“Yeah, after you tell him you’re also hitched up to Dusk now, too. Good luck with that.”
“Could you be any more sympathetic?” Layla snapped at her friend now, feeling irate suddenly after such a long and complicated night. “It’s not like any of us understands this magic! I don’t. Hell, you don’t. Dusk doesn’t, but he’s trying. He just spent anentire nighttrying to teach me how to shield so I can protect myself from that goddamn void-shadow King Falliro Arini told us about, for Christ’s sake! And now you’re ripping us both a new one, acting like it was you who was slighted that Dusk and I managed to get ourselves accidentally bound together by some magical resonance we don’t understand! What’s with you? This is my problem, Rikyava, but you’re acting like I just shat in your porridge.”
Rikyava’s pretty lips had fallen open. She stared at Layla, the red in her eyes clearing back to violet. She blinked, and then her eyes filled with tears. Layla stared at her, astounded as tears shed down Rikyava’s austere cheeks. The Guardsmen behind her shifted uneasily and Layla was willing to bet they’d never seen their Captain cry before. With a hard huff, Rikyava flicked her tears away, then squared her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. Forgive me.”
Sympathy filled Layla suddenly. Her heart reached out to her friend and she moved forward, taking up the Guardswoman’s hands. “What’s wrong? What’s going on? Is this really about me and Dusk?”
She thought Rikyava would draw away from her, but after a moment the woman relaxed, letting Layla clasp her hands. “I just… I wish I could Bind the man I want, that’s all. Like you have with Adrian and Dusk.”
“Is it Dusk you want?” Layla asked, hoping to god it wasn’t. She’d never seen the proud Rikyava so dejected, and it worried Layla suddenly that the man she wanted might be the same man Layla had just bound.
But Rikyava only laughed, her gaze flitting embarrassedly to Dusk. “No, gods no! You’re a good lay, Dusk, and a great sparring partner, but my heart lies elsewhere. No offense.”
“None taken.” Dusk moved forward, settling an arm about Rikyava’s shoulders in a kindly way. It was clear they were far more than familiar; they were friends, no matter how Rikyava tried to deny it. And it was also clear that Dusk wasn’t upset with her saying she was in love with someone other than him. “You want to talk? Layla and I were just about to get some breakfast. We’d love for you to join us.”
“We were?” Layla blinked. “I mean… want to come chat about whatever’s bothering you?” More than anything else, Layla wanted sleep – but if her friend was hurting, that took priority. Friends just did, period.
Rikyava opened her lips and it looked like she was about to say yes, when her blonde brows knit. She sighed, then shook her head. “No. You guys go ahead. I need to work it out with the man in question, not anybody else. My problems aren’t going to get solved over coffee and beignets. But you’re both sweet to offer.”
“Hey, our offer stands,” Dusk reiterated, jostling Rikyava about the shoulders. “Anytime; anything you need. We’re here.”
Layla nodded at his words and Rikyava laughed sadly, glancing between the two of them with ruefulness in her eyes. “God! It’s like you’re an old married couple now. I feel this… harmony flowing between you. I’m jealous, really. But it merits the question: what are you going to do about Adrian?”
Dusk and Layla shared a look.
“We don’t know yet.” Layla answered – realizing suddenly that she had answered like an old married couple, usingweinstead ofI.
“I am so going to station extra Guard at all your rooms for a while.” Rikyava shook her head, a ready look in her eyes now. “This feels like it could get ugly, fast. If you didn’t know this second Bind could happen, Dusk, then Adrian’sreallynot going to be expecting it. And we all know he doesn’t take surprises well.”
“I agree with a little extra caution,” Dusk was suddenly in business mode as he turned to Rikyava. “Keep a detail on Adrian, discreetly. I want extra Guards ready at all times if he gets out of hand. Layla’s going to have to break the news to him eventually, or he might scent it out on his own like you did. Either way…”
“Either way, we’re going to have sparks,” Rikyava agreed, back to her usual Guardswoman brusqueness as if her emotional breakdown had never happened. “I’ll spread the news and get back to you later this morning.”
“Not too early. I need to sleep in.” Dusk grimaced and Layla suddenly realized he was tired. She’d never really seen Dusk tired before, and the man never slept in. Layla found herself watching him closely as she realized he’d expended more energy tonight than he was telling. His posture wasn’t quite as upright as usual; his smile was dragging. As Layla watched, a fine tremor shuddered him, and he leaned on the wall rather than stand up straight.
The Crystal Dragon did have limits to his never-ending boisterousness.
“Sure.” Rikyava gave a brief smile, something like sympathy in her violet eyes. Stepping away, she flicked her fingers to her Guardsmen. Lorio and Ben stepped up with smart attention, and Rikyava beckoned for them to follow toward her Captain’s office by the gym. Layla watched them go, and when Dusk motioned her toward the egress of the underground hall, she went.
Moving through a more subdued Guard-hall in the deep hours of the night, they reached the exit and ascended the broad stairs back to the south wing. Dusk was quiet as they moved through the somber halls of the Hotel. He seemed lost in thought and extremely tired as they ascended a broad staircase to the third floor. Turning the bend, he was about to ascend the staircase to the fourth floor when he suddenly stopped.
He glanced at Layla, his hand on the railing. “Would you like to come up?”
Layla paused, realizing he’d just asked if she’d like to come up to his apartment with him. And then she realized something even more strange – that she’d never seen Dusk’s apartment. She’d always assumed he had rooms on the fourth floor, but for all the times they’d had drinks or dinner together, Dusk had always come to her. Layla hesitated, wanting to see how he lived – yet feeling suddenly shy about it.
“For breakfast, or something else?” She murmured, not wanting anyone to hear though the hall was quiet.
“Breakfast,” Dusk spoke with a soft smile. “Maybe a little sleep.”
“Just sleep?” Layla didn’t know why it mattered, but it suddenly did.
“Just sleep.” Dusk spoke gently, though his eyes spoke more.
Layla paused. Her hand strayed to the railing; to him. Wanting to touch him again but fearing it. Dusk saw her hesitation and turned, sliding his hand down the rail to touch her fingers. Their fingertips met and caressed. A soft sigh issued from Dusk’s lips as Layla’s lips opened also – feeling that gold-diamond light ease through them both again.
“I don’t know if I can.” She murmured. “Adrian—”
“I understand.”
