I don’t like the way he says it. “Requested?” I echo, tone flat. “By who?”
His jaw tenses, but his voice remains neutral. “Aelith.”
Interesting that he doesn’t call himprince.
Varek still doesn’t jump in. He just watches. The pause stretches, and my gut tightens.
I know why Varek is holding back. He wants Dawson to meet Aelith. That much was clear yesterday, even though he apologised for being pushy. The prince is valuable. His alliance could tip the scales.
And Dawson?
Dawson is the key.
The problem is, Dawson doesn’t even know what the key unlocks. And the last thing I want is for him to be manipulated into something he doesn’t understand. Kael’s presence here means Aelith is already trying to get his claws in, which makes my hackles rise further.
I step forwards, shoulders squaring. “Why exactly does theprincewant to see him?”
Kael’s gaze sharpens. “That is not your concern.”
I scoff. “Yeah, see, it kind of is.”
Varek finally speaks, though his voice remains measured. “Kael. This is an unusual situation. It’s understandable that there would be concerns.”
Kael barely moves, but his energy shifts slightly—like he’s acknowledging Varek’s words without outright agreeing.
I press my advantage. “If Aelith wants to meet Dawson,” I say, keeping my voice steady, “then I am concerned. And I want to know why.”
Kael’s bioluminescent ridges pulse faintly, and for a second, something flickers behind his gaze. Annoyance? Amusement? I can’t tell.
I brace for a fight.
But then Kael simply exhales and says, “He wants to assess him.”
That… is not a great answer.
Dawson looks at me. “Did you say prince, as in a prince to the evil queen?” His eyebrows are high by the time he stops speaking.
“One and the same,” I add helpfully, even as a wisp of doubt forms in my gut. Should I be fighting them meeting so hard? They’re fated mates, apparently, and even Prince Fuckwit wouldn’t have the need to lie about that. But still, I refuse to allow Dawson to be railroaded. The snowboarder is sweet as pie. I would hate for the prince to sour any of that.
“Huh. No shit.” Dawson shrugs and returns his focus to Kael. “Assess me how, exactly?”
Kael doesn’t answer, which makes me really not like the implications.
I open my mouth to argue further, but Varek—who has been watching this entire exchange with rapt interest—cuts in smoothly. “Perhaps Sonny should accompany us.”
Dawson, ever unbothered, just shrugs. “Yeah, cool. I can meet another blue dude like you. He’s not gonna try to eat me or anything, right? My man Sonny here promised me I was safe. I am, yeah?”
There’s something oddly trusting about the way he says it. Like he fully expects me to keep my word. And that doessomething to my chest. I exhale, nodding. “Yeah, Dawson. You’re safe.”
Kael straightens his huge form, raises his fisted hand, and pats it against the centre of his chest. “Dawson,” he starts, his voice deep and heavily accented. “You have my oath that no harm will come to you while I am around.”
Surprise sends my brows shooting high. Kael absolutely has my full attention. Oaths here are some serious shit, mixed with some special juju. That he’s made such a bold oath is… honestly, it’s interesting and kinda sweet. Words like that mean he’ll protect Dawson from physical harm from everyone and everything, as long as it’s within his power.
Including from his prince.
“Very cool of you, Kael. ’Preciate it.” Dawson’s grin is megawatt bright. His reaction, his honesty, and his complete acceptance of Kael’s words loosen some of the tension that has kept my muscles taut since Kael entered the room.
Varek’s gaze flicks to me again. If he’s as surprised by the oath as I am, he doesn’t show it. There’s something careful about the way he speaks. “Good. Then we’ll eat first. There’s food available in the communal area.”
