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14
When we stepped outside, I quickly realized Willow had led me through yet another exit of the palace, and we reached the same area where Evie and I had first landed with the kids. Sometimes this place felt like an elaborate and perfectly crafted labyrinth, except it was made of caves, and they all somehow connected to the stone-carved castle.
Instantly, a shudder shook my body with the chilling breeze blowing through the chasm—it was used to fly in and out of this secret kingdom. I wrapped my arms around myself awkwardly, retaining the grip on my spear. The area served as a landing pad for them, and it was the closest section to the outside world.
Kingston’s commanding presence instantly called my attention, and I found him standing several feet across from us, with his Elevated Warriors flanking him. Only five of them from what I could gather.
“Kingston Nightsky! Can you please explain to me why Braxton has been with us for several days now and you haven’t even had the decency to give the poor man a coat?” Willow scolded, stopping before him and crossing both arms over her chest as she tapped one foot to the ground.
Oh, shit. Willow had attitude in spades, and everyone around us tensed, including me.
I kind of expected fire to shoot out of the giant’s eyes in response. I thought he’d get pissed off by her demand, and he’d tell her he was the Chief of Battle, so it wasn’t his job to make sure I was warm or something. He didn’t. To my shock, kindness engulfed his features, erasing the menacing scowl I’d grown so fond of, not, and he glanced sweetly at her.
“I apologize sincerely, Lady Willow. I will make it my priority for him to get proper clothing.” Waving a hand, without taking his gaze from her, he signaled to one of the warriors—who held a coat in his hands—to give it to me.
Mr. T had already anticipated I would need one, and prepared for it, but he didn’t even try to defend himself, just apologized and did what she asked.
The man walked towards where I’d stopped, a few feet away from them, and handed it to me with a short nod.
“Thank you,” I offered, holding the spear between my legs, so I could put on the jacket immediately without letting go of it.
Oh, sweet Jesus. I had never worn something so incredible. Warmth engulfed my entire being instantly, something about the combination of the fur and leather retaining the heat even when it wasn’t being worn. Every muscle in my body relaxed with the comfort it provided.
“Better?” Willow asked, glancing over her shoulder at me.
“Yes, definitely. Thank you so much.”
Grinning triumphantly, she turned to the giant wall of muscle again, and reached for his cheek, cradling it gently. “Thank you, Kingston. I knew I could count on you.”
“I am your humble servant, Lady Willow.” He gave her the most dazzling smirk.
Dumbfounded, I watched them. That couldn’t possibly be the same man I had been dealing with since I got here.
Satisfied with his help, Willow turned away, heading back to the double doors. “He’s all yours now!” She called back to him, but stopped to send me a warning glance. “You better make sure to listen and do everything he tells you to, you understand? He is the Chief of Battle for a reason. No one trains fiercer warriors than him.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered, seeing her in a completely different light after that display of power. She totally had Kingston wrapped around her little finger, and it was clear the rest of the warriors respected her just as much as he did.
Eyes twinkling with content at our compliance, she reentered the castle—her shiny onyx hair swinging over her back with each step she took.
My attention shifted to the warriors, catching a sliver of amusement on their faces, though they tried not to let it show. When I looked at Kingston, I found him scowling ominously at me.
Shocking.
“Am I training with the other warriors today?” I asked, confused, walking the rest of the way to their side.
“No. We are going hunting.”
Everyone’s attention jumped behind me, and my stomach did a flippity thing the second I heard Evie’s voice. I faced the double doors to find her marching towards us. Damn. Evie looked nothing like I had seen her before. There were no skirts, or luxurious silk, or even the leather bodysuit I was used to. Nope.
Tight leather pants, which might as well have been painted on, accentuated her delicious legs, along with thigh-high boots. A corseted top in the same bronzed-brown leather, covered her torso with what seemed like silver plates on the sides—like armor, lifting her perfect, round breasts to the sky.
Her beautiful golden strands were pulled back on each side with detailed braids that united into one long one, falling over her right shoulder. It reminded me of a fierce shield maiden in Viking times. A long cape of leather and fur hung from her shoulders, dragging along the ground with each step, and the arm shield was secured to her right arm. The other five warriors flanked her.
Talk about a fucking HOT entrance.
My breathing stopped, and I kind of came a little.
“Braxton.” She nodded at me in greeting, and then at the other warriors once she reached us.
