to get a couple of them to give us restricted texts and a few more maps, but I haven’t had a chance to look through everything yet. Maalik was furious, and I was too worried about getting home to Isla to keep my mind focused on our task.
Coming back to the capital with Isla today has me kicking myself. I’m angry all over again, and I’m itching to storm out of here and confront Amias. Isla didn’t recognize the other Elders, but she certainly recognized him. And she despises the man. When Mal and I briefly spoke to Elder Amias yesterday, he mentioned speaking directly to Isla’s demon captor. Amias even said Isla punched him. Why didn’t I stop to think about this before?
If Amias was there to take Isla from the demon holding her captive, he obviously knows what realm she’s from. For the first time, I can’t help wondering if he hurt her. Isla can’t explicitly tell us what he did to her, but her reaction to seeing him this morning after knowing she’s punched him? That doesn’t bode well for the Head Elder.
“She’s still my client, you know.” Bela sniffs, snapping me back to the present. She glowers at Isla and Dushan while he continues to take her measurements. “You won’t be making commission on this.”
Dushan rolls his eyes. “Like I’m surprised. I do ninety-percent of your work, anyway. At least this time I’ll actually enjoy myself.”
Well, I don’t like the sound of that. Anyone Isla seems to like is good in my books, and I don’t want to pay this woman when she’s not contributing anything.
Audun growls and bares his teeth, capturing everyone’s attention. “We’ll pay Bela for the fabric Isla’s chosen, and then we’ll commission Dushan privately to design and make the gown.”
I grin in approval. Audun rarely speaks up if Mal, Cael, or I are around. Outside of work, he rarely shows this dominant side of himself. It’s nice to see Isla bringing it out in him.
“He is my assistant,” Bela squawks. She’s certainly not kissing our asses now. “I won’t allow it!”
My brother and I share a look. He raises his eyebrows, and I shrug. I don’t really want to look for a new dressmaker when we only have so much time with Isla before we’re forced to go back to our duties as Guardians. But I will if we have to. Isla is apparently fairly high maintenance when it comes to clothing, and she deserves the best.
“Dushan, are you very attached to this job?” Audun asks.
The man in question raises an eyebrow curiously. Isla’s standing beside him, still mostly undressed with her hands on her hips, looking sinfully delicious. She’s watching the conversation between everyone with keen interest. I would give almost anything to be able to speak with her, and to know what’s going through her head.
“Well, yes. But only because this is the only position I could find in this industry. It’s not exactly a masculine profession, according to society.”
Audun nods. “We’re looking for someone to work with Isla exclusively to design and make all her clothes. Not just for special events, but for everyday wear too. As you can see, Isla is very passionate about her clothing. So, we want someone who understands that and who can work well with her despite the language barrier.”
“Really?” Dushan’s face lights up. He turns to grin at Isla. “I would be honored.”
The owner of the shop continues to squawk and argue until we settle on a price to shut her up and sell us the fabric. It’s way too high an amount in my opinion, but it’s not like we don’t have the money to spare.
As Guardians, we’re paid enough that we could live like royalty, which some of the Guardians in other kingdoms do. My brothers and I used to live more extravagantly when we were young, but now we prefer our solitude in the mountains and a simpler life all around. Our work is bloody, dirty, cold, and cruel more often than not, and it’s nice to have a quiet and peaceful place to retreat to. Having Isla at home waiting for us to return will make coming home that much more wonderful and worthwhile.
While Audun settles our debt with the dress shop owner, I watch Isla and let my mind wander again. She’s perfect for us. She makes it so easy to forget the injustice of her situation every time she smiles at me or my brothers, but I