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“We’ll discuss it once inside.” Even though I couldn’t feel any of the telltale vibrations of Seran, I wasn’t relaxing. He was devious and would use any means necessary to come after me. I wouldn’t be able to relax until I was back to the Land of Fae and safely in my castle.
Xian gave a quick nod of agreement before leading us inside. It was indeed nicer than the previous lodgings, but the rooms and ceilings were still too confining for my taste.
For human architecture, it was fine. They had certainly made a lot of advancements in the past few centuries.
Raina chewed on her bottom lip as her analytical eyes took in every detail.
I liked noting what would catch her attention. Not the extravagant electronics or furnishings. But she did notice hand-painted details on the wall decorating. She paid special attention to the books on the shelves.
She ran her fingers along the back of the sitting couch and took in the rest of the room.
“I hope it’s to your liking.”
She swallowed and averted her gaze. “Does it matter? We’re going to leave soon anyway. I’m not going to get comfortable.”
“And I was thinking you two were getting along,” said Xian with a snort.
Raina turned toward me, effectively dismissing Xian. “Would you please tell me what he’s doing here? All he’s done is drive recklessly and make stupid comments about human women.”
That wasn’t necessarily true, but it was delightful to see the annoyance pass over Xian’s face. As a general, he commanded a certain level of respect back home. To hear someone, a human no less, show him so little deference was damn delightful.
“I’m here because I’m one of the most deadly of my kind and, believe it or not, one of the most friendly.”
At this point, Kier might be the most human-friendly since he’d taken one as a mate, but I wasn’t going to get in the middle of this entertaining display.
It proved to be the right move as Raina burst out laughing. “Friendly? Whoever you have been getting information from has been lying to your face. Any human with sense would see you and immediately run in the other direction.”
A grumble emerged from deep in his chest as red embers formed in his eyes. “What are you saying, human?”
“I’m saying you’re all talk and don’t have anything to back you up. The ladies back home might fall for your ridiculousness, but you’re purely average here.”
She had clearly pushed Xian over the edge, so I stepped between the two before he did anything he would regret. “You’ve been very helpful today,” I offered halfheartedly. “Maybe you can find somewhere to take your rest? We all need to strengthen the connection to the Fade.”
His eyes were now bright red. “Call if you need me, Your Highness,” he grumbled before stalking away, muttering something about being average the entire time.
It was only once he disappeared up the stairs that I turned back to Raina. “You know, it would do you well to have some allies.”
She snorted and plopped down onto one of the plush seating options. “Please. His only loyalty is to you. Besides, he’s too cocky for his own good. A bit of humbling is good for the soul.” She then frowned and met my gaze. “I’m surprised you’re not more upset about it. He’s your friend, after all.”
“He’s my subject,” I corrected. “And if you’re to be his queen, he’ll need to defer to you as well.”
“You barely know me, and you want me to be your queen. Do you know how ludicrous that sounds?”
I sat on the other end of the sofa from her, giving her space even while plotting how to get closer. “In all honesty, when I came here, I expected whatever female I found to be queen in name only.”
“Yeah. I figured something like that.”
“However, you aren’t what I was expecting. I feel your insights could prove useful. For instance, you picked out Xian’s insecurities very quickly. That’s an insight that not many fae even have. My instincts chose you, and now they tell me you’re meant for greatness. I trust my instincts.”
She raised a brow. “You’re just saying that because you want to get into my pants.”
I frowned in confusion. “You’re not wearing pants.”
She rolled her eyes. “Besides, what use are your instincts? You’re just some rich boy born to power. For all I know, your instinct compass is irrevocably broken.”
“Ahhh.” Now I understood her confusion. “Our rulers are not chosen by birth.”
“Huh?”
