is out of the question.” Prince Walder exhaled begrudgingly. “Their soul-link is formed.”

“Impossible.” Lord Villani breathed. “Impossible! How could she possibly form a soul-link with a Guardian? She is not of royal blood!”

“And yet, here she stands, with one of the oldest Guardians of Arelia protecting her. A Guardian who was previously reserved for your son, was he not?” Lady Niya added.

Lord Villani did nothing but scowl in her direction, causing Lady Niya to smirk back.

Shit. Inara wondered if that was what the Crowned Prince meant when he kept droning on about how she had stolen Fraener. Venerable Cias mentioned that they most likely had someone ready and waiting to attempt to soul-link with him when he came out of hibernation, but she got there first.

That person was Lord Villani’s son.

Whoops.

Oh, well. Finders keepers.

“What is your name?” Lady Niya asked again.

She ran a hand up Fraener’s spiked back in a soothing gesture and came to stand beside him. “Inara. And this is my friend, Felix.” She introduced with a wave of her hand in his direction.

“My Lady.” Felix greeted her, bowing extravagantly at the waist. “It is an honour to be in your presence.”

“My, my. Handsome and well-mannered. The women of the court will be fighting over you.”