Tipping the Balance

“Forgive the impulsive actions of my men, commander. Ayris nods, not daring to take his eyes away from the four men in front of us. My mouth hangs open as I realise Renys had used some sort of magical force to repel his soldiers. *Impressive*.

“A fated mate is something to be treasured, particularly when she bares one’s young. As much as I begrudge having an escort on my travels; I do not wish them to be devoured by a protective lycan”

Prince Renys’ gaze shifts to his men, who bow their heads in apology. Whether the apology is to myself and Ayris or to their Prince remains unclear.

“You must be truly certain of your plan if you risk the safety of your mate and pup, commander” Renys remarks, casting his gaze briefly in my direction. “Your king would have her head should you fail in this.”

I step forward before Ayris can respond.

“I don’t think we’ve met?”

“We have not”

“I’m Laurel. I take responsibility for providing this information to the commander. Where he goes, I go. I know I can be of far greater use in the fight, than I would be here”

His eyes widen as he comes forward, a brief look of surprise gracing his stoic face before his mask of indifference is replaced.

“The rumours are true, then?” He asks, causing my eyebrows to knot in confusion as he looks between Ayris and I.

“Word regarding my mate and her abilities have reached all the way to the Glorn?” Ayris questions, causing the stranger’ mask to slip toas he smirks in response. As he turns to fully address Ayris I notice the distinctly pointed top of his ear protruding from the flaxen hair about his head, causing my eyes to widen in surprise.

I can’t explain why, but I can feel the flickering of my magic stir as the prince assesses me from across the table. Like its being awoken by some sort of pull.

“Ayris isn’t risking my safety” I respond, stepping forwards as Ayris’s protective arm drops to his side. “I make my own choices with my mate by my side. We all have a part to play if we plan on defeating those creatures”

Prince Renys’ eyes crinkle slightly in amusement, but the way he looks at me makes me feel as though he can see inside my soul. I tilt my head, refusing to wilt under his gaze.

“You truly believe that, don’t you, little owl? You think if everyone bands together that evil will be defeated and everyone will have their happily ever after?”

“*Renys*” Ayris growls through gritted teeth. My magic roiling in annoyance at Renys’ words.

“That mad witch has her monster puppets ravaging the hillside and she does it all with the king’s blessing. Nobody can excuse those actions” Ayris hisses.

“Not even if they are the actions of your own king?” Renys counters, rounding on my mate.

“*Especially* if they are the actions of one’s king”

The prince scoffs, clearly unmoved by Ayris’ words, which irritates me even more.

“I have seen you and your shifter armies rip entire infantries’ limb from limb, commander. What makes you any better than the monsters?”

Ayris pauses before gently enveloping my hand in his own.

Renys scoffs. “Your mate has made you soft, commander”.

“Perhaps” Ayris smirks, his eyes flitting down briefly as I look up at him. “But I would rip apart a thousand infantries to keep her by my side”

“*And I would not hesitate to tear apart a king who dares to keep her captive in my absence*”

“Ahhhh. So this is about revenge, commander. A far less *righteous* motivation”

“Why are you so surprised that people would choose to fight for good, Prince Renys?”I ask, curious at his intentions.

“Because this world is brimming with wickedness, little owl” he retorts “I struggle to believe that a crusade such as this one is marked by… *good intentions*. Men do not tackle something so great as this without self-serving motivations”

“I suppose it *is* far easier to turn a blind eye to the wickedness of the world. But what happens when you’re left with nowhere to turn because the monsters are on *your* doorstep?” I ask.

“Once those creatures have ravaged everything they can find, what’s to stop them moving on and landing on *your* doorstep?”

Renys assesses me, his towering stature making his mere presence imposing.

“Hmm” He leans forward, resting a hand on the table as he leans forward.

“My messengers may have been right about you after all”

I say nothing, shock clearly evident by the raising of my eyebrows. A fae prince has been receiving messages about *me*?

“If you plan to win this war you will need more than your pack of wolves, Ayris. The king’s forces easily dwarf your own”

“Quality above quantity” Ayris retorts “These are some of the finest warriors this side of Valen”

Renys nods “That may be true, but your enemy also has a *coven*… Apparently.” The prince turns to meet my gaze.

“You can’t beat that, commander. Not even the great Commander Ayris of the Valien Army can defeat those odds”

Ayris tilts his head slightly. “Perhaps fae warriors fighting by our side would help tip the balance?”

Renys pauses, his eyes crinkling in amusement as they glare at my mate.

“Perhaps”.