Shadow Wings (The Darkest Drae Book 2)(45)

The female Phaetyn inclined her head.

They straightened and chorused, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

What the hay?

I heard the tread of footsteps and glanced down the hall, spotting Kamoi's friendly smile and glowing eyes as he neared.

“Ryn, come,” he said, waving me toward him. “Have you eaten?” When I shook my head, he passed me a plate containing slices of yellow fruit. “Here, it’s mango, a sweet fruit.” He watched as I bit into a slice and then asked, “Will you allow me the pleasure of showing you Zivost?”

Perfect. I actually did want to explore and get a better sense of what I’d dropped into. I swallowed my mouthful and said, “Yes.” Picking up another slice of the yellow fruit, I added, “This is delicious.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

I grabbed the remaining slices off the plate and handed it to one of the guards.

Kamoi led me out of the quartz house. There were more guards outside the house than when we arrived yesterday. Several were constructing a railing around the queen’s ash tree while more set up long tables around it.

“They are getting ready for a welcome party,” he said in his lilting voice.

I smiled because I knew it was expected, but I wasn’t sure I wanted a party. I wasn’t sure I didn’t either. Not that it mattered what I wanted. As soon as we stepped off the elevated porch, I halted as every thought but one fled my mind. “Just a sec.” I bent over to pull off my soft boots with my free hand. As my bare feet touched the ground, I sighed. “I knew this would be amazing. It's almost like the energy radiates from the soil?”

Kamoi smiled. “It actually does.”

He closed the small gap between us and took my free hand in his. I shivered at the contact. The Phaetyn mojo we had going on was pretty strong; deniable but strong. Before I could withdraw my hand, he tucked it into the crook of his arm and, with a slight tug, indicated we go.

Al’righty then.

I let him lead me through the forest, chewing on the fruit slices. Kamoi explained how the different affinities to plants and animals manifested during childhood and how some developed more powers as they aged. He spoke of the lineage of royalty and the expanded powers those Phaetyn were blessed with. He told me of the peace they had enjoyed for centuries until the Drae and Kings began murdering his people for their healing blood.

“I can’t imagine how that felt,” I said softly. “For the people you’d fed for eons to turn on you.”

His face darkened, and he stared into the trees for a long moment before giving me a small smile. “Our lives are not all bad, you know. Did you know that each Phaetyn has a tree? The soul of the tree and the soul of the Phaetyn are one.”

“So do I have a tree?” Would I be able to see some things of my life? Would I be able to see my mother as clearly as I had Queen Luna or Queen Alani?

“I don't know, Kealani,” he said and then amended with a blush, “Ryn. I meant Ryn.”

I was grateful he at least made an effort to respect my wishes. There was something about seeing a handsome man blush that had my stomach flipping.

“We know you have significant power. But I’m afraid your power may not be enough to win the Phaetyn’s loyalty.”

I blinked as his words registered. Was I trying to win the Phaetyn’s loyalty? I mean, the more the merrier as far as fighting the emperor was concerned. Their healing power would certainly come in useful. Regardless of fighting a war, they should’ve been helping the other kingdoms with growing food so people could eat. Tyrrik’s warning bounced around in my head, planting seeds of distrust. The prince had his own agenda. Tyrrik was right; everyone did. What was Kamoi’s? There was one way to find out. “Hey, can I see your tree?”

The prince tripped, stumbling forward, and I released his arm.

Two guards stepped out from behind the trees, and the closest cleared her throat.

“Your highness,” she said, violet eyes hardening when she met my gaze. She broke the contact and glided up to Kamoi. “Your mother has requested you return, immediately. The rebels have overrun the Circle of the Sacred Tree, and she needs you to lead the armies.”

The first elm tree I’d touched? My initial impression of the convenience of the guard’s interruption made me wince. Had that been a cover so Kamoi didn’t have to show me his tree? My chest sunk with shame at the thought. I shouldn’t be judging Kamoi so harshly. Maybe asking to see someone’s tree was a big Phaetyn no-no. How would I be if my people were at war? The Phaetyn rebellion wasn’t a convenience for anyone, and he was bound to be a little tense.

“Do you want me to come, too?” I asked. At the very least, I could go Drae and protect those who needed it.

Kamoi smiled at me and scooped my hand in his. Holding my hand gently, he raised it to his mouth and brushed his lips over the top. “You are filled with honor, Ryn. It’s one of your many gifts. There might come a time when your presence will help immensely, but for now, I’ll attend the queen and see what I can do to dissolve the tension.” He nodded at the male guard just inside the tree line. “Harlan, you will accompany Ryn wherever she goes. Do not let any harm come to her.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but Kamoi was only being protective. I guess I’d let him.

Kamoi and the female Phaetyn left. Harlan and I stared at each other.