Chapter 214: Explain.
Arawn glanced at the axe, characteristically calm, following along the intricate engravings, along the length of the wood and to the large hand gripping it tightly, muscular forearms going up to the man himself, Axel. He met the man’s eyes, arching a brow at the threat before him. He could get out of this situation, but he kept one arm around Evanna, the other sliding back so he could look Axel square on.
The giant allowed that much. He looked beyond angry, his eyes blazing and face growing red. But his hand did not shake; he was in control. He had enough control to understand what he was doing and to whom he was pointing his axe.
"Axe!?" Evanna whisper-shouted, aghast at the display before her. She kept her voice low, but his girl hadn’t noticed the others were already up and watching the drama of the morning from their spots on the ground.
It seemed Garrett was on watch because he would never let this slide. In fact, if Axel was not Evanna’s comrade, Arawn would have killed him by now.
"Get. Away. From. Her!" Axel spat, pushing the sharp end of his axe into his skin more. Arawn flinched slightly from the pinch of pain now trickling down his neck.
"Axel!" Evanna swiftly slid from Arawn’s arms and crouched in front of the prince protectively, trying to get in Axel’s line of sight. "Remove your axe immediately." Her voice sounded like that of a royal, full of authority.
Arawn had only seen her use it to those not close to her, which in itself seemed to pain Axel as he flinched at her tone. "Why? Tell me, truthfully." Axel kept the axe against Arawn’s throat as his eyes turned to Evanna, who slowly rose to stand and look down at the giant’s crouched position.
"Did he force himself on you, lass? Has he blackmailed you or done anything? Tell me. I am yours to serve, to protect and if he has done bad by you-"
"No," Evanna cut him off instantly. Axel blinked and frowned, waiting expectantly for her to explain further. "Prince Arawn has done nothing wrong. I was cold-"