Kael's POV
“Fine,” I say, the word coming out rougher than intended. “I will choose new tutors. And if any of them so much as look at her wrong—”
“You’ll eviscerate them, yes, I’m sure.” He scratches Luna’s chin, earning another rumbling purr. “Just remember that she needs to learn how to fight her own battles. You can’t always be there to shield her.”
The thought of not being there to protect Elara makes my insides twist violently. But he’s right. I can’t be with her every moment, and the capital is full of bad actors who will see her perceived weakness as an invitation.
“I’ll handle it,” I say finally.
“See that you do.” He rises from the chair, and Luna protests the loss of her comfortable perch with an indignant meow. “And, Kael?”
I look up at him.
“Don’t suffocate her with your
