When I aerstep the next morning to meet the Velmarans for a tour of their new training room, Carex is with them already. Prince Hawthorne leans against the wall, relaxed and casual like he’s grown up in the palace, making small talk and joking. It looks like he’s trying to flirt with Carex. He gives the Captain a wink and a smirk, which only makes Carex look uncomfortable. I don’t understand this male—he seems to flirt with everyone he meets, despite his betrothed standing right next to him. His broad chest is on full display in the form-fitting shirt he wears, and that dimple appears as he makes a joke with Silene. Stop looking at him.

I square my shoulders and address the Captain. “Carex, I didn’t expect to see you. I planned to give the ambassadors a tour of their new training room.” I’m suspicious of Carex’s fortuitous timing. He bows low, then stands to meet my eyes.

“I ran into them in the hall in front of the kitchens. I had just finished my final checks on the space. If you’d like, Your Majesty, I’m happy to provide them a tour so you can return to your other work. I’m sure you have more pressing matters to attend to,” he says. He’s collected, his face holding a calm expression, but something about the encounter doesn’t sit right with me.

“That won’t be necessary. Thank you for preparing this so quickly. I know what havoc the guards can wreak in their training rooms.”

Carex tenses. “Your Majesty,” he says in a low voice. Stepping closer, he adds so only I can hear, “Is it wise for you to be alone and unguarded with them? I should come with you to watch your back.” I notice he eyes Fionn suspiciously, and he must know of the male’s reputation as a warrior and incredibly powerful metal channeler. I consider him carefully, unsure what he’ll do if I refuse his protection. Though it irks me, I begrudgingly consent to have him accompany us, not wanting to stir up any suspicion on his part.

The training rooms for the Royal Guard sit in natural caves in the mountain the palace is built into. This makes them all unique—some are small, appropriate for only a pair of sparring partners, while others are enormous. This one is big enough for about a half dozen guards, but no more. The ceiling is high, with mats stacked in the far-right corner. Racks of practice weapons line one side, and ivy crawls up the walls. There are oak buckets of water throughout the room, and torches emit a yellow glowing ember. All channelers will find something in the space for magic practice, though there’s also a circle lined in iron to block magic for certain training situations.