Page 24 of Home

Quin glanced over his shoulder at Jof Ta, kind of raised his brows and gave a slight nod. It might not be a bad idea to have certain of those Vivian was comfortable with able to respond to her without having to go through layers of servants to get a simple request addressed. “I will look into it,” he said, promising both Vivian and Jof Ta that he’d take care of it with the one statement.

Bart and Samuel, Jof Ta and his staff, all walked quickly along, keeping up with Quin as he took the turns of the corridors in his near race to get Vivian back to their quarters. As they approached the door Vivian was surprised to see two of Eula’s guard standing at either side of the door. They came to attention at once, bowing to the group.

“Sire, Sirena, we’ve been assigned as supplemental guards to your own. If there is anything you need, simply let us know.”

Vivian looked questioningly at Quin.

“You’ve only got four assigned to you. Those four move through the palace with you. Our home needs to be guarded at all times,” Quin said. “I requested several more guards for our home. There will be two posted here at all times. These are the first two.”

Vivian’s instinct was to argue, but she reminded herself this was all a new situation, a new world — to her anyway — and new way of life. “What are your names?”

“I am Yaghn.”

“I am Var don.”

Both gave a stiff, formal bow.

“I recognize you. You vowed loyalty to me on the ship,” Vivian said.

Both seemed pleased to be remembered. “Yes, Sirena. When our Sire asked for warriors to join his home guard, we volunteered to protect your home and your family. Our Sovereigna was more than happy to allow the transfer,” Yaghn explained.

“I’m happy to have you here,” Vivian said graciously.

“Please don’t hesitate to let Zahn, or any of us know if you have any requests or suggestions to be considered,” Quin said.

Both males bowed to her and Quin once more, then resumed their stony faced presence on either side of their door.

Rel unlocked the door and he and Kail stepped through first.

Quin followed with Vivian in his arms.

Bart and Samuel followed by Jof Ta and platters of food brought up the rear.

“Oh! Are you hungry?” Vivian called out.

They didn’t answer not realizing she was speaking to them.

“Yaghn, Var don, are you hungry?” she repeated.

“No, Sirena. We’ve eaten and are ready for our shift.”

“If you get hungry or thirsty, just come on in and get what you want,” she said.

They smiled genuinely, but had become the stoic statues they’d first been when she’d been introduced to them by the time Quin set her down on the sofa and closed the door.

He came back to her shaking his head good-natured. “Vivi, that is not how security works. They must remain at their post, alert for any sign of trouble.”

“At our door. Inside the palace. Which is heavily guarded by multiple layers of other security beyond these walls.”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s just stupid. They can have a drink of water or a sandwich if they want it.”

Jof Ta tried to suppress a snort of laughter, and kept his head down as he placed all the trays on tables around the room. “Sirena, it is my hope that you and your family enjoy our food.Please, do not feel the need to come all the way down to the dining room when it is so difficult for you to do so. I will see to it that you have food here at all times.”

“I don’t want to be a bother. I can see to my own needs,” she said.

“Please, allow me the honor, Sirena,” Jof Ta said, bowing to her as he moved backward toward the door, shooing his staff out behind himself as he moved.

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