Chapter 591

"Wasn't there another one?" Nera asked, "Didn't you say…?"

"Yes." Elain agreed, nodding and turning toward Kaii as the three of them moved through the Palace at speed. "You said Siv was around here somewhere?"

"Indeed he is, Lady Elain." Kaii agreed, "However, perhaps it is best that he stay out of sight." Kaii paused, and Elain knew there was more coming by the way he glanced her way and then back up the hallway, as if gauging what her response might be, "Especially if you insist on going into the city."

Elain considered that. She had asked Kaii if he knew of anywhere that they might come across Helion in the city, thinking that they might have better luck there than Lucien had apparently had in the library. She could see his reasoning in keeping Siv following them out of sight, just in the off chance that something might happen. Lucien would not have asked them to watch her without good reason, and she did not want to completely cast that aside. Her mate was concerned for her wellbeing, and Elain would honour that. "Yes," She agreed, smiling at him in a way that would let him know she was not going to fight him over this. "You know better than I how to manage these things."

"I appreciate you acknowledging my expertise, Lady." The words were said lightly, but Elain felt the weight of truth behind them. Kaii liked for others to notice his talents, and he wished to be recognised for what he could do. She suspected that he would have that desire met in the coming years working closely with Lucien.

"If you wish to develop that expertise further, you should spend some time in the Autumn Court." Nera put in, and Elain inclined her head in agreement. No doubt guards could learn all sorts of skills in the Autumn Court.

"I am certain that is true, Lady," Kaii replied, "But the Day Court is home for me."

"Admirable." Nera commented, and the surprise at being called 'Lady' was clear on her face and in her voice for all to see. Elain nudged her, grinning a little, and Nera blushed noticeably. She would need to get used to being called Lady if she continued to be seen on Eris' arm. He would, no doubt, not tolerate anyone treating her with anything less than respect, and Elain knew that his Court would know of it. There would be no grey areas there.

It was only a few minutes until they were walking into the city, and Kaii led them down a street Elain was not familiar with. She had always taken the busy streets into the centre of town, near where Sheera's shop was, but Kaii led them in a different direction. "Where is it that you are taking us?" She asked, and Nera linked her arm through Elain's. Evidently her friend was also registering the unfamiliar surroundings. Giving Nera a gentle squeeze, Elain tried to be reassuring. She trusted Kaii and she was thankful to know that Siv hovered somewhere nearby unseen. They were safe.

"There is a small place, a hole in the wall really, that the High Lord likes to visit when he wants to be left alone." Kaii said. "We all know if it, and generally know not to disturb him there."

"What does he do there?" Nera asked, one eyebrow raised.

"Eats…" Kaii replied, looking at the two of them. "Drinks…"

"Ah." Elain was slightly relieved at that response. She had been wondering what Nera's question had almost hinted at, and she was glad they were not heading toward some den of iniquity.