“Hm.” Though she sat next to him, Syla looked thoughtfully around the cave again. “I may have been sent to spy. Do you think it believes I should find the shielder components? There weren’t instructions, so I’m not sure.”
“What isit?” Vorik scratched his jaw. She wouldn’t refer to Wreylith that way.
Syla hesitated. Were they, even in their dreams, to be evasive with each other and avoid answering questions? He supposed he should be wary about giving her information about the components, but it wouldn’t truly matter, would it? Not if he was dreaming. It wasn’t as if she, halfway across the Sea of Storms, could be having the same dream.
“I shouldn’t tell you,” she said.
“No? I’m curious.”
“I have no doubt.”
“I could reward you.” Vorik waggled his eyebrows and gave her chest a leer. Too badshehadn’t come to him without a top on. Though that might have made matters worse since they couldn’t touch. How disappointing would it be to have her here—toseemto have her here—and only be able to touch himself? That, he supposed, was also something one shouldn’t do in front of royalty.
Wistfulness crept into her eyes. “Without touching?”
“It would have to be a promise to do so the next time we meet.” Vorik gave her a sultry, half-lidded look. “Like in the wheelhouse.”
“That was amazing.”
“Good.”
“So amazing that I forgot the crew was standing outside and your dragon’s belly was visible through the hole.”
“I enjoy thoroughly distracting women with my abilities. Especially one woman.” He lifted his hand, wanting to trace his fingers along her jaw, and then trail them lower, but again found her incorporeal. He sighed.
“Do you think we’ll meet again soon?”
Vorik opened his mouth, but this timehepaused. Was she asking because she longed to see him and be with him? Or because she hoped to learn about his next mission? In case thiswasmore than a dream, he dared not share any intelligence with her.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think our paths will cross again soon. You’re on Castle Island, right? I can’t visit you there.” Technically, he could swim or kayak through the barrier and reach the castle. After all, that was what he would have to do at Bogberry Island to implement the kidnapping. A brief fantasy of visitingherisland first came to him, but he doubted he could sneak past all the troops defending her castle to reach her suite. Even if he had the skill to avoid human detection, Wreylith might be perched on her roof, and she would sense him.
“I am. It’s where queens belong, I’m told. At least by Sergeant Fel. There are those who would appreciate the opportunities presented by me traveling.” A furrow creased her brow.
“Queens should be able to go wherever they wish,” Vorik said before realizing what kind ofopportunitiesshe might be referring to.
“You’d think, but there are assassins about, and your Captain Lesva is out there too.”
“Have you encountered her?”
“Earlier this evening, yes.”
Vorik blinked. “On Castle Island?”
“Above it. I went with Wreylith on a hunt.”
“A hunt outside your shield?”
“Hm.”
“Were you spying on our troops on Harvest Island?” Vorik guessed.
“Maybe a little. From a distance.” Syla shrugged without apology, as if to say it was her duty.
And it was. He couldn’t blame her.
“I’m trying to help my people,” she whispered, then drew her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and gazed toward the mouth of the cave and the night sky beyond it.
She looked cold. Or maybe… vulnerable. Having assassins—and Captain Lesva—waiting for an opportunity to kill her couldn’t leave her resting easily.
