Locked

"I didn't," Jaren said.

One of the other guards shifted, but Jaren lifted a hand.

"She's following orders," he added, nodding toward the woman from before. "She's not wrong. But that doesn't mean you are, either."

Ashwing raised his head slightly. "So which is it? Are we detained, or are we walking?"

Jaren looked at him, not startled. Not surprised.

Just acknowledged the voice like someone used to strange things.

"You're not detained," he said. "But you're not going to the king tonight. Not after what just happened."

Lindarion crossed his arms. "Then you're wasting my time."

"I'm trying to keep you alive," Jaren replied evenly. "And the king too, while I'm at it."

The other guards were silent now. Eyes sharp, hands still close to weapons, but no one moved.

Lindarion stared at Jaren. Long enough to measure. Not mana. Not power.

But intent.

Jaren met the look without blinking.