He paused, and his dark brown eyes, rich and warm, sparkled as he looked down at her. ‘Older, more mature, and yet … still gloriously foolish, I would imagine.’ The corners of her mouth twitched, and Aidon cleared his throat, turning back to the building they’d stopped in front of. ‘We’re here.’
Here was a small white temple that faced out to sea on the edge of the cliffs, its stained-glass windows winking in the late-afternoon sun. Aidon led her inside, to where an unassuming pulpit stood against a wall of windows, giving an extraordinary view of the ocean. On either side of the old wooden pews were stained-glass windows, each depicting one of the Nine Divine.
There was Nikatos, god of war, wielding his legendary sword. Next to him was Mora, goddess of fate, her healing glow surrounding her like a veil of light. Then Hepha, goddess of flame, wreathed in fire. Next to her, Velos, god of wind, with his arms out, a fierce gust swirling around him. Then Cero, god of earth, a flower stemming from their palm.
And on the other side of the temple stood Aquine, god of water, a single tear of rain on his face. He was followed by Pathos, god of sensation, his heart visible through his skin. Then Saudra, goddess of persuasion, a coy smile on her lips. And closest to the pulpit was Sage, goddess of wisdom, a crown of scrolls sitting on her head.
The rest of the windows were clear, all except for a small stained-glass square that sat at the top, directly above the altar. It was a deep navy blue save for a burst of bright light that radiated from its center, as if the sun had exploded when it touched the pane.
A homage to Evie.
Aya shivered as she gazed upon the symbol of the saint.
‘This is my favorite place in all of Rinnia,’ Aidon murmured as he wandered toward the front of the temple, his eyes fixed on the sea. ‘It’s quiet. And quaint. Somewhere I can just be. Plus, the view is spectacular.’
‘It’s beautiful,’ she agreed.
Aidon shot her a grin. ‘I know our kingdoms have ourdifferences. But we’re not heathens, you know. We hold the gods in high regard.’
He pursed his lips as he surveyed the interior, his brow furrowing slightly, as if considering his next words. ‘Though I will admit,’ he said slowly, ‘I don’t know of any kingdom that rivals the devotion of yours.’
She hadn’t dared touch her power since the market. But reaching for her persuasion now was second nature. Aya’s skin prickled, a wave of cold coming over her as she pushed her power towards Aidon in the hopes of loosening his tongue further.
‘I do fear our commitment to the gods will be called into question soon enough,’ he added.
Aya’s fingers gripped the back of the pew until her knuckles turned white as she tried to steady herself. Her affinity buckled as it reached the prince, and she let out a shaky breath.
Aya let her power drop, fighting against the cold curling in her gut.
‘How do you mean?’ she managed to say.
Aidon let out a long breath, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. ‘I’ve heard the rumors of what’s unfolding in Kakos. I suspect they’re why the Bellare is starting to cause problems. And though my uncle enjoys our isolation, I think the world will insist on our involvement in these affairs, or elsesomemight think us sympathetic to a darker cause.’ He gave her a pointed look, but his features softened as he scanned her. ‘Are you feeling alright?’
Aya let her eyes close as the room tilted.
‘I think the heat is taking its toll. Do you mind if we return to the palace?’
Aidon was at her side in an instant, his hand warm as it pressed against the small of her back. ‘Of course not. I’ll send for a carriage. Let’s get you some water in the meantime.’
She let herself lean into him as he led her from the temple, a wave of relief swooping through her as she left the gazes of the Divine. She glanced up at him, taking in the lines of his handsome face, his scent – like embers in the sea breeze – settling over her. And as his hand slid from her back to her waist, his arm wrapping around her more fully to steady her, she could easily see why so many flocked to him. Aidon was warm and sturdy and kind.
And while she would do what she needed to gain his trust … there was something about Aidon that was soothing and solid. If the way the townspeople had reacted to the prince was any indication, they felt it too.
It was as if he were the sun, and those around him were simply stretching to be near his light.
27
Will lounged on the magenta couch in Aya’s sitting room, one arm tucked behind his head, his legs draped over the rounded arm. Bags and boxes from various shops littered the floor around him, and he couldn’t help but raise a brow as he surveyed the damage Aya had done.
Clotheswereweapons, he supposed.
His gaze roved to the white ceiling, his mind churning as he stared at nothing.
Less than five hours in this city, and he already wanted to hit something. The meeting with Avis hadn’t helped. He’d tried to hold his tongue, especially given Avis’ daughter, Helene, was in the other room. But Will had more important things to be doing than stroking the egos of fragile councilors.
The Bellare was on the move. That was an interesting development. One he could use to his advantage. If they were already irritating Dominic, he could—
The brisk snap of the door jarred him from his thoughts. Will was on his feet in an instant. Aya paused in the doorway, her face flushed as she took him in, whips of hair stuck to her damp cheeks.
