Whereas I could not. And the more time I spent with my husband, especially when he was the way he’d been last night ... I suspected that my feelings grew with every encounter.
But I still wasn’t sure whether those feelings were reciprocated. “I wouldn’t even know how to go about any of this even if I could act on it.”
“I’m probably the last person you should ask. I’m obviously no good at it, either. You have a bunch of virgins leading other virginsand none of us know what we’re doing,” she said, and I nodded. She wasn’t wrong.
We rode in silence the rest of the way while I considered everything she had said. Was that why Xander had been so playful last night? Because he sensed that my feelings had changed, that I cared about him? Was he responding to it? He had been so caring and supportive and helpful, and I needed him cold. I needed him angry and distant, putting walls between us.
When we arrived at the house, Thrax opened the door with a smile as we tied up our horses.
“We weren’t expecting visitors,” he said. I hadn’t told Xander I was coming here, even though he’d been right next door in our room. I wasn’t ready to face him yet.
“I hope it’s all right that we’re here,” I said.
“Of course! Come in.” He ushered us inside.
“How is Quynh?” I asked.
Another grin. “Loved, adored, and being treated like the princess that she is.”
“Good.”
“I’m assuming that you plan on questioning your prisoner?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“Then I’ll need your weapons before you go upstairs.” I set down the vase I’d brought and took off my weapons. As I handed them over, he said, “The last time I asked for your weapons, I thought you were going to stab me.”
That was when Xander and I’d had our marriage negotiations.
“I did consider it,” I told him, and he laughed as he took my xiphos and put it on the table.
He turned toward Zalira with an outstretched hand.
“I’m going to stay down here, if that’s all right,” she said.
“Perfect. Maybe you can tell me the secret to winning Lia over.”
“Be the crown prince of Ilion,” she said and then laughed, while he joined in. I hoped my cheeks weren’t turning red out of embarrassment.Thrax offered her a seat and I picked up the vase and headed upstairs, steeling myself for what I was about to do.
Dolion was keeping guard outside the top door. “Lia!”
“How are you?” I asked.
“A little bored,” he admitted with a smile. “But I’m happy to see you.”
“I’m glad to see you, too.” I nodded toward the door. “Is it all right if I go in?”
“Yes. What have you brought?”
“It’s water from the temple. Lysimache said she prefers the taste and I thought it might get her to open up.” Iknewit was going to get her to open up.
He quickly looked in the vase and then nodded. “Be careful. I’m here if you need any help.”
“I’ll be fine,” I said.
Dolion opened the door and I readied myself and went inside to face Lysimache.
Chapter Fifteen
