Azra said nothing, biting his tongue as he remained frozen and rooted to the spot. He heard Varyx open the door harshly, saying in a quiet yet commanding voice, “Mero, please ask Prince Lyroth’s escort-”

“I’m right here.” Gwen’s voice was sudden- loud and abrasive as she cut off the prince. 

Azra’s heart was racing as he turned towards the door, shock and worry in his gaze. He watched as Varyx’s face turned to a subdued annoyance, stepping aside for Gwen who marched through the room to Azra’s side. 

Looking up at Gwen, Azra felt his stomach twist into knots. He knew that while she was merely doing her duty in being defensive and protective of him, her actions would only warrant them more scrutiny. 

And Varyx Vaniya did not appear to be a forgiving man. 

“Gwen, keep your mouth shut,” Azra whispered through gritted teeth. “Apologize. Right now.” He watched as Varyx slowly shut the door again, striding forward to close the space between Azra and himself.  

Reluctantly, Gwen stepped aside without taking her eyes off of Varyx, muttering a quiet, “Forgive me, Your Highness,” that hardly sounded sincere. 

Azra felt slightly dizzy being caught between two alphas with their tempers high- the air was thick, their scents making Azra feel nauseous. He swallowed past his collar, trying not to let his discomfort show. 

Varyx stood in front of Gwen with his hands folded behind his back and a look of displeasure clear on his face. “You are Prince Lyroth’s escort, in charge of his well being and safety?”

She gave him a firm nod, saying with a sense of pride, “I am.”

Varyx’s green eyes snapped to Azra for a moment before they slid back to Gwen, his voice ringing with an air of authority as he said, “I thank you for your service to the prince, but going forward we will have no need of you.”

Azra felt his breath catch, a slight shiver making his hair stand on end as it turned white with his shock and horror. 

“What?” Gwen’s question was a snarl, her voice raised- her eyes wide and livid.

Varyx seemed unphased as he stated coldly, “I’ve appointed a knight far more suited to the task. You are relieved of your post.”

Azra felt compelled to step in for Gwen’s sake and beg the prince to reconsider, but Gwen was too quick for him…and Azra knew her refusal would only make the matter worse. “I am not standing aside. I have ensured Azra made the journey here all the way from Solvale. I have stayed at his side, protecting him-”

“You’re aware of the situation?” Varyx asked, cutting her off as he glared at her. “That Prince Lyroth’s presence must remain a secret in order to keep him safe?” 

To Azra’s relief, Gwen’s jaw snapped shut, clenched tightly. She merely nodded, remaining silent. 

Varyx tilted his head to the side, regarding her carefully. His gaze only flicked to Azra for a split second before they returned to Gwen. “How many people in Solvale know of his…condition? Surely quite a few if it reached our ears so far North?” 

Azra sucked in a breath as he blanched, his hair remaining a ghostly white as he looked at Gwen for a suitable answer. She hesitated before saying with a gruff honesty, “There was an unprecedented matter-”

“I’m aware,” Varyx snapped. He stepped forward toward her, uncomfortably close. His voice was threatening as he murmured, “Azra’s secrecy and safety is of the highest regard. You are not suitable for the task, even as an alpha.” Varyx seemed to wait for her to snap back, but with a baleful look from Azra, she simply lowered her head. 

Azra could feel her quivering beside him, grateful when she made no further moves to contradict Varyx…and perhaps a deep part of her knew that the alpha prince was right. 

Varyx straightened, turning to Azra as he said confidently, “If you wish for your escort to return to Solvale, I can have arrangements made.” Perhaps he could see the protest on Azra’s face this time as he added quickly, “Or, if you wish for her to stay, it can be as your personal servant. I leave the details to you, but I will be appointing a suitable replacement as your guard.” He glanced at Gwen wearily, saying as a final note to Azra, “You can discuss things between the two of you later, but for now, Prince Lyroth, you will come with me.”   

Watching Varyx walk towards the door left Azra feeling pulled behind him by an invisible leash. He looked at Gwen desperately for a moment; he wanted to say so many things, but instead he turned to Varyx. “What about Gwen? She’s just to stay here waiting?” he asked, teeth grit and brow painfully tight with worry. 

Green eyes fell on Gwen as if Varyx was contemplating her existence. “If I asked you to follow Mero to Prince Lyroth’s room and help prepare it for his stay, would that suffice? You will be summoned when the prince returns for his final decision.”

Azra could hear her huff out a sigh, her voice gentle as she stated, “Thank you, Your Highness.” She gave a low bow, her brown eyes searching Azra’s face with earnest concern. She said nothing, perhaps having learned that no good would come for either of them if she challenged Prince Vaniya. 

Swallowing, Azra nodded slowly before finally moving his feet to follow Varyx out into the hall. Outside the room, the air seemed clearer, his head less muddled as he stepped into place beside the other prince. He could feel Varyx staring down at him, reluctantly looking up to meet his emerald gaze. 

“Are you ready?” Varyx asked, his voice deep and gruff- though it hardly seemed fair as there was only one answer. 

With a hesitant nod, Azra stole one last look towards the closed study door behind him- Gwen on the other side, out of reach. Keeping close behind Varyx’s long strides, he felt the pull within him- the tug of Varyx’s every whim. It took him farther and farther away from everything he had known- leaving it all behind… the last shred he had of Solvale.