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I snuck a look at her feet. They were as ordinary as mine. Evidently not all Siabra had distinctly animalistic-features like Draven and her companion.
I envied her those blades. If only I had one to put beneath my pillow.
The warrior woman’s eyes were razor-sharp and penetrating as she stared back at me.
I looked back and forth between them, then furrowed my brow. “Are you...?”
“Brother and sister? Yes.” The young man beamed. “I’m Crescent di Rhondan and this is Odessa.”
Odessa di Rhondan gave a tight nod.
I frowned. “Bodyguards? Whose idea was that? I suppose I don’t need to ask.”
“The prince mentioned there was already a breach on the barriers protecting your suite. Odessa and I have had those repaired and we’ll be putting guards in rotation outside here in the hall,” Crescent said pleasantly.
“Repaired them? You mean you can do magic? What kind?”
Crescent shrugged modestly. “I can, yes, but wards are not my area of expertise. We called for a member of the prince’s court who specializes in barrier magic to repair what had been tampered with.”
“How do we know they’ll actually work the next time Lyrastra or her friends want to get in?” I asked, not feeling particularly reassured. “They didn’t the first time.”
Crescent hesitated. “True. I believe the one who erected the barriers in the first place is going to be...”
“They’ll be dealt with,” Odessa said bluntly, speaking up for the first time. “They screwed up and we’ve let them know it.”
Crescent nodded his agreement. “I wouldn’t have put it quite like that, but yes, we’re using someone else now. Someone well-trusted by Prince Draven. I’m sure you’ll meet him soon. And, as I’ve said, there will be guards in the halls as well from now on.”
I stepped forward, peering down the hallway. The decor was different out here. The hall was a black marble with a few white swirls. The walls were a deep lush green broken up here and there by the presence of tall gold columns that stretched floor to ceiling.
I could see no windows and no doors. At least, nothing obvious. Perhaps the doors blended in with the walls so subtly I couldn’t pick them out.
“Ah, yes, guards.” I nodded. “To keep me in and others out. Forgive me if I don’t celebrate.”
I tilted my head. “But if I do have bodyguards assigned to me now, then I suppose that means you can protect me as I explore the palace.”
I was suddenly wildly enthusiastic to get out of the suite of rooms. Then I remembered what I was wearing and looked down, letting out a curse. “Just let me find something else to wear and we can...”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but we’re not permitted to take you anywhere at the moment. We simply wanted to introduce ourselves.” Crescent’s face was apologetic. “At least, for today. Perhaps another time we might be permitted...”
“I’m not allowed out at all?” I interrupted. “Not even withguards? He said that, didn’t he? And did he tell you what I am to him? Who I am?”
I suddenly wondered if I should be keeping my mouth shut, but it was too late.
Crescent looked started for a moment. “He did. Of course, the prince explained your position, Lady Morgan.”
I scowled. “And?”
“And it is an honor to serve the Prince’s Paramour.” Crescent gave a small bow. “We will guard you with our lives, my lady.”
“Paramour?” I exclaimed. “I’m not Draven’s paramour, I’m his captive. And as such, I would appreciate being let out. I’m not a prisoner, am I? Did he say I was?”
Crescent looked distinctly uncomfortable.
I felt only slightly guilty. None of this was his fault. But he seemed like he might be something of a pushover. Perhaps if I pushed hard enough, he’d get out of my way and let me out the door.
“No, but he...” Crescent began.
Odessa stepped forward, blocking her brother slightly. She crossed her arms over her chest drawing my attention to the unique armor she wore. Made from black and red leather, the breastplate was shaped perfectly to her body and laced up like a corset. Her arms were bare and the top of the breastplate wove up over her shoulders, tying behind her neck with straps like a halter. In Camelot, the style of armor might have been impractical. But then, from what I had already seen of the volcano outside, the kingdom of Sorega had a much warmer climate.
