Page 55 of The Awakening of Essensia

“She is a recruit under my command. I deserve to know what I’m risking. Especially since I know how these things can get out of hand.”

That pulled Vaelira out of the fog. “What got out of hand?” she asked, turning to Elijah. He didn’t meet her eye.

“It was years ago,” Elijah said, dismissively. “An illegal dog fighting gang in New Town. We took care of it.”

That didn’t sound like a scheme.

“We were ordered not to interfere,” Jurah said.

Elijah stiffened for a heartbeat. “I need her. My father isn’t taking this threat seriously. He never does and you know that. Even if he did, with his current condition I’m not convinced he’d have the fortitude to do what needs to be done.” He sighed, sitting in the other chair. “You owe me.”

“You can’t involve a recruit in this,” Jurah said, tone sharpening. “She’s only been training a week.”

“It’s not your decision.”

Vaelira stood up, fire flaring behind her ribs. “It's not yours either.”

Both men turned to stare at her, as if suddenly remembering she existed.

“You may out rank me,” she said, voice rising, “but I’m not a pawn to be passed back and forth. I’d appreciate it if you stopped talking like I’m not sitting right here.”

There was a beat of silence. Maybe she had been too bold. The alcohol was muddling her senses. This was the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard, and the Crown Prince of Eastvale.

Gods save her.

“Actually,” Elijah said, “you’re standing.”

She shot him a look, her blood humming. Her skin flushed hotter, and her palms itched. Something warm bloomed against her hip and she looked down. A faint glow pulsed through the fabric of her pouch. Vaelira blinked and the glow was gone.

Jurah leaned forward, his voice suddenly quiet. “What was that?”

Elijah leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head with a yawn. “What’s what?”

Jurah’s frown deepened and he rubbed his eyes. “It’s late,” he muttered. “Elijah, you can’t keep taking her into the Noble Quarter. I have a whole barrack full of recruits. If they hear one of their own is being given special treatment, it will raise questions I can’t answer.”

“Fine,” Elijah said. “We’ll stick to town. That’s where the action is anyway.”

“I still don’t understand why you need her.”

“It’s not your place to understand.” Elijah replied. “Only to know that I do.”

Jurah’s lips tightened, but he didn’t argue. He turned to Vaelira. “This stays quiet. If the King finds out I’m involved, I’ll be removed. Maybe worse. Then you’ll be answering to someone far less forgiving.”

Vaelira nodded. It’s not like she had anyone to tell.

“There’s one more thing,” Elijah said.

Vaelira sat back down slowly. Her head swam. Her limbs were heavy, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

Elijah’s voice was low. ‘You’re being watched.”

The room stilled.

Vaelira’s pulse skipped. “By who?”

“I think multiple people. But they all report to the same person.”

Jurah’s expression grew serious. “The Queen.”