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“I was talking about the incorrect use of resources and manpower here at the palace. Now I know that you’re Captain of the Royal Guard, and I’m not questioning your title, but why is it that our men are doing needless duties such as patrol?”
“We need someone looking out for danger, do we not? With all this talk of war.”
“Yes, at the border, not at the castle walls! We have enough troopers stationed at the gates. If you ask me, we ought to send some men to assist the border soldiers. They could use some extra eyes down there right now.”
I take a step closer to Selliss, looking him dead in the eye.
“I highly suggest you remember who you’re talking to,” I growl.
“I’m not trying to step on your toes, Lasta, but I’m just afraid we’re getting distracted and losing focus. I’d also like to suggest that as of now, we need more defensive equipment, not swords and axes. Those we have plenty of.”
I pinch my nose, retreating to my original position. It feels as though everything is coming down on me all at once. It doesn’t help that I can’t stop thinking of Krista.
“You need to get your head straightened and pay attention to the needs of the Royal Guard, Captain. Without a good leader, who are these men going to follow?”
The worst part is that I know Selliss is speaking the truth. Deep down, I’m aware that I’m no longer the once great captain who knew exactly what was needed and where.
I was sharp, calculated, and on top of everything. These past few days, more and more keeps slipping through my fingers.
Right now, all I can think clearly of is what I want to do to her body next. That, and one other thing.
Krista stopped self-harming since we started seeing one another. Does she need me around? Am I fulfilling something deep inside for her?
I can’t deny that she fills a hole inside of me. Perhaps in that way, we need each other, more than I initially realized.
“Hey!” snaps Selliss. “That’s the second time I’ve said something and you haven’t been listening to me! Something’s wrong with you these days. You seem awfully distracted.”
I have nothing to say back. He sighs in frustration.
“I apologize for my outburst. In fact, I can’t even blame you for seeming off. I, too, have been riddled with doubt and concern about the ongoing affairs.”
“You are forgiven, Selliss. I will take your thoughts into consideration.”
“Very well,” he says, nodding in approval.
“It seems like there always has to be a war going on somewhere in Protheka.” I sigh.
“Yes, but this one… I mean, it’s just over naga taking humans as mates. Fucking humans just can’t keep their hands off of our kind.”
“What’s that?” I ask, the dread inside of me coming to a boiling point.
“The humans, Lasta. If they had just stuck to mating with their own kind, then none of this would be happening. Anyway, it’s done now.”
With that, he marches out. I realize that I may have just found a new enemy and that he does not even know it.
If Selliss finds out that I’ve been seeing Krista, things could blow over. I’m Captain of the Royal Guard. How would it be seen?
It could start a war on the castle grounds before the other regions even get to us.
13
KRISTA
“I’m heading out for my break,” I tell the naga on guard. He grunts without even looking up at me. I can’t say I’m surprised.
I wrap my coat a little tighter around me and walk out of the forge to my usual spot. Depending on which guard is on duty, I don’t get to take breaks often, but when I do, this is where I come.
Say what you will about naga, but they know how to keep beautiful grounds. I head to my bench and sit down, surveying the land around me. Despite how cold it is, I opt to sit outside rather than go inside the dingy, dark castle.
