“Well, I don’t need you to accompany me,” she said finally. “There’s no need for it. I’ll be safe enough.”

“Will you?”

She looked over at him to see if he was joking. He didn’t appear to be. “In the presence of the members of the High Council and my grandfather? Who would dare to harm me?” she demanded, suddenly angry.

He shrugged. “The same people who would dare to try to kill you in your own house?”

She stopped short. “How did you know …?”

“Your sister told me. Did you think I would be doing this if I didn’t believe the threat was real? She had to tell me why you needed a protector or what was the point of asking for one? You should be a little more forthcoming with me. I’m your friend. You should act like you trust me.”

She immediately bristled. “I trust you! I just don’t think you need to be a part of everything I do!”

“Or perhaps part of anything. If you want me to be of any use, you have to think of me as your shadow. I have to be there all the time, not just when you think it is convenient.” He paused speculatively. “Or would you like me to go?”

She almost told him she would like exactly that. But then she would be back to looking for another bodyguard if she were to keep her promise to the Ard Rhys. So she bit back the first words that came to mind and simply shook her head.

“I apologize. I admit I am not comfortable with this. I am used to looking after myself. It feels awkward having someone do it for me.”

He looked off for a minute. “We both went through the same training when we were schooling to be Trackers, and I remember how much better you were than I was at almost everything. You probably think you still are.” He looked back again. “But you’re not. You have the use of Druid magic, which I don’t. But when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, I am more experienced. I want you to trust me on this and let me do my very best to keep you safe. Will you agree to that and let me do my job?”

They faced each other wordlessly for a minute, and then Aphenglow nodded. “Do what you think is necessary. I won’t argue with you anymore unless I find what you are doing personally invasive.”

He stared at her. “I’m not sure what that means, but I think I can accept it as a condition. May I accompany you to your audience with the King?”

She gave him a small nod. “You may.”