Aidon inhales mockingly, lifting one brow as his smirk mirrors mine. I can almost smell the arrogance from here.
It was a metaphor,I snap through the bond.I’m using a refreshing potion.
Heat floods me from scalp to toes.
You can stop using the potion,he teases, smug enough to wring.
“Didn’t you hear me yesterday when I said the army is on the move?” Nulok says, elbowing him. “She can’t back down now. Give her a break.”
I jam the diary into my satchel harder than necessary.
“You wouldn’t have second thoughts in a similar situation, Aidon?” Bane asks, flicking a twig into the fire. Sparks pop upward like tiny, furious stars.
My heart swells. He defends me often. Maybe too often.
“I would,” Nulok says with a dimpled grin. “But my blood is too common to evenconsiderbeing in Seleste’s shoes. Yours too, Simon.” He nudges Aidon with his shoulder.
Jestin approaches the circle, hands tucked in his pockets, looking as fresh as he did back in the palace. “It wasn’t too common when you were betting against me that Seleste would vanish her first night in Santorili.” He leans down and plants a kiss on my temple. “Is the shapeshifter bothering you again?”
I nod, unable to hide my grin.
Jestin sinks beside me, drawing me against his chest. His breath warms my ear. “Don’t let the Simon get to you.”
“So will you be fine, darling?” Aidon snickers.
I inhale to answer, but Jestin’s teeth catch my earlobe. “Don’t give him the satisfaction,” he whispers. “He’s only brewing chaos.”
“She responds anyway, Sandbox,” Aidon snaps, glaring at Jestin. “You’re just fortunate enough not to hear it.”
“You can cut the deal and fuck off, for all I know,” I mutter.
Instead of taking offense, Aidon grabs my foot and pulls it into his lap. His thumbs press into my arch. Heat jolts through me. Twins help me—I need to keep from moaning in front of everyone.
“I can finish his existence for you, Majesty,” Riven offers, wings rustling open behind him. Moonlight catches in his ancient, wicked eyes.
Aidon glances at him, brows raised. “Could be fun. You can drop me midair.”
Laughter erupts around the fire.
“I’ll consider it,” I tell Riven sweetly.
Your moon cycle is approaching,Aidon mimics my tone.
Mortification ripples down my spine so hard it shakes my knees.
“Oh, you like it,” Jestin murmurs, tugging gently at my earlobe again.
“Yes,” I admit, leaning into him while holding Aidon’s gaze. He rolls his eyes, but the grin tugging at his mouth betrays him.
I prefer you stop using that potion.he purrs through the bond.I want to inhale that filth.
He knows exactly what he’s doing.
I smirk.Fuck you.
His answering grin is feral.Eventually.
“Seleste, have you decided what you’re going to say?” Nulok cuts in, either rescuing me or ruining the fantasy—hard to tell.
