I can scent it.
Ideally, it’ll hold. At least until after whatever it is Ryc requires out here today. If it doesn’t, Ryc is going to learn I’m not willing towait in the cold rain for him.
“You won’t need your cloak,” Ryc says and I whirl on my toes, catching his gaze as he approaches.
Sans a cloak himself, he approaches and my eyes catch on his face. More of it sits visible, his hair pulled back. It’s rare to see him without it down and I can’t help but stare openly. He stops before me, rolling up the last of his sleeve, and a grin crosses his lips.
Despite the thought-wiping beauty I’m offered, suspicion snakes down my spine.
“The wind is chill,” I retort, confused. “Why would I discard my cloak?”
His smile turns utterly dazzling. “It’ll hinder you, little death,” he answers.
Hinder me?
I open my mouth to argue, but he’s faster to speak.
“Today, we start your sparring lessons,” he announces with a loud clap of his hands and a smirk.
My what?
Sparring?
Absolutely not.
I take a step back, bewildered by his words.
“You’ve evaded your lessons with Cyran for weeks and I’ve said nothing,” he says, stepping forward to match the distance I’d put between us.
As I begin to backpedal, shaking my head, he matches pace, grinning.
“Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” he asks, arching a dark brow.
I never doubted he wouldnotice.My mistake lies in believing he wouldn’tdoanything about it. Now I’m set to reap the reward of my negligence and obstinance.
Damn fae.
“Lilith tells me you wereinterestedin learning about the council today.” The note of surprise in his tone is almost insulting.
Irritation peaks in my chest.
Maybe a full contract with Lilithwasneeded after all.
Though, I should have anticipated it—why wouldn’t she discuss my lessons with Ryc? Even so, it stings a bit like betrayal when itshouldn’t.
“We both know Rowen’s visit changes things,” I reply, managing to keep my tone casual despite my clear backward retreat.
We’ve passed the center of the lawn, and I’m quickly running out of distance before my backside greets the castle curtain wall. If I couldferry, I would have done so at the mention ofsparring. Instead, I’m here, trying to figure out a means to escape Ryc and his teasing smile.
“I need to be ready to face the council,” I add and his grin grows impish.
“Exactly,” he matches my casual tone, planting his hands on his hips as he strolls along. “I will not have myqueenstand before the council unable to defend herself. Today, you start learning,” he says.
I halt in my step.
Queen.
Of course the damn fae would know to appeal to the ego of a demon.
