In reply, Jestin’s tornado tightens into sharp knives. He twists his hand, focusing as the swirling sand melts and reshapes, turning molten grains into a shimmering glass.
Oh no.
Is he right?Aidon tilts his chin at me, leaning comfortably on the log as he watches them shred me to pieces.
I want to leave and avoid that clusterfuck, but the earlier promise to do better rings in my head, so I suffocate my cowardice with a pillow and join the fun.
The beautiful smile on Aidon’s face only strengthens my resolve. His approval makes me all tingly inside.
I know, pathetic.
“Actually, I was too absorbed with the new collection of Madam Narose. She was creating my perfect debut dress,” I say as I enter the campsite.
Not bad.Aidon’s mouth curves on one side, while the others jerk their heads in my direction. Horror on their faces makes me feel a little better about the whole ordeal.
“Feeling remorseful?” I smirk, navigating between the bedrolls.
Rationally, I knew they had opinions about what happened that day; they only chose not to voice them. I was content to never broach the subject. Apparently, it’s too late now.
“Sels, we were just talking.” Jestin waves, and with one swift movement, the glass falls to the ground, transforming back into its original form. Riven simply bows his head, avoiding eyecontact while Nulok and Bane step behind them, their weapons no longer on display.
What a mess.
“My Lady…”
I cut Riven off with a gesture before he could spill an excuse. “If you have any questions, I will consider answering them.”
Jestin opens his mouth, but I raise my hand higher. “If not, I don’t appreciate you talking without me, on my behalf. You wouldn’t like it if I did. I am no different in that department.”
They bow, avoiding eye contact, as I walk and ignore their sour faces, and sit next to Aidon. I snuggle into his side, immediately relaxed by his strong smell, yet the sheer smugness on his face makes me regret it.
Deciding to move past it, I open my mouth to share the earlier experience, but Jestin doesn’t let it go.
He walks straight to us, towering mere inches before my knees. “Don’t lie. You wouldn’t answer anyway; you shut down after that day.”
The cold panic settles within me. I don’t know if it’s from the hovering presence or the rightfully aimed accusation. “I tried talking to you millions of times, but you wouldn’t let me in.”
“You weren’t there; you wouldn’t understand.” The reply is meek, and I am pissed at myself for it.
Jestin’s face is filled with so much raw emotion that I nearly panic, and only the soothing circles Aidon draws on my arms keep me grounded.
“Try me…!” Jestin’s shouts echo across the open space. The crack in his perfect composure is so unusual. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this: hair tousled, storm raging in him, desperation written across his face. What’s wrong with him? He always gives me space and never pushes me.
“What is the point?” I ask at the same time as Aidon says. “He has a point.”
The General hisses, “Take five,” and strides towards us, wings flaring, lunging to seize Jestin with authority.
Jestin ducks, sliding sideways with a speed I didn’t expect from a Sand Lord who mostly parties for a living. Then he flicks his hand, and the sand beneath Riven’s feet vanishes.
Instead of falling on his ass, the General snaps his wings open and stays suspended in the air above the hole.
“NOW.” He stares Jestin down with such authority that I have to fight the urge to stand and obey too.
My submissive little Queen, smirks Aidon in my head.
High Queen.I level a glare at him, which makes him raise a brow.
Oh, I can even imagine it. You will command Rhodria, and I will be under your clothes, as, for example, a mouse. Nipping you, licking you. None will know you have your… me in your undergarments.
