Page 75 of The Serpent Prince

“Of course. Some did find the extensive security measures you required a bit too extreme …” Ven trailed off, as if this was the explanation for the lack of security upon their arrival.

“They are not for her. They’re for your people. I would hate to hurt anyone, but I make no promises if I think she is threatened.”

CHAPTER 27

The steward paused and bowed his head slightly after Kiran’s veiled threat of violence if Imani’s safety was compromised. “As is your right, Your Highness. I can now see how protected she needs to be, and I personally take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness. We are honored by your presence and opportunity to host your beautiful heartmate—she is extraordinary, and I would hate for anything to befall her, especially since we know many have not even glimpsed her yet … and she is magnificent.”

“Indeed, even amongst her own kind,” Kiran said quietly, not even trying to hide the arrogance in his voice as he dropped his head and pressed a kiss to her hair again in front of everyone. “Melmë endanyo, aomagho ruya,” he murmured so only she could hear, his voice reverent.

Her face flushed hearing his words.

It was pretend. She tried to get control of her emotions. Maybe Kiran was right, and the spell was doing things to both of them.

“What type of Essenheim elf are you, Your Highness? Prince Kiran didn’t specify in his correspondence. Understandable, as he was, of course, dealing with many important issues of late.”

It took her a moment to realize they were speaking to her. She pulled away from Kiran to give Ven a once-over. He towered over her like most males, but she imbued her aura with her power, and it felt like she was the one towering over him at that moment.

A strong hand remained on her back while Kiran stared warning daggers at the steward. It comforted her, saying, I’m here.

But Imani didn’t need it.

She lifted her head as the breeze played with the loose tendrils of her elaborate coiffure, eyes sliding to Ven. “A High-Norn elf. From the Draswood Forest,” she said softly, giving him a dazzling look. “Norn elves are the only Essenheim elves in existence these days in the Northern Kingdom.”

Ven seemed to flush in response to her attention on him. The other elves’ eyes widened, as if they were staring at a ten-pound jewel. They hadn’t been expecting that at all—Niflheim must keep knowledge of Essenheim limited to only a few. Much like her own kingdom.

It was a strong card to play. She was even more rare and exotic now.

“Extraordinary. One of the rarest of breeds in our realm, then,” he muttered, almost to himself. “The blue leaf is your sigil, no?”

Nodding, she slid up her sleeve and held out her wrist for them to see her brand. Kiran’s sigil was next to hers in the heartmate location. The illusion of it, that was.

Her eyes narrowed at the sigils, which had changed. Now they were entwined even further together with several swooping vines connecting the two. Odd, she didn’t remember Kiran casting that illusion, but maybe she’d missed it.

Everyone murmured their disbelief, but Ven cut them off with a wave of his hand, motioning for them to follow him forward.

“Come; we are on a tight schedule with the archmage witch and head of our security, who wishes to meet with you both.”

They entered a small room adorned in marble. It was white and shining, and again, Imani’s eyes widened and wandered. Several iron cages lined the far-right wall.

“Your Highnesses, these are the lifts. They will take us down into the mountain to Eto. Then back up again at the end of your stay.”

Imani tried to smile back. Kiran’s magic still surrounded them again, despite the wards in place to remove such spells, making the atmosphere uneasy.

Imani had never ridden in such a thing before and tightened her grip on Kiran’s hand. He squeezed back, making his magical signature soothingly surround and caress her.

The female elf kept walking, taking them through another door, though. Magic shimmered as they passed through the walkway, like an invisible veil.

“I hope you don’t mind, but a few security measures will need to be taken before we can permit you to enter the city.” She smiled at them. “Required for all outsiders, even for the royal family.”

Ven fell in step next to Kiran, his voice low. Imani listened while making small talk with the female.

“Prince Kiran, as elves, we know how protective males can be, aggressive even⁠—”

“Indeed. When it comes to her, I assure you that I most certainly am that,” Kiran cut him off, his voice calm but threatening. He reached for her on instinct, pulling her closer. Imani had never heard him sound like that around her.

He was playing his part perfectly.

It seemed to affect everyone around them, too.