Talieran practically bounced down the stairs and threw his arms around Elena, nuzzling his head against her neck. "I waited forever. Where's that annoying fox? He didn't come back with you?"
"Caelir went back to the palace." Elena patted his back. "Talieran, there's something I need to tell you."
"What?"
"In a few days... General Ares is moving in too."
Talieran's body went rigid.
He let go of Elena and stepped back, his blue eyes wide. "That black-haired wolf? Why?!"
"It's the Empress's arrangement, to protect me." Elena explained patiently.
"But I'm already protecting you!" Talieran's voice was full of hurt. "I'm strong! I can protect you! We don't need that wolf!"
"I know you're amazing." Elena reached up to touch his face. "But these are Imperial rules. Beside
