Page 111 of A Trial of Fate

I followed Daxton as we carefully walked around the busy sailors preparing the ship to launch out to sea. Each High Fae had remarkably gorgeous features. Their sun-kissed skin from a life on the open sea showed signs of weathering, but it only added to a layer of their beauty. They glanced at Daxton as he passed them by, giving him a wide berth like a shark approaching a group of minnows, but it wasn’t fear shining in their eyes. They looked at him with a deep sense of awe and respect that nearly took my breath away. Respect and honor. These were the qualities I knew these people saw when they looked at Daxton. He acknowledged a number of sailors and thanked them for their service in ferrying us across the sea passage. Many thanked him in return, and he humbly accepted their gratitude, trying his best not to interfere with their work and being mindful to stay out of the way when he could.

“It never stops,” Castor whispered as he came to my side.

“What never stops?”

“Daxton is revered nearly everywhere we go in the Inner Kingdom. They know that he sacrifices his life and power to the queen to protect us. And no…” Castor paused and gave me a sideways glance. “He does not broadcast or boast about it. Trust me, that’s the most annoying part.”

“Opposite of what you would do, I imagine,” I commented back, snickering and rolling my eyes.

“Are you kidding me? Of course I would! If I had the fawning attention my brother does, I would definitely use it to my advantage. And the advantage of being welcomed in every city, in every house, inevery bed…” Castor winked, flashing me a sinfully dangerous grin.

“Castor!” I yipped as I smacked his shoulder, but he didn’t even seem to flinch.

“Dax really needs to start your training soon,” Castor teased. “If that is the best punch you can throw, we may need to rethink you being a ‘hope’ for us all.”

I balled my fist and stepped into my swing this time, hitting him straight in the center of his chest. “Ohh.” Castor flinched as he stepped back. “Well, that’s a little better anyway.”

“Her training will start this evening, Castor,” Daxton called from up ahead. “That also gives you time to plan what you will be teaching her on this journey.”

“You have your work cut out for you, Dax. I don’t envy your role in this one bit.”

“I am not hopeless,” I argued back at Castor’s latest comment. “You want me to prove it?”

“Cas,” Daxton grumbled.

I looked at both of them and noticed a silent exchange between the two brothers.

“All right… I’m backing down.” Castor raised his hands and stepped back. “You’re getting touchy in your older years, Dax. Why not relax and have some fun?”

“Inviting me to have fun landed you with a busted nose last time, brother.” I could see the hint of humor light up on Daxton’s face as I happily leaned back to watch the show. “Skylar could use a demonstration before we begin our training—care to oblige?”

“Not one fucking bit. I remember the last time I was your demonstrator with Zola, and that did not go well.”

“You also need to train, Castor.”

“And I will—don’t worry. I can’t give up on this gorgeous physique. What would my adoring companions say?”

“That fate smiled on them because they no longer held a desire to bed you,” I mumbled, but they both heard me loud and clear. Daxton was struggling to hold back a laugh.

Castor scowled at me. “Clever,shifter.”

“Come on, Sky. Let’s find you a place to rest.” Daxton stepped to my side and escorted me to the back of the ship.

“I’ll go meet with Fjorda. I doubt, after that fun pissing contest a few moments ago, he would be comfortable meeting with only you, Daxton.”

“He should have known better,” Daxton answered plainly. Ilooked at them both, confusion etched into every fold of my face. What were they getting at?

“I have little doubt he will be testing that line again.” Castor and Daxton looked at each other for a long moment, not saying anything aloud, but there it was again. “I will make sure he understands.”

“It would make the trip more tolerable. I’ll meet with you soon after I show Skylar to her room.” Daxton gave a nod of dismissal to Castor before he turned around toward the front of the ship.

“See you later, Castor.” I waved, cocking my brows skyward.

“Oh, joy…” he answered, rolling his eyes with a heavy sigh. Castor shook his head and turned away to meet with Captain Fjorda at the stern of the ship.

“I didn’t overstep, did I?” I asked Daxton once Castor was out of earshot.

“He will be fine. Since our absence from Silver Meadows, I imagine he misses the banter. Zola never lets him get away with anything, while Gunnar only encourages him. It is an interesting dynamic back at home, but never dull. It will be nice to have another sane mind around to help keep them all in check.”

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