Page 103 of The Last Syphon

“Of course.” He moved into the next room, and Inara followed without missing a step. “Although there will be a peace bond in place, there is never any guarantee when it comes to a meeting of this magnitude. You must remain vigilant at all times⁠—”

“Inara! There you are!” Felix’s voice echoed through the room. She turned, seeing her best friend quickly stride towards her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” His gaze moved to Prince Walder, and he bowed exaggeratingly low. “Your Eminesce. Such a pleasure to be in your divine presence, as always.” He joked.

Prince Walder said nothing, glaring in response.

“Not in the mood? Got it. You ready for lunch?” Felix asked Inara.

“Lunch?” she asked, slightly confused.

“Yep. I thought we could grab a quick bite and then check out the librarium?” There was a knowing glint in his dark brown eyes, and Inara had to keep the eager smile from her lips. “You don’t need her for lunch, do you, Your Eminesce?” he absent-mindedly threw to Prince Walder.

“Stop calling me that.” He grunted.

“What? It’s a term of respect.”

“Not when you don’t mean it.”

“Okay. Fair point.” Felix draped an arm around Inara’s shoulder and leant against her. His heavy weight hit her hard, and she was forced to adjust her footing with a laugh or risk falling over.

“You weigh as much as an ox,” she protested with a smile, shoving him playfully.

He barely moved. He flexed his bicep in front of her face. “It’s all muscle.”

She shoved him again, and he laughed along with her. “So? Can I take her?

Light purple eyes flared brightly as Prince Walder scrutinised them closely. “What?” he asked, jaw clenched.

“Come on, Your Eminesce. You’re about to break for lunch, aren’t you? I’ll have her back in plenty of time for her to resume her heroic duties of being your Shielder. Fates honour.” Felix used a finger to cross over his heart.

The Crowned Prince looked none too pleased by her best friend’s antics. He was liable to say no just to spite him.

“I’ve been dying to see the librarium since I got here and have yet to have the chance,” Inara implored.

“You wish to see the librarium?” he asked disbelievingly.

Inara wasn’t sure whether to be insulted or not. “Yes. I like books.”

Felix snorted, and she rammed her elbow into his ribs, making him grunt.

“Given what I know about you, I highly doubt that.” Prince Walder grunted.

“My Prince!” A short man wearing a light blue tunic jogged over. He bowed low at the waist. “Forgive the intrusion, my Prince. Lord Villani has sent me ahead. He wishes to speak with you.”

Prince Walder groaned, grasping the bridge of his nose. “What does that blubbering fool want?” he whispered under his breath. He nodded at the man. “Very well. Bring him here.”

The man bowed once more before spinning and running back the way he came.

“Well,” Felix began, clapping his hands once before rubbing them together, “we can see you are very busy. We shall take our leave. Nara?”

Prince Walder frowned, his eyes again moving between the two of them.

She flicked her fingers, signalling for him to go.

Slapping both arms to his sides, Felix bowed stiffly in an overexaggerated fashion, as he did with everything. “My Overlord,” he said with fake reverence.

Inara shook her head. “He’s going to kill you one day.”

Felix straightened, a wide smile firmly in place. “No, he won’t. I’m too loveable to have murdered.” He winked. “Meet you in the hall.” And then he left.