Page 51 of The Last Syphon

“Why would I be?” She took another bite of the skewered meat. It really was good. “If someone I didn’t know came into my home, I would want them followed until I was sure they weren’t a harm to me and mine.” She shrugged uncaringly. “I’m just glad it’s you and not him.” She flicked her head backwards to indicate the Crowned Prince.

Her gaze moved up to her brother and back down to Inara. Another flash of surprise. “You do not vie to be in my brother’s presence?”

Inara blinked, then broke out into a fit of full blown laughter. Awkward glances were exchanged between the princess and Kronan. “No. Fates-fucking-no. In fact, if I never have to see him again, I will be the happiest inhabitant of the realm.” She hoped the prince picked up on that subtle dig.

“May I ask why?” The princess tilted her head. “Usually, people from all over the realm compete to have the Crowned Prince’s attention.”

It would be considered rude to talk about someone when they were right in front of you.

Inara didn’t care.

“We can ignore the fact that he basically kidnapped me and forced me to come here because, so far, it’s actually been pretty awesome. Flashy new digs. A bed the size of my last home. New clothes. What looks like an endless supply of food. But the fact that he almost killed me and levelled my village? That’s all the reason I need.”

“Hear-fucking-hear,” Felix cheered.

Prince Walder turned a frosty glare his way.

Felix gave an awkward smile and inclined his glass to the prince. “Just happy to be here, Your Eminence.” Every word dripped in sarcasm.

“You broke the law.”

“According to who? You?” Inara questioned.

“Yes.”

“So you’re the judge, jury, and executioner? What you decide goes, even if it concerns a village not within your borders?”

Prince Walder narrowed his eyes. The temperature in the room dropped. “People do not speak to me this way.”

“Or what?”

“Or I have their head removed.”

Well, Fatesdamn. Inara couldn’t deny that it was a pretty badass threat.

She pushed her chair out and stood, turning so she was face to face with him, staring him down. “I’d like to see you try.” Inara wasn’t sure what had brought on her sudden boldness. She was well aware of the terrifying rumours that followed the Crowned Prince wherever he went, and yet, she did not seem to care.

The strength imbuing her, funnelling down the soul-link, fuelled her, giving her the confidence to stand up against him—something she was sure did not happen often, based on the look on his face.

The room had gone silent. Eyes were upon them. Dozens of them. Waiting. Watching.

Inara couldn’t say exactly what it was about the prince she did not like. Perhaps it was the way he just expected people to bow in his presence, as if no one had ever dared to challenge him before. Perhaps it was how he had come into her village, ready to obliterate everyone there before he had even grasped the full extent of what was going on. Or, perhaps, it all just boiled down to Inara not liking his attitude.

Sometimes, one came across people they didn’t get along with. There could be no rhyme or reason to it. Just a feeling one gets in their bones. A personality clash. He was a stickler for the rules, and Inara liked breaking them.

They would never get along.

Princess Phaedra eyed them both curiously, cautiously. Her gaze was assessing, full of unuttered thoughts and feelings. She eventually cleared her throat. Their gazes shot to her. “Perhaps this conversation has come to an end,” she said softly, politely.

“What conversation? So far, all I’ve heard are insults and threats.”

“So far, all I have heard is insubordination,” Prince Walder shot back at her.

Inara glared. He glowered back. He had a quick wit, she had to admit.

“Thank you for coming to relieve me, brother, but I am quite happy to remain and continue the orientation."

Prince Walder nodded stiffly. “As you wish. See to it that she learns the rules. Quickly.” And then he left without looking back.