Despite Kian insisting we need to share a bedroom so that people won’t wonder about us, he hasn’t slept in our room, much less in our wing. It’s honestly kind of a relief when I consider how uncomfortable I was waking up from my nap with his body curled around me that first day. Or maybe I was just uncomfortable with how much I liked it.
Perhaps he found some other woman to share a bed with . . . maybe someone from before who wouldn’t let him go. I try not to dwell on that, as I’m worried I’ll just get depressed. While, rationally, I know it’s what we agreed upon, that doesn’t meanI like it. As long as no rumors spread around court about my husband cheating on me, I suppose I can deal. Despite the gods “blessing” our marriage, they don’t care about faithfulness. Odd, when a marriage bond is supposed to be forever.
Sneaking a glance at Kian, I can’t help but admire how handsome he looks in his training clothes, the supple leather pants hugging his legs like a second skin. He tucks a stray lock of hair behind his ear, and his strong, stubbled jaw draws my eyes. What would that feel like beneath my fingers? Not that I’ll ever find out. Despite the tension between us, it’s never gone beyond teasing.
I was almost relieved when he asked me to spend time with him today. After our disastrous conversation a few nights ago, I realized I might have been too harsh. I don’t actually know what Kian does for the kingdom. Perhaps I should have asked first instead of judging so harshly.
I blow out a breath while tugging at the hem of my tunic. Even though it covers my rear, I feel almost naked with these formfitting pants on. It’s not as if a stray breeze will fly through the corridor and reveal my figure to anyone in proximity, but I’m still uncomfortable. These are nothing like the loose-fitting clothes I train in at home, but it was the best I could come up with.
My mind wanders back to what Kian said earlier about the lion and the sun god—the deity I might have some relation to. Is he right? Is a god—or even Kyros himself—trying to send me some kind of message? Maybe I should pay closer attention to my dreams . . . but just thinking that will probably make my dreams float away on a breeze and never return.
Kian leads me into the large training arena. The ground consists of softly packed dirt, and the walls are covered in colorful targets of all shapes and sizes. One section of the arena has a ring with mats for hand-to-hand combat. The wall ofweapons is the most breathtaking of all: so many shiny swords and knives and beautiful wooden bow staffs.
Alex is doing some kind of warm-up with one such staff. He’s wearing loose-fitted pants but has removed his shirt. While he isn’t quite as defined as Kian, there is definitely muscle underneath some of the softness, and he’s quite pleasant to look at.
“Kian! Raelyn! Nice of you to finally show up,” he calls out cheekily. His gaze darts behind me, as if looking for someone.
I haven’t seen him since our bonding ceremony, but his warm welcome exudes a sense of familiarity that I don’t hate—as if we’re already friends.
“Hi.” I wave shyly.
“Did you have to take your shirt off, Alex?” Kian groans in mock annoyance. “I don’t need my wife ogling another man.”
Alex laughs, flexing one of his biceps. “Trust me, once your shirt is off, she won’t be looking at me.”
Kian shakes his head as he climbs into the training ring, kicking off his shoes. “Looks like you’ve been keeping up with your training there. Good job.”
I watch them with amusement. I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of exercise needed to achieve their muscle mass.
Sure enough, once Kian removes his shirt, my eyes are drawn to his impressive physique. When my gaze dips to the V leading beneath his pants, I quickly look away, embarrassed at my staring. Alex was right though. He’s a fine specimen of a man. It reallyistoo bad there’s no chance I’ll get to enjoy it.
At the thought of an eternally loveless marriage, my heart sinks. I was a fool for agreeing to this. But he also saved me from a horrible situation, and I wouldn’t want to return to that ever.
Alex sets down his staff, and he and Kian go through some warm-up stretches together. I’m fascinated at their movements and itch to join in, but I’m also stubborn and unsure. I haven’tsparred in months, and while all the cleaning around the manor kept me somewhat in shape, it’s not the same.
“Swords?” Kian asks.
Alex groans. “Okay, fine. But you’re gonna kick my ass.”
“As usual.” Kian winks.
I laugh at their antics and watch in fascination as their swords meet with each strike and parry, their moves fluid like dancing. Longing fills me at thoughts of the training yard back home and all the sessions with my father. I miss my rapier.
At one point, I think Alex just might get the better of Kian until Kian completes a stunning move of agility and flips out of the way just in the nick of time. Within seconds, he has his sword at Alex’s throat, and Alex drops his own in surrender.
I break into applause, and they both turn to gawk at me. I stop clapping and shrug. “Am I not supposed to do that?”
Alex lets out a hearty laugh. “I like her, Ki. You picked a good one.”
I flush at the praise, and Kian gives me a grin. “I hope it hasn’t been too painfully boring for you to stand and watch.”
“It’s actually quite riveting,” I reply.
“Are you sure you don’t want to give it a go?”
“I don’t think I could handle such a large sword.”
Alex almost chokes on a laugh as Kian rolls his eyes. “Better watch out, Rae. Alex is just as bad with innuendo as I am.”
