Adrian’s heart skipped a beat at her words. “What are you talking about? Why would King Caelan have any impact on dragon politics?”
The woman’s eyes widened as if she’d realized she’d said something she shouldn’t have. “Oh. Nothing. I was thinking out loud. I’m sure he doesn’t.” The words flowed out too quickly and Adrian didn’t believe her. No, he needed to pass along Mio’s random comment to the king’s advisor. Maybe he’d be able to make sense of it, or even better, make use of the information to help them in securing Drayce and the godstone.
There was more that he wanted to ask, but the scrape and shuffle of approaching footsteps indicated they weren’t going to be alone for much longer. This conversation was better had without others hanging on their every word. It was a shame, because he had a feeling this was critical stuff that could very well help the king when it came to dealing with Clan Takahashi and the other dragons.
Adrian dropped his hands to his sides and stepped closer to Mio, preparing to protect her if there was any trouble. He didn’t miss the amused smile she flashed in his direction as she also pushed to her feet.
A trio of men came along the narrow stone path and entered the park. Their eyes immediately swept over Adrian and then locked on to Mio, as if she were the one they’d been seeking. The men looked young, barely more than teenagers with short dark hair and clean-shaven faces that still held a hint of baby fat in the apples of their cheeks.
Not one of them wore a band around his neck like Mio.
They weren’t Phantoms like Mio. No, they were members of one of the various clans.
Adrian bit down on his tongue. He needed to be careful. One wrong word from him could make Mio’s life miserable. Not to mention, he could ruin things for the king.
“Takahashi,” Mio murmured with only the lightest sharpness to her voice.
“Mio,” replied the man in the lead. He somehow managed to make her name sound like a mocking joke. Or maybe it was that she didn’t have a clan name attached to her own. “We heard you’d taken in guests. Starting a hostel for foreign scum? Or maybe you’re planning to help them invade our home?”
Adrian took a step forward, but Mio calmly placed a hand on his arm, and he froze.
“I’ll admit that it was a little surprising to be hosting a king. Truly, how could he choose my modest place over the Clan Takahashi’s manor? Especially after visiting the manor and meeting with the clan leader.”
“I’m sure it was the warmth of your hospitality that won over King Caelan,” Adrian added.
The young woman smiled up at him as if preening under his praise. “Do you think?”
“Yes. The king was saying the other day that no one had ever shown him such kindness or made him feel so at home while he was away from the Godstone.” Adrian added that last bit to see if he could get a reaction.
It worked. All three men instantly appeared flustered. They hadn’t known one of the visitors was both a king and the Guardian of the Godstone who was on the island. They were not high within Clan Takahashi and weren’t privy to all the inside knowledge. The trio had probably heard rumors that foreigners had come to the Isle of Stone.
Mio leaned in and said in a loud whisper, “You need to excuse me. I must hurry home. I have a feeling that the Guardian of the Godstone will soon have more visitors from the other clans now that he’s officially met with the clan leader.” She rocked back on her heels and cocked her head to the side before gazing up at Adrian. “I wonder if you’ll be invited to stay at one of the other clan manors.”
“You belong to the Takahashi!” the leader of the group shouted suddenly. “You should not be supporting the other clans if they wish to speak with the Guardian.”
“As a Phantom, I must open my home to all clans. Besides, King Caelan doesn’t belong to a clan. He can speak to anyone he wishes.” Mio turned to Adrian with a smile. “Would you help me with my packages, Adrian?”
“Of course, Lady Mio,” he replied, hurrying to help gather up her bags. He made sure she didn’t have a chance to touch a single one and then took up position behind her. This woman was strong and confident. She didn’t need a protector when it came to facing the other clans and harassers. But he was more than happy to lend a hand if things turned violent.
They left the park through the other entrance, turning their backs on the trio of men. Adrian remained alert, listening for any sound of them approaching, but they quickly fell into harsh whispers over what Mio had said. When they were a few blocks away and nearing Mio’s home, Adrian finally asked, “Do you honestly think other clans will ask to speak with the king?”