Page 5 of Purple Protector

“Breathe,” Lucy ordered.

Aaron forced himself to obey. He breathed in and out a few times, trying to calm his racing heart. It worked, but not completely. He was still a wreck, even though he was a wreck who was breathing easier.

“Why are you freaking out so badly?” Lucy asked

“I’m meeting the king in half an hour.”

“Which you knew would happen. That’s why you’re there, Aaron. You’re supposed to meet the king and his consort and talk to both of them. This is the interview?”

“Not yet. He wants to meet me first.”

“That’s a good thing. He wants to get to know you.”

“He wants to vet me. He has a family to protect, Luce.”

“And you have a job to do. You can be very charming when you want.”

“Never on purpose. This is going to be a disaster.”

“Not if you’re yourself and honest. I spoke with Killian through emails a few times, and he’s really nice.”

“I know.” Aaron huffed. “But he’s a king.”

“To a small clan of dragons. Yes, it’s important for you to talk to him, but it’s not the end of the world if he dislikes you.”

“I don’t know about that. He’s sending his personal bodyguard to escort me to his office. What if they make me disappear?”

“You’ll be fine,” Lucy insisted as someone knocked on the door.

Aaron started freaking out again. “They’re here.”

“They’ll take you to Killian’s office and back, and that’s it. They’re not going to drag you into a dark corner and kill you. The clan needs this as much as you do. Stop freaking out and do your job.”

Since Aaron didn’t want to get kicked out of the clan right away, he forced himself to do what Lucy had told him. He hung up, breathed deeply, and went to open the door.

Only to find himself face-to-face with Birch.

Aaron gaped. He’d wanted to see Birch again, but he hadn’t seen him in the dining hall yesterday evening when he’d had dinner there. He’d hoped that Myra would sit with him, but of course, they weren’t friends. She’d left him alone at the table, and he’d spent the evening watching the dragons around him.

Most of them had been watching him, which was awkward and uncomfortable, but he understood. He was a newcomer, and he was human to boot. Of course the dragons were curious about him.

Birch hadn’t been at breakfast, either. Aaron had started to wonder if it was because he was visiting the clan or something like that, but now, Birch stood in front of him. How had he found Aaron? Had he asked people about him?

“Hi,” Aaron said.

Birch smiled. “Hi.”

“I’d love to chat, but I’m waiting for someone,” Aaron blurted out. He hated that he didn’t have time to talk to Birch. Between his personal life and his professional one, though, only the professional one was important.

Birch cocked his head. “You’re waiting for one of the king’s guards, right?”

“Yes. They’re supposed to pick me up and bring me to the king’s office.”

Birch stepped away and gestured toward the end of the hallway. “If you’re ready, we can go.”

Aaron stared at him. “You’re the king’s guard?”

“Is that a problem?”

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