Chapter 7

• “I wish I could wear something more formal.”
• Bastian glanced over his shoulder at Liri. “You’re not going to a ball.” He caught the smirk on Tor’s face, “it’s easier to sneak you somewhere if you’re not dressed up.” He stopped and assessed her. Dark jeans, a hoodie, and a black jacket. It was fine until he reached her miles of wavy red hair. “Tuck your hair in and put the hood up.” She did quickly. “Better.” He started walking again. Trendan had assured him they would get through the transport without issue. Bastian didn’t know how he was doing it, but the fact that he was going against protocol and all the rules gave him hope that he wasn’t a lost cause.
• Both of his brothers had spent decades serving in the guard, he blamed their rigidity and solid morals on that. Bastian hadn’t been sent to do such a doldrum thing. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was the youngest of their parent’s beloved children or that they knew rules and he didn’t mesh seamlessly.