Chapter 34

" So you're the Phelan that Kael won't shut up about, huh? " she asked and he turned to Kael. His brows raised and a smile naturally appearing into his astonishingly handsome features. 

" Do not listen to her. She has no idea what she's saying, " Kael denied and Phelan chuckled. His dark hair was tied at the back of his head. Some strands let loose to frame one eye. Individually they were attractive. But together, standing side by side as they were, they could be referred to as nothing other than dangerous. It would not be safe for the entire kingdom's female population to have those two in the same room. 

" And what exactly was he saying about me, if I may ask? "

" I don't really know, something about you being his most beloved and closest- "

" Okay, enough of that. Phelan meet the queen. Queen, this is Phelan. " Kael hurriedly cut in as he stepped between them. They were close no doubt. She could see it just by looking at them. And the truth to that was portrayed in the fort they in. Details concerning the both of them could be noted everywhere. Like a frame on the wall on which four feathers had been placed instead of a photo. Two were golden, and the other two were midnight blue. 

Phelan was just as formal as everyone else in the kingdom was when it came to addressing her. And he was not nearly as reckless as Kael appeared. But together, they made the perfect company. Always arguing about the smallest things. Like the fact that Kael had not helped with anything the entire day. 

" Of course I have! Who do you think cleaned the windows this morning? "

" I did Kael. I cleaned them while you were busy flirting with half the staff. "

" Since when do keep count on who does what? "

" Since YOU insisted on us doing so! "

It went on and on. And Flame settled down on the golden couch to enjoy the scene. Their scents were so strong. 

Innocence and danger coated in a sweet vanilla fragrance. It was strange how that exact thought came to mind whenever Kael was close. And with Phelan, she scented an explosive blend of blue chamomile and spring jasmines. The scents seemed to clash, creating an irresistible perfume that now filled her surrounding. 

They served as a nice way to escape her present and distract her from everything that was going on around her. And she even offered to help them finish up building their fort. It was a special place for the two of them. Somewhere where they could go to escape from whatever they were dealing with. Or to simply sit and chat. 

She wished she had had a friend like that. 

They were mostly done with building so all that was left was decorating the place. But the two had very opposite views on their individual choice of design. So she decided to sit again and wait for them to argue it out. But even as the hours passed by, her dear angel was all she could think about. Him and the things he had said. The things he made her feel. 

She had never before missed someone so much after only being away from them for a while. But she feared their next meeting because he had turned out to be quite unpredictable. Who knew what perverted things he might try to force her into listening to next. 

" We wish we could stay longer but we have to tend to our duties, " Phelan said as he and Kael got ready to leave. They had spent about two hours with Flame. And she was sad that they had to leave. 

But she assured them that it was okay. Asking them what exactly it was that they were going to do. 

" Just a casual inspection of the kingdom. To simply ensure that everything is going on well, " Kael responded. She nodded and watched as he went to the book shelf and opened up a drawer at the bottom. Retrieving two sheaths which he efficiently strapped to his back in a cross pattern. Then he took out two swords and placed them inside the sheaths. The action was carried out neatly, but with such skillful speed. And once he was done he turned to her. And she noticed how lovely his swords were. The handles were curved in an exquisite design of black and gold. 

It must have taken ages to get it done right. 

" They actually only took a day. Rylan made them. But I assume you haven't met him yet, " Kael said. 

" Is he an angel? "

" He is. "

" I'm sure I'll meet him soon. "

Beside them Phelan went to work loading more of his classic throwing stars onto his belt. They managed to stay still without a problem. All thanks to Rylan as well. The red winged armsexpert was the being to go to when you were in need of any sort of weapon. Although he was also known to have a bit of a temper at times. Both Phelan and Kael had avoided him most when they were still trying to fit into the council over three centuries ago. 

Back when they were still at war. The two of them being the youngest always managed to get into trouble. Either by roaming past the set boundary or chatting late at night while the angel that had been on guard the entire day tried to get some sleep. Rylan never let them have it easy. He saw them not as the young changelings that they were, but as wayward troublemaking warriors that needed to be straightened out. 

But regardless of it all, they still cherished him. Along with all the other members of the Council of balance. Because they had been the safe haven that these two were desperately in need of at the time. Even though they thought they were close to their deaths, they still appreciated having beings that sought to protect and shield them. 

" Good bye Flame, " Kael said and she smiled at him. Phelan simply waved as they exited the fort. 

" You are free to stay here for as long as you desire, " Phelan came back in to assure her. There was a gentleness about him. The way he carried himself. It was in each action he did. 

And were it not for Kael, he would not talk nearly as much as he did. Though he did not actually talk much. But his nature was one that made him feel better when he kept to himself, he did not mind having respectable company but he preferred it when he was alone. With an exception of Kael of course. But despite that, he always made sure that his deeds were positively influential. 

The angel Rehan had once called him a noble and true spirit. It was after an incident that had forged his Friendship with Kael. 

" Thank you Phelan, but promise me that once you decide to decorate, you'll inform me so that I can help. "

" I give you my word. It will be my deepest pleasure. "

" Hey Phelan, what is taking you so long? Just what are you up to in there? " They heard Kael shout from outside . Sounding impatient. It had not even been two minutes. 

" I better get going. Good bye milady. "

Flame watched as his starred wings of midnight blue disappeared into the outside space. She stood and went to the doorway, watching as he stooped down before rising up into the air where Kael was waiting. And together they flew away, until all that could be seen was the shimmering of Kael's wings and the weapons they had carried. 

She remained in their fort for a few minutes. But decided to head back inside afterwards. It was getting late and she did not want the darkness to descend on her while she was still outside. It would mean having to walk to the house alone. And in the dark. That did not sound in any way pleasing. 

So she made one last look around the lovely room she was in, locking the drawer that Kael had left open before leaving.

                                   ✳️❇️✳️❇️✳️

After several hectic hours in the town Nuriel managed to wrap things up for the day. He had tried his best to do everything in the little amount of time he had chosen to spare to tend to work. 

Having talked to the residents of the kingdom in a last minute meeting he had called. Explaining to them that they had nothing to be worried about. 

Some believed him. But he could also see the fear in the eyes of the others. They might have assured him that they believed in him but he was certain that they only said that out of necessity. Deep down they were as frightened as they could be. 

He had also discussed the findings of the murder sights with Barin and Rylan who had examined them the previous day. But so far they had nothing. 

Bastian was yet to return. He was too far away for their mind link to work but he did not worry about that. For he was sure that it would not be long before the skilled spymaster returned with information on the witches. 

He walked down the hall that led to the kitchen. Never before had he bothered to visit that particular part of the Triecan. But he wanted to ensure that Flame had had her meal. Ignoring the tension that built up in the room once he walked in he called for Xavier. 

" How may I be of assistance my king? "

" Has my Doseth had her meal yet? "

" Not yet. She spent most of her time with masters Kael and Phelan. when I went to serve her afterwards she claimed that she was not hungry. " Xavier explained. And Nuriel asked him to prepare a tray for her. Which he waited for until it was ready. Then he personally took it and left for his quarters.