Page 56 of Zar

Her anger showed in the way she stiffened her spine and glared up at him. “We don’t force them, Callie,” he explained. “I know it’s difficult to understand, but it’s what they are born to do. Just as I was born to lead our people. We follow the way of Garra.”

“But hasn’t any of them ever wanted to do something else? Just because they have blue wings doesn’t mean they don’t want to become a dancer or a writer or whatever.”

He shrugged, not quite understanding her ire. “It has never happened before, but if an educator were truly unhappy then we would gladly address the issue. I would never want an educator to feel trapped or hopeless in the life they are chosen to live.”

Some of her anger dissolved and her gaze softened when she peered up at him. “Your way of life will take some getting used to, Zar.”

He stopped walking and tugged her to a halt. “Is it too much to take in? We can go back home. I don’t wish to overwhelm you.”

She cupped his cheek and smiled. “It’s all so different, but I can handle it. I’m not going to break, Zar.”

His chest expanded with a flood of warmth. “You will tell me if you feel anxious?”

She brushed at his suit coat and replied. “I promise.”

Satisfied, Zar started walking again. He noticed a group of commoners walking up from the right. “The brown wings signify a caprisia. Or commoner.”

“An average joe like me. Now that I can relate to.”

Callie was anything but average, but he refrained from correcting her. “Every individual in our society plays an important role. Commoners grow crops and raise animals that we use for food. They are scientists. They run our stores. They help us take care of the gindier. The barrier around our mountain. The list goes on. We couldn’t survive without them.”

She gestured towards a member of the awe’rosa. “And that guy is part of your guard. He has the red wings like Dyre.”

“Yes, the awe’rosa, or the red guard you would call it,” he answered. “Dyre is the captain of the awe’rosa, then there are seven lieutenants under him and eighty-five guards beneath that. I think about a hundred scouts as well. They patrol our perimeter, police our people and of course guard the royal family. They are taller and have more muscle mass than the average Zenarian. The only Zenarian stronger than a guard is the royal family.”

“Eucilii, Awe’rosa, caprisia.” Her brows scrunched together. “Why the strange words?”

“It’s our native language, Callie. It’s not strange to us. And although we’ve adapted to the language of this region, some words are simply ingrained in us and therefore harder to let go.”

She nodded. “I would love to learn to speak your language, Zar.”

His chest expanded. “I will gladly teach you.”

As they approached the large, wooden doors leading into the great hall, Callie took a deep breath and let it out. “Here’s hoping they don’t hate me,” she muttered.

He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss along her knuckles. “They will adore you, little dove. You will see.”

He swung the doors wide and stepped into the room. Everyone turned their direction and several gazes widened in shock. Zar spotted Dyre and Flare across the room. Dyre was talking with his lieutenants while Flare watched on. When the room fell silent, Flare and Dyre swung their gazes towards them. Flare smiled, both men came forward to greet them.

Flare patted Callie’s shoulder. “You mustn’t worry,” he said, his voice low enough that those around them wouldn’t hear. “All will be well.”

Dyre’s eyebrows pulled downward. “I have arranged for Rolis, Brasius and Trask to patrol the grounds, while Larz and Havak, my top two lieutenants, guard the front and back entrance.”

“Did Brasius see to Queen Lyria?”

“He did, my king. She has left the area and all indications pointed to her going back to her mountain.”

“Good,” he said. That feeling of foreboding hadn’t eased and it worried Zar. “I approve of your choices, but I want you by Callie’s side the entire evening.” He looked over at Flare. “You as well.”

Dyre nodded and he looked down at Callie and graced her with a rare smile. “You look stunning tonight, Callie.”

Callie narrowed her gaze at the captain of the guard. “Did you just smile and pay me a compliment both? I’m shocked.”

Dyre’s smile fell. “Yes,” he bit out.

Callie chuckled. “You’re too easy to mess with, Dyre.”

He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. “You enjoy my suffering a little too much, Ms. Wilson.”

“Guilty,” she shot right back as she wrapped an arm around Zar’s middle.

Zar tugged her against him, then leaned close to her ear. “Dyre is right though. You do look stunning. I will take great pleasure in peeling that dress off of you later though.”

Her cheeks reddened and Zar knew he’d managed to take her mind off the impending threat. He would do whatever it took to ensure she enjoyed the evening. And it would only be the first of many celebrations Callie attended with him.

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