feel all that more excited about seeing the colorful inside. Especially since it appeared that each doorway and window was large enough to fit a full size dragon through. Okay, maybe not all, but a large majority. Flags that matched the guys’ uniforms flapped in the ash and floral scented air and I breathed it in, the familiarity of it once again tugging on that instinctive feeling of remembrance.
The realm may have its problems, but this place had me absolutely mesmerized. I hadn’t even realized I was pressed against the window until Henry gently touched my shoulder. I looked back at him and Marco, who were both watching me with curiosity and a bit of amusement. I blushed and moved to get out of the carriage as we came to a stop.
From the minute that I stepped out, I could feel eyes on me, most of which I could ignore, but I felt far better when Marco tucked me against him, a soft hum of appreciation breaking from my throat at how hard and warm he was. My hands were slightly shaky from the range of emotions I had been feeling but I kept my head up, imagining how Jordan would handle this situation. If my mates could be strong and confident, then I could be as well, even if I didn’t feel the same on the inside.
Men dressed in similar uniforms to my mates but without such elaborate crests led us through a large series of arches that almost reminded me of a driveway towards the large castle. The structure itself glinted with what I realized was a magical barrier, my ears ringing as my phoenix fluttered through my chest, my lips pressing together so I didn’t let out the embarrassing noise of excitement and confusion that threatened to escape. After entering into a long series of hallways, I found myself listening to what Henry and Marco were talking about, Atlas having joined us upfront. Behind us, I could hear Croy and Sai talking to Bella, who was meowing, a lot and happily, as well as the twins, everyone seeming a bit tense but overall in better spirits than I had expected after our conversation this morning. Maybe the castle didn’t have as many bad memories for the twins? I hoped that was the case.
“The royal physician will see us at pretty much whatever time today,” Henry explained, and affection rolled over me. The reminder that these men were here, in a place they didn’t seem to like all that much, purely because they wanted to ensure my phoenix and I were healthy, had me feeling beyond grateful and honestly pretty special. Loved.
I hadn’t been exaggerating when I told Bella that we loved these men. I just hadn’t fully worked out how to tell them that fully without stuttering or sounding like a total weirdo. It was far easier to do so when it was just one on one, but as a group? I just didn’t want to assume that they felt as strongly, although my phoenix completely disagreed. Maybe it would be easier once our bonds were formed more? My lip caught in my teeth again in thought.
“We also have an audience with the queen tonight,” Marco reminded, his hand running over my back softly. “Larry and Edmund weren’t wrong—they are going to want an update about everything going on in the Earth realm.”
“At least we will handle both today, hit two birds with one stone,” Atlas mused. “Although, I’m a bit worried you’re going to be tired after portaling for the first time, angel.”
“I’m okay,” I promised and then narrowed my eyes at him. “And no hitting birds.”
Birds? Why would we hit birds? My magic tightened around me, my phoenix clearly upset with his words. It was odd now, knowing how present she was, and it seemed to be a growing experience ever since shifting, her ability to communicate with me becoming more and more solid and evident.
“What?” Henry asked, looking amused.
Atlas’s eyes lit up with realization as a chuckle left his lips. “Poor phrasing. It’s a figure of speech, I promise, angel.” I softened slightly with the use of the nickname again.
I also tried to not feel stupid for not realizing it was a figure of speech… but then again, who would hit a bird? Whoever came up with that clearly wasn’t a shifter.
Before I could respond back, we arrived at a set of gilded doors that had two sapphire-colored knobs that were in the shape