Prince Renys
The murmuring in the cavern grows louder, forcing a frustrated Ayris to bang his palm against the wooden table in front of us, splintering it with the force.
“ENOUGH.” His voice is loud enough to carry, but remains controlled. He says nothing more for several beats, pausing as stillness falls upon the crowd before us. Tensions have begun to rise within Fencliff. The men have already been through so much and yet we continue to ask more of them.
“I understand there is much to discuss, but unless any man or woman here can give steadfast reasons against it; we plan to ride out by nightfall tomorrow. I am grateful for the loyalty you have shown and I am proud of the strength of moral character each of you possesses for choosing the path we are headed. I know it is not a decision many of you have come to lightly”
I see Purdy and Thea seated near the back of the room. Their faces are masks, an attempt to disguise the fear they both hold for what’s to come. And for what we must do. They’re no strangers to war; Ayris has been a warrior since he was of age. But I can’t imagine it gets any easier watching the one you love heading off to battle.
I chance a sideward glance at Ayris as my finger brushes softly against the battle-roughened skin of his palm. The change in his face in almost imperceptible, but the way his face softens ever so slightly makes my tummy flutter; as his fingers curl gently around my own for the briefest moment. Perhaps it’s just my imagination but I feel a sense of warmth and adoration flow tenderly through our bond.
“I know it would be easy to argue that I am a biased man, blinded by affection for my fated”
Another thrum of voices fills the air, but its volume is notably quieter; and it dissipates no sooner than it appeared.
“However, there is no doubt in my mind that what Laurel has seen in the memories of the witch we have captive here in Fencliff; is the best intel we have been able to acquire. And is what our strategy shall be based on during our mission”.
It’s difficult to distinguish between the voices, but there are several nodding heads. The opinions appear mostly mixed. I know all too well the perceptions that many shifters have regarding a woman’s place and how I don’t belong here, but I hope Ayris is able to quell their doubts.
“Our suspicions that the crown and their *advisor* have a coven working to fulfil their nefarious goals has been confirmed by the witch Asha. Their combined power has been used to summon orb portals throughout the realm. It is imperative that we dismantle this coven in order to prevent any further mantis attacks - “
“A serious accusation, commander; do we have certain confirmation that the king and Zora are behind these creature attacks? High treason is not something a man walks into lightly”.
The owner of the voice steps forward and his is a face I’m unfamiliar with. He is clean shaven with long blonde hair falling like silk about his shoulders. Whilst he is leaner in build, he stands a good half -foot higher than most of the men nearby. I can’t explain it, but I feel his intentions are honourable, despite his cock-sure demeanour. The feelings that trickle down the bond indicate that Ayris has a natural wariness of the stranger but trusts the intentions of this man as well; and I choose to place faith my mate’s judgement. The surprise at the stranger’s comment that filters through from my fated isn’t shown upon his face as he remains stony.
“Prince Renys?” Ayris nods his head “I was not aware that we had company?”
I can sense the tension that fills the room as the stranger’s presence seems to almost envelop the air around us. It’s as though he has managed to slip past every single shifter here, causing a everyone’s instincts to go into high alert. I notice three other men stood behind the male; weapons sheathed at their belts. Similar slim builds and long silken hair.
“For the former commander of the Valien Army, your security was surprisingly… *lacking*, commander” Renys cocks an eyebrow; clearly amused at his own remark.
“FORGIVE ME, COMMANDER!” Nicolai hastily weaves his way through the crowded space and approaches the table we’re gathered around.
“I had insisted Prince Renys and his men must wait at the threshold, however they must have *incapacitated* me with their fae magic- “
“Incapacitated? With *fae magic?* A bold claim, indeed” The stranger, *Prince Renys?* feigns indignance “You look tired, Pup, perhaps it has nothing to do with magic and you simply fell asleep on the job, hmm?”
Nicolai’s flustered face morphs from concern to fury as a low growl escapes his throat. Quicker than I can blink; the three strangers dart to the prince’s side with such swiftness that I can barely comprehend their movements. Their weapons are drawn; two armed with a sword in either hand and the third hefting a sword in one hand and an axe in the other; looming threateningly over Nicolai. And standing mere feet from Ayris and myself; as we both look on in shock.
The third; the male with the axe has it pitched high in the air, whilst his sword arm is pointed squarely at Nicolai. The axe gleams in the gentle candlelight; so close I can see how sharp the edge is as it hovers mere feet from me. It takes me a moment to process the strong arm at my waist, the movement lifting me off the ground and shifting me behind my mate; his body guarding my own.
Whilst the males may have their backs to us, clearly my mate isn’t taking any chances. Ayris makes no other move; acutely aware of the precarious situation and clearly not wishing to escalate matters further, but as I glance down I see that whilst his hand remains human, his claws are slowly extending. I’m struck for a moment at Ayris’ self-control; as his protective instincts have been in complete overdrive since the mating and our subsequent discovery of my pregnancy.
I place a palm instinctively over my belly; a move Prince Renys catches from the corner of his eye. My breath hitches as Renys’ men are thrown backwards into the crowd, away from Nicolai, Ayris and myself. Nicolai’s eyes widen as he steps back and I feel Ayris’ mood soften a fraction as I gently place my hand upon his forearm.