“Would you stop looking at me like that. I gave my word didn’t I?” Lilly frowned. She was wearing a pink fluffy dress her mother pick out for her. He’d been able to force the laughter down at how out of place she looked wearing something so feminine so he turned his eyes to the city growing closer. The king’s castle jutted up from inside the city walls, the highest tower had a blue flag with a white star in its center waving in the wind. When they rode to the gates the soldiers bowed recognizing Jaden and ordered them to be opened from the inside. He ignored the usual look of discomfort from them as the gates opened.
“Jerk.” He heard Lilly mumble. He quirked his eyebrow glancing at her. “What? I saw the way they looked at you. And you call me rude?”
“I’m the only Rizel in Alura Lilly. If it wasn’t for your father and I being friends you would look at me like that as well.”
She sniffed. “Maybe, but I doubt it. I’d like to think I’d get to know you first before judging you.”
He managed a wry grin. “Perhaps so. I know my life wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have you or your father.” The solitude of the city was a little easier he had to admit knowing she didn’t think of him as an outcast.
“Yeah you’d be bored out of your skull.”
He shrugged. “Well, I wouldn’t say that. The Elders of the Rizel tribes keep me entertained.”
“Oh right. Father told me you were helping to draw up a treaty between Alura and three Elders that represent each of the three clans.” She perked up suddenly. “Does that mean more Rizel will be coming to Alura?”
