Page 73 of The Last Syphon

A shield wall snapped into existence in the doorway, not allowing her to close it another inch. Inara glared at Kronan.

The man said nothing, as usual, but the intention was more than clear to her.

“You must allow me to speak with you. As your royal representative, I am required to explain your new role,” the princess rushed out, her voice riddled with nerves.

“The role you tricked me into, you mean?”

Her face flushed. She cleared her throat. “Yes.”

“Why? Why did you do it? Why did you lie? You said I didn’t have to accept the appointment if I won.”

“Yes. I did say that.”

“But you knew that the moment I signed that stupid Enrollment Scroll, I would be forced to take the position or risk spending a year in the dungeon.” She did not phrase it like a question because it wasn’t one. It was an accusation.

Princess Phaedra nodded once solemnly. “Yes.”

Inara’s anger returned tenfold. She hated being lied to. Fraener growled, sensing her rising frustration. “Again, I ask you, why?”

“May I come in?” the princess asked instead.

Inara did not want to let her in. In fact, all she wanted was to rest and forget all about this horrid day⁠—

Felix came over and barged Inara out of the way. He opened the door wider and bowed at the waist. “Come on in, princess.”

Inara stumbled briefly before righting herself. She turned her glare on her best friend, who just shrugged and said, “She’s the fucking princess of Arelia. Do you really think you can deny her?”

Inara did not have an appropriate response for that, so she opted to just growl instead.

Felix swept a hand out in front of him, urging them inside. “Please.”

Princess Phaedra nodded once in thanks and entered. Felix shut the door behind them and took a seat back on the edge of the bed. He picked up the bowl of sweets he’d abandoned and began to snack on them, eagerly watching the scene unfold.

“I know you are upset—” she began.

“Upset?” Inara questioned. “Why would I be upset? Because you lied to me? Because you tricked me into being your brother’s personal Shielder when you know I don’t like him?”

“To be fair, you were planning to compete already.”

“But I wouldn’t have if I’d known what I would be contractually obligated to do. Spend time in the Crowned Prince’s presence.”

“Please. Allow me to explain.”

Inara snorted. “Why should I? What good⁠—”

“Oh, would you just shut up and let the woman speak?” Felix shook his head. “You were just bitching before about how you didn’t know why she did it. And now she’s here, trying to explain it to you, and you won’t let her. Just sit your ass down, have some sweets, and listen.” Fraener circled the room once more and then landed on Felix’s shoulder. Felix jumped and then shrugged, picking a sweet from the bowl and offering it to him.

Inara grumbled under her breath. One of the many reasons why she cherished her friendship with Felix so much was because they were close enough to always tell each other the truth. To always call each other out on bad behaviour, knowing full well it would not affect their relationship.

Felix jiggled the bowl and patted the bed next to him.

Releasing a huff, Inara took a seat and snatched the dish out of his hands. She took a fistful of the sweets and shoved them into her mouth. Sweet. Sugary with a gooey centre. Delicious.

“I understand why you might feel a little betrayed right now, and you have every right. I did lie to you, and I apologise.” Princess Phaedra bowed low at the waist in sincerity. “Please know it was done with no ill intent. I knew that it was a requirement to sign the Enrollment Scroll to compete in the trials. And I knew if you won, you would be required to serve out your full term as a personal Shielder. And while I was not sure you would actually beat Larissa, I had hoped that would be the case.”

“Why?”

“Because I believe you could be good for my brother.”