When Sera admitted she had a secret and asked him to close his eyes, Fidelis's heart raced. What was it going to be? Was she not human, like him? Was she like Liz, a shifter? Or maybe some other supernatural flavor of Earth's few non-human races? He felt a tinge of worry and excitement. If Sera were not human, it would open more options for providing help.
He came out of his thoughts when Blainel tapped his shoulder. Fidelis stiffened. That was the signal to alert him to an intruder's presence in the dimensional space. He didn't hear any alarmed sounds from Sera. That allowed him to remain calm. It did beg the question, though, of who had enough magic to bypass a barrier made by his two trusted friends. Blainel and Sodalitas were powerhouses in their own right in magic and combat.
He kept his eyes shut and waited for Sera's go-ahead to open them. He felt a small pulse of magic, then Sera whispered, "Romeo, you guys can look now."
Fidelis turned around and froze. His mouth fell open in happy shock.
"Breathtaking," he murmured.
His eyes traveled over her from head to toe. From her long, flowing silver hair with violet tints that matched her bright violet eyes, everything about her snared his attention so completely that Fidelis almost forgot to breathe. He had never seen anyone as lovely as her before.
"You look like an idiot, staring at her like that."
Fidelis turned his gaze to the unwelcome intruder. Al stood next to Sera, his arrogant smirk in place. Fidelis really couldn't stand the guy. Al claimed to be a friend while constantly undermining and putting Sera down.
"Surprised to see you here. I don't remember inviting you," drawled Fidelis.
Al chuckled, not even trying to hide his malice toward Fidelis. "I am her guard. I will always be able to find her."
Fidelis frowned at Al's choice of words. He saw Sera stiffen, and a hurt expression cross her face. He clenched his hands into fists. He really wanted to deck Al.
"Besides, I don't think we have much to say to an enemy."
"Enemy? I don't think I care for your jests," growled Fidelis.
"Alastar, don't," Sera began, but stopped when Alastar grabbed her shoulder.
So, his real name was Alastar. Good to know. At least he knew what he would add to the other man's grave. Fidelis took a threatening step toward Alastar when he saw the other man dig his fingers into Sera's shoulder.
"Get your hand off her," he ordered.
"I'm not one of your followers, so no, I don't think I will. It's laughable that you both spout nonsense about being truthful when you haven't laid all your cards on the table, as the humans say."
Fidelis felt a surge of fear, anxiety, and anger from Sera in the bond. What was happening? Was there more? And what did Alastar mean he wasn't being honest? He had told Sera the truth. He wasn't human.
"What games are you playing, Alastar?"
"Since we're playing reveal, let me show you." Alastar removed his hand from Sera's shoulder and shrugged.
Fidelis heard a whoosh and then white Poten wings snapped open behind Alastar. He heard the rustle of Sodalitas and Blainel as they assumed defensive positions behind him. Poten. Alastar was a Poten guard. Fidelis fought his own rise of emotions. Now that smug bastard's enemy comment made sense. His head whipped toward Sera, and he saw the fear on her face.
He forced himself to calm down. Even if she were Poten, it wouldn't change his feelings for her. He loved her, not her background. Before he could reassure her of his feelings, Alastar continued his manipulations.
"I know who you are. You aren't just a Cornibus citizen. You are Crown Prince Fidelis,+ and the two with you must be your famed guards, Blainel and Sodalitas."
"Yes, you are correct," retorted Fidelis. He could sense Sera's confusion, surprise, resignation, and sadness. That final emotion hurt his heart. Why would Sera be sad? Did she not believe him? Was their love really that shallow? He shook his head. No. He must not jump to conclusions before talking about it with Sera.
He glanced at Sera. The play of emotions crossing her face was painful to see. Her eyes were too bright, almost as if she were going to cry. Her tears would undo him completely. He took a step and froze. Alastar was once again digging his fingers into Sera's shoulder. The flare of pain filled their bond.
"Oh, enemy crown prince, the irony of this moment is too funny for words," said Alastar, a triumphant, predatory gleam filled his eyes.
"What do you mean?" snapped Fidelis. He felt Blainel and Sodalitas move closer, protecting his back.
Alastar pushed Sera forward a little. "Show him," he ordered.
Sera's head lowered, and Fidelis's anger surged. She looked so defeated. I'm going to kill him, vowed Fidelis. Some way, somehow, Alastar would die by his hand for daring to cause Sera so much pain and sadness.
Her feelings were rioting in their bond. He didn't know how to calm them.
"Sera?"
She flinched. "I, I'm sorry," she whispered. She shuddered, and then the whoosh of wings opening shook the air.
Fidelis's eyes widened. Sera was Poten! But her wings…they were unlike any Poten wings he had ever seen. Instead of the shimmering white, her wings were a dull gray. Other than that, they looked normal.
"So, she's a Poten like you. What's the big deal, Alastar?" sneered Fidelis. "You acted like her secret was some life-altering event. I still love her even if she is a Poten."
Alastar frowned, then laughed mockingly at Fidelis's words. "Oh, Autem, this is too rich! Yes, she's Poten. That's not the ironic part. She is the daughter of your enemy," he chortled.
Daughter of my enemy? Alastar's words didn't register at first.
It was Blainel's gasp and whispered, "She's King Bayrel's youngest daughter, Your Highness!"
Fidelis blinked. Bayrel's youngest? There were always rumors that he had a younger daughter that no one had ever seen. No one knew the girl's name, and many doubted her existence. They thought it was a myth that the crafty king threw out there to keep enemies from going after Princess Amanah.
"Sera?" Fidelis's voice was soft and gentle.
He didn't want to upset her any more than necessary. Her emotions in their bond were scouring him. All he wanted to do was quiet them for her. He wanted her to understand that her background didn't change his feelings for her. He needed to separate her from Alastar so they could properly talk.
"Sera, we need to talk. Just you and me. Everyone else can leave so we can talk things out."
"I'm afraid that's not possible," interrupted Alastar, his hand going to Sera's arm. "We're leaving," he announced and yanked on Sera's arm, nearly causing her to fall.
She let out a startled yelp, and that was the final straw for Fidelis. He called forth his wind magic and hit Alastar's arm with it. The blow was strong enough to free Sera from his grasp.
Sera put distance between herself and Alastar, her eyes wide with hurt and the beginnings of anger. Fidelis held out his hand towards her. She didn't hesitate. She moved to come to him. She didn't make it. A wall of flame roared to life from the ground, separating them.
"Sera!" Fidelis yelled. He had to put out the fire and save her. "Blainel! Sodalitas! Assist me!" He ordered and charged toward the flames.