Daegel likes to wake at four in the morning. He drinks his tea while reading a passage from one of his war strategy books, and then goes to meditate in his back gardens. After, he practices the essential drills.
I should arrive at his place in time for him to be done with his meditation.
It’s a risk, me sneaking around Vera’s back to go and meet Daegel. Even with me living in her studio, I’m sure she has eyes on me. Even the Taaslord may have eyes on me. That’s why I’m careful as I weave my way through the city.
But me and Daegel, we need to have a serious fucking conversation. It cannot wait.
I watch my back, to see if anyone follows me. A couple of times I notice shadows falling from the roofs. I don’t look up, trying not to show that I notice the spies that trail after me.
It takes me a while, but I finally lose my tail somewhere in the middle of Kozem.
Once I know I’m free, I rush through the city to Daegel’s estate in Yursus. Of course, I avoid going in through the main gates and scale the wall at the back of his estate.
As I sit on top of the stone wall, I pause.
I can’t believe how much has changed in a couple of weeks. Roman’s death during that cursed mission was just the start of an avalanche.
I sigh, roll my shoulders, crack my neck, and jump off the fence into Daegel’s back gardens. My feet are quiet as I navigate my way towards his meditation garden tucked on the side of his estate, right on the edge of a plum orchard.
My steps halt when his naked back emerges in front of me. He sits with his legs crossed under him, only in his loose silk pants. Even in the dim light of the early morning, the strong muscles in his back are visible. The ink that covers his tan skin offers a mesmerizing sight.
I stand there, hidden behind leaves and branches, for a while, just watching him meditate. I can’t see his face, but I don’t have to. I have watched him in this place, meditating, for many mornings. When I close my eyes, the image of his calm face, eyes closed, emerges at the front.
His husky voice startles me. “How long do you plan on standing there?”
I emerge from my cover and enter his meditation garden. Gravel crunches under my feet as I circle him. His eyes are open, looking up at me as I come to stand in front of him.
Pain rips my chest in half, but I bite the inside of my cheek and don’t let it show.
“I can feel your presence, the signature warmth of your body, the way your heart beats just for me. I can smell your delicious scent from a mile away.” His words are a gentle caress.
I swallow, but don’t reply. I don’t trust my voice yet.
“Did you come here to fight or to talk?” He arches an eyebrow. “I’m tired of fighting you, Phoenix.”
“You say it as if I’m the cause of all of our arguments. As if it’s all my fault,” I say, trying hard not to sound accusing. But failing. I pause, sigh. Then add, “I didn’t come here to fight you. I want to talk.”
Graciously, he rises to his feet. “Then, let’s talk, princess. I would offer you some tea, but I know you hate it.”
“I would not say no to a cup of coffee.”
He jerks his chin for me to go inside. I follow him into his house, and we head straight to his lounge where his most loyal maid awaits. He asks her to bring a cup of coffee for me and a fresh pot of jasmine tea for him.
Once she excuses herself, Daegel’s gaze settles on me. It’s hard to keep my eyes on his face and not let them roam his sculpted body. One thing hasn’t changed, no matter how conflicted I feel about him.
The attraction between us is hard to bear. It’s sizzling, all-consuming. My body sings for him with longing. I miss the feel of his skin against mine, the safety of his strong arms wrapping tight around me.
I can see the same longing reflect in his hot-as-coal eyes.
He breaks the silence first. “So…Vera D’Argent is truly your patron. Are you ready to be her puppet, to do her bidding?”
“She’s not like that. And it’s bold coming from you, one willing to do Caligos’s dirty bidding without a second thought,” I say, flatly.
He smirks. “When did you become such a moral compass, princess?”
I lean forward in my seat, bracing my forearms on my thighs. “You know, one thing I found extremely attractive about you was your ambition. I was so fascinated with your standing with Ezkai at such a young age.” I shake my head. “It’s not about morality,or what’s right or wrong. It’s about having a path to follow, and integrity.”
The maid returns with a tray of drinks. She hands me the coffee and pours Daegel some tea before setting the pot on the coffee table between us and excusing herself.
