Page 40 of The Last Syphon

It was frustrating that they were not talking to her. They were talking around her, about her, but not to her, and it was pissing her the fuck off.

Her gaze connected with Larissa’s. The other Shielder was nothing but smug. Inara could put two and two together. The Shielder Trials were obviously something pitting Shielders against one another, and Larissa didn’t think Inara had it in her to beat her.

She was curious to find out.

The doors to their left swung open, and all the attention in the room was diverted to the stunning woman who entered.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Felix’s mouth dropped open.

The beautiful woman who swept into the hall was nothing short of spectacular. Tall. Elegant. Graceful. Her thick, black hair was in a bun, pinned to the back of her neck, leaving her face exposed. Her jawline was sharp, pronounced. Cheekbones high, defined. Lips full and soft. Her eyes were the same startling violet shade as her brother’s. The tailored robe perfectly moulded to her athletic frame was the same colour as Prince Walder’s armour, embroidered with a pattern similar to a dragon’s scales. It flared out at the bottom, flowing behind her as she walked with purpose. She had a confidence that screamed not arrogance, but self-assuredness.

A big man strode behind her. Deadly. Powerful. Menacing aura despite his classically handsome looks. His hair was golden, like the sun, and his eyes were a vividly bright blue. He wore an elegant robe that matched the woman in front of him, right down to the finest of details.

“Princess Phaedra.” Lady Niya greeted her warmly. “You honour the High Council with your presence.”

“The honour is all mine.” Her voice was just as magical and ethereal as she looked. She breezed up to Inara’s side and offered her a kind smile. “Hi. I’m Phaedra.”

“Hello.” Inara wasn’t sure what else to say. She was a little flabbergasted by her beauty. “I’m Inara.”

Felix cleared his throat loudly.

“Oh. Uh…This is my friend, Fe⁠—”

He stepped forward—no, correction, almost bulldozed Inara the fuck over to stand at her side, and bowed gallantly at the waist. “Felix Podik, at your service, Princess.”

Did he intentionally make his voice deeper? The idiot.

He reached for her hand⁠—

A bright, golden shield snapped into existence between them. Felix yanked his hand back with a yelp.

“What the fuck, Inara?” he hissed, throwing her an accusatory glare.

She threw her hands up in innocence. “That wasn’t me.”

He frowned. “It wasn’t?”

She shook her head and pointed to the tall, towering, hulking figure standing behind the princess. His hand was still up, holding the shield in place between Felix and the woman, eyes cold and face hard.

“No one touches the princess.” His voice was deep. Rough. Like granite.

Princess Phaedra smiled. “You’ll have to excuse my Shielder. Kronan takes his job as my protector very seriously.”

“I’ll say.” Inara studied him closely. “You’re very fast.” Less than a second response time. He was quicker than her.

The man said nothing, continuing to stare Felix down, his glare doing all the talking for him.

“He’s the best.” The princess cupped her mouth. “No matter what that bitch Larissa tries to claim.”

Inara blinked, momentarily taken aback by the princess’s words, and then cackled. Despite cupping her mouth as if she were divulging some big secret she did not want anyone else to hear, she didn’t lower her voice in the slightest. She didn’t try to hide what she was saying, like she wanted Larissa to hear her, and based on the scowl on the Shielder’s face, she had heard it loud and clear.

“Sister.”

Princess Phaedra winked at Inara before turning to face the Council. “Brother.” She bowed her head slightly. “Welcome back. I see your journey was a busy one.”

“Yes.” Prince Walder sat up slightly and waved a hand through the air. “Please escort our new…guests to the Chosen’s wing. See that they get settled in.”