Chapter 26

Despite the fact that he felt like he was shriveling on the inside, Firo still managed to focus. Even though they had been invited back, that didn’t mean all of the elders in Cenyerly Valley would agree with them being here. He still had a duty to protect his princess, and he would never slack in that task.

Tarak and Madoc met them at the border and were leading them to Amyas again.

Madoc glanced over his shoulder. “You were able to get this video of the Alterealm royals? Their warrior women?”

Aireese smiled and glanced at Firo for a second. “I did. It was very invigorating to watch all of them together.”

Madoc nodded. “I will not ask to see it until Amyas has. That is only right.”

Firo looked over his shoulder to see Tarak nod his agreement. He wanted to believe that when Aireese mentioned a halfling, the two guards would see his point in it, but they had been loyal to the crown in times that were far more complicated and volatile than the current situations. He may forever be alone in this, he thought as they reached Amyas’ small home.

“Amyas,” Madoc called out. “The princess has returned.”

The door opened a moment later, and Amyas stood in it. She smiled as she noted there were just the two of them this time. “I know you would not be here without that video.” She stepped outside and closed the door. “The royals did not mind?”

Aireese followed close behind her as she walked to her small garden area. “They were happy to do it for you.”

Amyas sat down and motioned to the other chairs. “I’m feeling quite giddy about this.” She shifted and adjusted the way her wings were resting against the chair. Sighing, she glanced at Madoc and then at them. “Some days, I wish I could pop them off and hang them on the back of the door for a while.” She laughed and then nodded to Tarak. “Florin will be here in a few moments. Watch for her. She doesn’t like the steps leading up here.” Tarak inclined his head and moved over to the far side.

Firo wanted to sit but continued to stand behind Aireese. His place wasn’t at her side, despite their friendship. His task was to watch over her, so he would.

Aireese pulled the phone out that Princess Paisley had given her and held it up. “Just give me a moment to turn this on.”

“It is so small to be a camera.” Amyas mused.

“Oh, it’s much more.” Aireese turned the phone on and tapped the screen. “It’s a phone, and you can connect to the internet with it and look up things or watch movies.”

“Truly?” Amyas looked at Madoc and smiled. “The humans may be their own demise with their gadgets.”

“Okay, here we are.” Aireese set the phone on the small table in front of the elder and then turned sideways in her chair so she could see it as well. “The sound may be a little low, but you will still see.”

Madoc moved over and stood behind Amyas.

“I am ready.” Amyas moved to the front of the chair and leaned closer to the phone.

Aireese reached over and tapped the screen to start it. “It’s a little out of focus at the start because one of the princesses was showing me how to work it.”

“Yes.” Amyas nodded. “The little one is a fast climber.” She didn’t look away from the screen. “Who’s mate is she?”

“That is Crissy, mate to Prince Victor, the justice.”

Amyas nodded slowly. “She must be a strong one for fate to select her.”

“She is a seer.” Aireese moved closer to the phone and hit pause. “She has alerted us to so many things that have led to preventing harm or worse to others.”

Amyas looked at her for a moment. “I recall the prophecy as if I read it yesterday.” She looked back at the screen. “What is this place they are in.”

“Their practice room. It is where they hone their skills.” Aireese explained.

Firo glanced to see Madoc nod his approval.

“Who are these ones?”

Aireese leaned closer. “That one is Prince Leone and Prince Micheal’s. The Enforcer and law holder.”

“Fierce looking, big and strong.” Amyas was solely focused on the screen.

“That is Arius and Rafael, the Warden of Justice and Captain of the guard.”

“They would give you a run for your money, Madoc.” Amyas mused quietly.

“Indeed, I believe they may.” Madoc didn’t look offended at all.

“This is Princesses Bethany and Autumn. Mates to Leone and Micheal.” Aireese smiled. “Oh, coming up is Autumn and Prince Victor—the justice, going to practice amazing skills.”

“Princess Autumn has fighting skills like no one I’ve ever seen,” Firo said, not even caring if he was supposed to speak. “She has no extra abilities but can take down men four times her size without a weapon.” He’d witnessed it many times when he was lurking in Interealm over the years.

“That is incredible.” Madoc sounded impressed.

“Look how fast they are moving. I would be a mushy pulp trying to do that.” Amyas grinned. “Amazing.”

“That is Prince Quinton, the Huntress’ Captain.”

“The Huntress, she is on here?” Amyas glanced at Aireese for a split second.

“Yes. You will see her shortly, she is not what one would expect for the fated Huntress.” Aireese inhaled a short breath. “All of the mates to the princes and kings were raised as jostling in Interealm, except for the one that is from Alterealm.”

“Interealm, really. That’s fascinating.” Amyas nodded but didn’t look away from the screen.

“This is King Chase and Queen Alona. She is, as you can see, with child. She is also an empath.”

“Who is talking? I cannot see them.”

“That is Princess Reagan speaking to me,” Firo told them. “Prince Quinton’s mate. She is a healer. She heals with a touch.”

“That’s a rare ability.” Amyas sat straighter. “Those two are lovely.”

Aireese smiled. “Princess Bethany and Paisley, mates to Leone and Arius.” She chuckled. “I think they might be my favorites. Paisley is the Chronos.”

“Oh.” Amyas leaned forward. “Do we get to see…”

“Yes. Bethany is a witch, and they will, shortly, use their powers together and help their mates mock battle.”

“This is exciting.”

Madoc leaned down further. “Is that a surijin? I haven’t seen one of those since the plain wars.”

“It is.” Firo smiled. “And she is skilled with it.”

“Incredible. Oh my, they are good with knives.” Amyas smiled again.

“Yes, they are.” Aireese nodded. “Oh, this is Princess Kara coming in, mate to Rafael. She has skills with a bow, I think, would outdo some of our watchers.”

“Really?” Madoc’s eyes narrowed as he looked at it.

“Oh, the little one again just dropped down like a spider from the roof.” Amyas chuckled. “What is—” Her mouth opened. “She is very fast with those arrows.”

“Give it a second, I had to catch up with what she did.” Aireese nodded. “There.”

“She hit all of them,” Madoc whispered. “Incredible.”

“She also hears a person’s thoughts.”

Amyas’ eyes widened. “If you had not shown me this, I would think you made it all up.” She nodded slowly. “The fates did well to arm every realm with the answers needed.”

“I don’t know about answers, Amyas, but if there is a war, I am on the side of those ladies.” Madoc smiled.

“Thank you for showing me this.” Amyas looked more relaxed now. “It is a truly ponderous sight.”

Aireese picked up the phone and held it out to her. “The princess said you could keep it if you wish.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a cord. “This is to charge it.” She held it out. “If you have questions about how to work it, I will have Mystral come and see you, she is much better with human technology than I.”

Amyas’ eyes lit up, and she took the phone. “A gift from an Alterealm Princess. I am honored.” She looked over at Tarak. “Do you see her yet?”

He nodded. “She is a long way off. Stopping every ten feet to touch the flowers.”

Amyas sighed. “She is tired. She had a large task that took a few centuries to do and just wants to be now.” She sat back and held the phone to her chest. “I will tell you the parts I know, and Florin can fill in anything I miss.”