Compared to the fully armored, masked guards in Matherin, these guards might as well have been naked. None wore masks or helmets, nor were their arms covered apart from their shoulders and wrists. Her brow crinkled at the sight. They may have been long-lived and fast, but they were still mortal.

Finally approaching the two males at the end of the hall, she arched her neck back, admiring the archway they stood before as Dedryn spoke quietly to them. It was impressive beyond anything she’d ever seen.

The pillars were thicker than two of her put together, extending high enough, she didn’t think even Jaren could reach if he jumped. But the part that drew her in the most was the engravings that wrapped around the entire thing, reminding her of Jaren’s daggers.

She made a mental note to drag him back there later and force him to read them out to her. She’d never been unable to read something before, Elric having been thorough in her basic education, and it was driving her crazy. If she was going to stay here, she definitely needed reading lessons.

Her attention dropped back down to the males before her when one nodded sharply and spun, walking through the archway and out of sight. She watched him disappear to inform King Vesstan of their arrival, and swore her stomach went in right along with him. With how fast it’d dropped, it was certainly no longer inside her body.

Any excitement she’d had about stepping foot in Naris was quickly overshadowed by her fear of what was about to happen now that she was here. She should be excited for this, for meeting her father, but all she wanted was to retreat to her room and avoid it completely.

The last time she’d entered a throne room, she’d been scared and insulted, only to then be squeezed into a gown and lied to about who she was. And that wasn’t even mentioning the whole “let’s marry and unite our people” conversation.

At least she could draw comfort from the fact that the last part wouldn’t happen this time around. Staying positive was going to be the only way she’d make it through the day without vomiting on her boots.

She shifted, wondering what was taking the guard so long, aware of Jaren’s heavy gaze on her face. He said nothing, but his silent, steady presence grounded and calmed her. He’d threatened her numerous times, blackmailed her, and marked her against her initial wishes, yet somehow, he was the only person left in the world whom she trusted with her life.

Taking a deep breath, she reached out and took his hand, grateful her arrogant asshole of a mate was with her. She focused on the steady beat of his heart, and was using it to help slow her own when the guard reappeared and nodded at them.

She wasn’t sure why, but she found herself immediately looking at Jaeros. Maybe she was just hoping for an encouraging smile or something to hint at how this would go, but he didn’t seem to be aware of her at all.