Page 30 of Dewitched

If Owen could just see that, maybe he would understand that things weren’t as bad as they seemed. To do that, though, Fenix had to get him out of the cabin. Since the only emotion his mate had shown in days was stark fear at the mere thought of being near people, he doubted he could make that happen.

It went against his instincts to leave Owen alone, especially when the guy needed him, but he couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. As much as he loathed to admit it, he needed help, and there was only one place he could find it.

He located Princess Iliana at the lobby café in her favorite booth by the windows. As usual, a small crowd surrounded her, including several staff members who appeared to be on break. Sometimes, she really could be too welcoming for her own good. To be sure, she wasn’t in any danger, but he didn’t really want an audience for the favor he intended to ask.

“Fenix.” The princess rose gracefully to her feet and met him in front of the table. “How is Owen?”

“The same.”

Her face fell, and a quiet sigh slipped past her lips. “Is there nothing we can do?”

“Actually…” He glanced at the surrounding eavesdroppers. Fuck it. Owen was far more important than his pride. “Can you call your brother?”

“Of course, but—”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth formed a littleO. Then, just as quickly, her expression turned resolute, and she nodded with determination. With a straight spine and squared shoulders,she pinched the charm around her neck between thumb and forefinger, rubbed the glowing gem.

The necklace had been a gift from her brother’s mate, an added layer of protection in the event of an emergency. When he had asked her to call Orrin, he’d intended a subtler means, but he also wouldn’t argue.

A cold wind whipped through the café, the air shimmered, and in the next moment, five males appeared from virtually nowhere. The two Guardians held their daggers at the ready, while Erus, the Original Guardian, held a fireball in his right palm.

Pepper, the smallest of the group and Erus’ assistant, just looked bored.

“Iliana!” Orrin exclaimed, grabbing her by the shoulders. “What is it? What’s wrong? Are you okay? Bloody speak to me.”

“I’m completely fine.” Huffing, she shoved him away and straightened her robes. “You!”

“Me?”

Without warning, she launched herself at the prince, beating him soundly about the head and shoulders. “You absolute arse!” she shouted. “I can’t believe you never told your friends about me. What is wrong with you?”

“What?” He caught her by the wrists and held her at arm’s length. “Damn it, Ili, stop hitting me.”

The group of onlookers wore nearly identical expressions of shock as they watched the interaction. For those who knew the siblings, however, the exchange had actually been pretty mild.

“I guess they really are related,” a male employee mumbled. “Also, remind me not to piss her off.”

Shaking off her brother with an unladylike grunt, Iliana turned to Erus with a big, adoring smile. “I missed you!”

Erus laughed as he extinguished the fireball and embraced her. “What trouble have you gotten yourself into, Princess?”

“Not me.” She glanced at Fenix. “It’s a bit complicated, but I need your help.”

“What do you need?” he asked without a hint of hesitation.

“Wait,” Orrin interrupted. “You brought us here because you need a favor? That charm is for emergencies.”

Iliana swung around and pointed a finger in his face. “Don’t you start with me. I’m still mad at you.”

Orrin held his hands up in surrender and wisely closed his mouth.

Apparently satisfied with the reaction, Iliana launched into the story, telling them about Owen, his abilities, and ending with the unfortunate episode after the escape room.

“Now, he won’t even leave his bed. He’s scared, and he’s suffering,” she concluded.

After hearing her story, the prince stepped forward and offered his hand to Fenix. “I’m sorry to hear of your mate’s struggles, but I congratulate you on your bonding.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Fenix took a deep breath and prepared to grovel. “I apologize for my impudence, and I’ll accept any consequences you deem appropriate. If you can help my mate, though, I’ll be indebted to you.”

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