While everything in me wants to claw at him, to kill him for hurting Kai, hurting my friend, it dawns on me that this might be an opportunity to spy. He’s endeared to me—that much is clear. And I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him. But I do want to know what his overnight meeting with the king entailed. And why Jace was involved.
The moment I think his name, he materializes on the other side of the hall. Those trademark golden eyes connect with mine. His face is a mask of quiet fury, glancing between me and the King of Vod.
Envy, I realize.
I force myself to turn back to the dark king.
“It would be my pleasure,” I purr.
He holds out a rippling bare arm, and I slide mine through it, my sharp nails grazing his skin slightly. He mistakes it for an accident, but that doesn’t quell the chill I catch racing up his arm. I nod silently to Mar that all is well. She seems to read my mind, covertly nodding and heading back to our booth. Kylian leads me to the three gilded thrones at the center of the head table. He pulls out an empty chair for me, and I slide in gracefully as he takes his place on the throne beside me.
“I must admit, it’s not often I come across a female so spirited.” The backhanded compliment lands softly, and I return it with a sweet smile. “Color me intrigued.”
“Me, spirited? I have no idea what you’re referring to, my King.”
He chuckles lightly.
“I witnessed your bravery last night in the maze. Such heroics in the face of death.”
How long had he been standing there? How much did he see?
“Most females would see a threat and run, but instead, you ran toward it. Even lesser males would have cowered. But not you.”
I want to slap him just for the littlefemalescomment, though I truly believe he thinks he’s paying me a compliment, the ignorant bastard.
“I’m not most females.” I shrug indifferently.
“That much is clear.” His eyes dance.
“Anyone would have done the same to help their friends.” I smile up at him demurely, lowering my eyes and bringing them up again to peek through my thick lashes.
“I don’t think they would.” He angles his upper body toward me and leans in, half-caging me in with his impressive arms.
“I can’t help but feel responsible.” He sighs. I fix my eyes on him. “The attack happened at an event meant to celebrate my arrival. You were only in that maze because of the Hunt. The moment we realized something was wrong, King Derek and I rushed to get there. I only wish we could have made it sooner. Though by the time we arrived, it appeared you had the situation quite in hand.”
His eyes roam over my chest and legs, not bothering to be subtle. “Beautiful and lethal.” He tips his head back, taking a slow sip of wine.
A trumpet sounds, and the guests begin filling in the empty spaces at the endless sea of tables.
“I have many talents,” I say. “Did you uncover anything more about the attack in your search?”
“Unfortunately, not. But thankfully, it was contained to the maze. Where those creatures came from and what they wanted remains a mystery.”
I figured as much.
“Don’t be worried.” He reaches out, concern coating his features as his finger grazes my chin. “King Derek has doubled security around the castle and adjusted the wards. There will be no repeat of last night.”
If I wasn’t already convinced of what a bastard he was, I would read his words as caring—empathetic. But I don’t think there’s a heart in there capable of any such emotion. So I lean into his touch ever so slightly, giving his ego the desired stroke and painting me as the damsel rather than the powerful Blackblood capable of inflicting dragon fire on his sorry ass.
“Tell me, my King—” I offer up a coy smirk, treading carefully. “What brings you all the way to Aegar?”
His poker face remains perfectly intact. If he’s surprised by my sudden interest in him, he doesn’t show it.
“It has been many years since I’ve seen my mother. I was due for a visit. I must admit, however, that I do have ulterior motives.” He lowers his stunning eyes before flashing them back up to mine.
“Such as?” I say lightly, hoping he drops a major bomb at the mere sight of my batting lashes.
“Such as finding a wife.”
