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It took a moment for Emara to realise that Naya was referring to her. She felt all four males direct their attention to her face, and she blushed.

Again.

“I don’t know if ‘precious’ is the correct word choice for our empress.” A flare of amusement lit Torin’s eyes.

“And what words would you use?” Emara snapped, unable to control her tongue, her eyes narrowing.

He couldn’t hide the bedevilment on this face as he answered her. “Defiant, feisty, stubborn, reluctant to take orders, to name only a few.”

The nerve of him. “I could name a few more than that for you.”

Artem’s wide smile lit up his face as he looked between Torin and Emara. “This is going to be great.”

“I am glad we entertain you so much.” Torin threw a look over at Artem. “You should focus on prepping your weapons for the trip to the palace.”

“You will be damned if you think I’m going to focus on that before I enjoy tonight,” Artem batted back. “I can prepare them on the journey.”

Naya inhaled and exhaled a slow, steadying breath. “Dare I ask what is happening tonight?”

“What happens after every prime summit.” Torin’s wicked smile almost put Emara’s heart into her mouth.

“The factions don’t travel all this way to the city to not tear up the markets for a night or two.” Artem flung a wink in Torin’s direction. “It has been ages, even years, since some of us were last here. The clans are going to take advantage of every second in those taverns.”

“You are right about that,” Magin jumped in, finally including himself in the conversation. Emara got the feeling that he was more of the silent type in comparison to her other two guards.

He might be her favourite already.

“You boys are a whole lot of trouble.” Naya laughed. “You better be careful.” She looked at all of them individually and they nodded. “Your duty starts at dawn.”

“We understand, Commanding Wife Blacksteel,” Artem assured her. “But every hunter needs a blowout before the start of a big mission.”

“You have been surrounded by hunters for decades.” Torin placed a hand on Naya’s shoulder. “Surely, you don’t forget what comes before a big mission, Mother.”

“Oh, I don’t forget. That is exactly my point.” She tightened her grip around Torin’s hand on her shoulder and challenged him with a wicked smile of her own. Emara wondered if there was a story or two, rich in tales of the markets, that lingered in Naya’s mind. “Please excuse me,” she said, interrupting Emara’s train of thought. “I must go and see that my other son is settling with his cluster.” She paused and spoke to the boys. “Behave, all of you.” She placed a hand on Torin’s face and rubbed her thumb on his cheek, having to stand on her tiptoes to reach him.

“Always.” He flashed her a charming grin that made Emara’s heart tingle.

All three warriors bowed their heads to the commander’s wife as she took her leave with Kellen.

Artem focused on Emara. “Will you be joining us tonight?”

“That depends on your plans.” Emara placed one arm over the other across her torso. “Will I be guarded all night?”

“Absolutely,” Torin replied quickly.

“Then it’s a no from me.” She refocused on Artem.

“Don’t be hasty.” Artem put his hands out to stop the conversation from turning sour. “Why don’t you just come, it will be like we are not even there. Your last night of freedom.” He smiled at Emara; it was a captivating smile that would have made Cally combust where she stood, but Emara knew immediately that he was just being friendly towards her. Her heart broke thinking of Cally, and she tried to push down the darkness that ate away at her soul.

“Besides, our duty doesn’t technically start until sunrise tomorrow.”

“I’m sure the markets would love to see your wild side one last time before the eyes of the magic community learn who you fully are.” Torin’s words were laced with something that had Emara’s heart lodged in her throat, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the way he looked at her or if it had been the truth in his words. The eyes of the magic community would certainly be on her, a girl who had claimed an empress’ crown without being trained in magic at all.

The lost Empress of Air.

She shuddered at the thought.

“I think that ship has sailed.” Artem snorted and Emara’s eyes darted to his face.