Page 55 of Wings of Snow
I kissed her temple. “I know, which is why I’ll have to learn to live with it.”
She squeezed me in return, then released me when we reached the capital’s outer wall.
Large golden gates rose at least fifteen feet high. The sentries flanking them stood alert, having watched us approach for the past few minutes. Their large builds were like ours, but they were entirely golden anddifferent. I wasn’t sure what species they were, but they stood taller than even me.
Dark irises, so dark they were nearly black, made them look otherworldly. They stared down at us from their imposing heights. Both had heavily muscled and exposed chests. Leather strap-like clothing covered their lower halves and part of their shoulders. Golden helmets adorned both of their heads.
“Quite the ensemble,” Nish said under his breath.
“’Tis what all sentries wear who guard the capital.” Haxil ran a hand through his hair, his voice low, but I could have sworn the sentries still heard them.
When we stood only a few yards away, the sentries widened their stances and extended their spears toward the center of the gates, creating an X.
When their spears touched, a loudclangreverberated through me. A push of strong magic barreled from the spears, and it felt as if we’d hit an invisible wall.
“State your reason for visiting the capital,” the sentry on the right said.
I lifted my chin. “I’m the crown prince of the Solis continent. I’m here to find Bavar Fieldstone, nephew to the Nolus king, if he’s in residence.”
“And the fae with you?” the one on the left said, his voice so deep it didn’t sound natural.
“My four guards and my mate,” I replied.
The sentry’s gaze shifted to each and every one of us. Their dark irises whirled as they assessed us, turning to shimmery silver before becoming inky black once again. Another rush of magic stole over me, making my affinities stir in response.
With a swift move, the sentries pulled their spears back to their sides. “Proceed.”
The golden gates opened soundlessly behind them, and the five of us ventured forward. Each of my guards had a hand near their sword, their postures appearing relaxed, but I’d been with them long enough to know they would have those swords in their grips before I could blink.
Music carried faintly on the breeze, and the curiosity strumming from my mate increased even more.
Ilara twirled around, her face a mask of wonder as she soaked it all in.
Behind the giant gates, the capital lay in an endless sprawl of gardens, colorful houses, and a bustling city. Nolus males, females, and children scattered about, along with various species from theotherrealm.
A few glanced our way, their gazes raking over our silver hair and leathery wings, but when they spotted Ilara, more than one visibly gawked.
With her black hair and white feathery wings, Ilara truly was a sight to behold. Nobody in the entire realm looked like her, and she was so incredibly beautiful that several males took notice.
A Nolus male with apple-green hair elbowed his friend, another male with hair the color of fire. Both appraised Ilara with appreciation, then wide smiles.
A snarl tore from me, and their attention snapped in my direction. When my aura hit them, they both flinched and stepped back.
Ryder patted my shoulder. “Tame that expression of yours, Nori. You look about to kill someone.”
Another growl rumbled in my chest as my death affinity undulated out of me of its own accord to the two males. When it wrapped around their souls, I gave a tight squeeze and bared my teeth.
One of them squeaked, the sour stench of fear rising from him, as the other slacked in my grip, his hands rising in surrender.
“Nori,” Haxil said in a patient tone. “They mean her no harm. They’re simply admiring the view.”
My jaw worked. “I don’t like other males desiring her.” My dragon snarled within.
“We’ve all noticed,” Ryder replied dryly.
A soft hand caressed my forearm, and my affinity began to relax as a strong push of love came through the bond. The red coating my gaze finally dissipated when I glanced down at my mate.
“Leave them be.” She leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. “We’re not here for them.”