Page 40 of Veil of Shadows

Lars and Phillen marched at our sides, their focus honed into everything around us. But none of the wildlings approached us, probably because Jax sauntered toward the palace stairs as though he owned the place.

The second the royal guards spotted him, they bowed deeply and opened the large doors. Silent white stone swung outward as they murmured a greeting to the foreign royal.

Wildling servants quickly stood to attention when Jax and I climbed the steps and walked inside the palace’s grand entryway. Soaring walls, hanging tapestries, and an elegant crystal chandelier suspended with magic greeted us.

“Good morning, Prince Adarian.” The same ramifin wildling who had led me through the corridors only a few weeks ago to perform three callings for King Paevin bowed deeply to Jax. He wore the same attire as before—brown trousers and a turquoise top with white buttons. When he straightened, his gaze slid to me. Eyes popping, he exclaimed, “Lady Elowen!”

I dipped my head. “Good morning.”

“Is that really you?” The wildling gaped, then stuttered, “The king, he’s been...he’s been very concerned about you. We’ve received devastating news about your guardian, but as for Lordling Neeble, we...I mean, we’d hoped he’d eventually rescue you, but he hasn’t returned either.”

“Lordling Neeble?” I cocked my head innocently. “I didn’t realize the lordling had been sent to find me, but as for my guardian...” I shuddered. “It is absolutelyhorriblewhat’s happened to him. I haven’t seen him since Lemos. Not since the Dark Raider...” I brought a hand to my mouth as a soft sob escaped me.

“Is your guardian all right, Lady Elowen?” the servant asked, genuine worry in his voice.

I shook my head rapidly. “I don’t know. In Lemos, he rescued me from the Dark Raider, but when we were escaping through the Wood...” A tremble racked my entire body, and Jax growled.

Shielding me from the servant, Jax said, “I would ask that you not upset my lady. That entire experience has been quite traumatic for her.”

The servant’s eyes widened. “Oh, of course, I meant no disrespect, Your Highness. I was simply surprised to see her since no one’s seen or heard from her, and we received such devastating news about?—”

Another growl from Jax cut him off. In a glacial tone, the prince added, “The only one who rescued her wasme, and Elowen’s abduction has left her with nightmares and harrowing memories. I would advise you not to bring it up again.”

The servant immediately bowed. “Of course. My sincerest apologies, my prince. Please, follow me.”

The servant set off down the hall, and the six of us followed. I made sure to stay locked in Jax’s arm, sniffling along the way.

The aura around Jax soared as I stayed glued to his side. Leaning down, he nipped the skin along my neck. “You’re doing brilliantly.”

My lungs seized when his teeth grazed my skin.

We stayed in our close embrace the entire time we followed the servant, and a flurry of whispers erupted from the staff we passed.

But even though this was all an act, and even though I was pretending to be distraught at what I’d experienced, the exact opposite was actually occurring inside me. A flame of heat erupted in my core.Goddess. Embarrassment surged through me that Jax’s touches and nips were arousing me, after pretending to be sick with distraught about my abduction nonetheless.

Jax’s nostrils flared, and my embarrassment turned to mortification since he probably scented my arousal.

Trivan snickered behind us, and Alec coughed. Only Lars and Phillen retained their composure, but I still wanted to sink through the floor.

But even though my heart was thundering, I stayed plastered to Jax’s side the entire way and was thankful for my former guardian’s charades. Acting was like breathing to me since I’d played so many roles in my lifetime. This was simply another one that I automatically fell into.

We rounded another corner, and the familiar chambers where the king accepted guests appeared.

“If you would be so kind as to wait here, I shall let the king know you’ve arrived.” The wildling stepped aside to give us room to enter the chambers.

“Thank you.” Jax tugged me with him, his touch blatantly possessive to anyone watching.

Mutely, I followed since my tongue was currently refusing to work.

The servant bowed again, then left, leaving the six of us alone to wait for the king.

The vast sitting area was filled with decadent couches, chairs, and chaise lounges. A breathtaking view of the palace gardens spread out before the windows. Magic shimmered around the windowpanes, keeping the outside noise at bay. A tray filled with sweets and savories sat on a nearby table. Jax helped himself to one of the petite pies and popped it into his mouth. When I went to grab a piece of chocolate for myself, though, his fingers snatched it before I could.

“Allow me.”

My eyes widened when he brought the chocolate to my mouth. “But...the king and staff aren’t here to see this,” I whispered quietly under my breath.

His eyes only darkened as he settled the chocolate against my lower lip. “I don’t like breaking my roles once I’m in them.” He pushed the sweet more against my lip, and I opened my mouth.

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