Reniya lifted her chin, somehow looking down her nose at him even as he stood above her. “You and I both know I’m the best one to protect and train her, Barilias. Don’t let your pride get in the way.”

His eyes darkened. “Says the one who announced her identity to everyone here.”

A savage smile appeared on Reniya’s face as she unsheathed a small knife at her side and began picking at her nails. “I saved her ass and her reputation. You’re welcome.”

Vera balked, wincing as her chest screamed at her with the movement. Saved her reputation? Was she serious? “We have very different ideas of that, I think.”

Reniya didn’t bat an eye. “King Vesstan may have spoken to me, but until he claims you publicly, every Magyki here has only Taeral’s word to go on. Not only did they think you a liar, but they thought you weak. They’d have found you later and beat the shit out of you.”

“How did our fight possibly help? I lost.”

“Yes, as does everyone who fights me,” she said, looking at Jaren and winking. She pointed the tip of her blade in Vera’s direction. “But seeing how long you lasted? They now question what they know of you. They still won’t respect you because of your human qualities, but they will second-guess touching a hair on your head.”

Perfect. Day one and she’d already disgusted or disappointed literally everyone she’d met. She was off to a great start.

“Thanks for that, I guess,” she said, pressing a hand to her chest and grimacing. She needed somewhere to sit and focus on healing where others weren’t going to witness her struggle.

“Don’t look so put out, Your Highness. They hate what they think they know of you. I will teach you to fight like a Magyki, and you will earn their respect, yes?”

The offer was tempting. Reniya was skilled, not only in the physical sense, but also with her abilities. A skill Vera very much needed help with. There was no hurt in trying, she couldn’t be a worse teacher than Jaren.

Vera met her eyes. There was one thing she needed to know first. “Why do you care, Reniya? Are you offering because you believe your pretty words, or are you offering because you were ordered to?”

“I was only ordered to protect you.”

“Then why train me?”

“Her mother was Queen Vaneara’s guardian,” Jaren interjected before she could respond.

Wait, what? “Did she—”

“Die trying to protect her?” Reniya said. “Yes. She failed that night and they both paid the ultimate price.”

Vera pressed her lips together, shuffling her feet awkwardly, unsure what to say to that. But Reniya’s expression didn’t waver or look upset. Only pride shone through her brown eyes.

“And before your mate runs his mouth again, yes, that is part of the reason. But, no, that is not the only one. I told you, I respect your fire.” She smirked. “And I also enjoy pissing off my aunt.”