Zev could feel the irritation rolling off him in waves, but Cassiel had to endure this.
He clenched his teeth as Raiden’s fingers trailed down Dyna’s bare back to her waist. His only place now was to keep watch over her from a distance. The young lord pulled Dyna close, and she smiled at whatever he whispered in her ear.
Fire flared from Cassiel’s hand, making the wine in his goblet boil over. He set it down with a harsh laugh. “The elf wants to die.”
“Wait.” Klyde grabbed his elbow. “You can’t kill him. Need I remind you who he is?”
“Who said I intended to kill him?” Cassiel jerked free. “I am only going tocharhim a little.”
“What’s he going to do?” Klyde asked as they watched Cassiel stride toward Raiden and Dyna.
Zev smirked. “Something stupid.”
CHAPTER 71
Dynalya
Dyna was relieved when Raiden led her away from the dance floor. It was difficult to maintain a smile on her face when her skin stung with every contact of his touch. The bond didn’t like it, and neither did her mate by the heat of his stare on her back.
They reached the King’s table and Raiden pulled out a chair for her. Once seated, he took the seat beside her, scooting his chair closer to hers. “Every beauty here pales in comparison to you tonight. That dress becomes you.”
Dyna flushed beneath his stare. “It’s a lovely dress, thank you…”
He straightened as he looked at something past her. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was. The bond was already thrumming. “Did you need something?” he asked flatly.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Cassiel replied in an even tone. Dyna forced herself not to look up at him. She hadn’t spoken to him since last night, and her lips still tingled with the memory of it. He sat in the other empty chair beside her and asked in a softer tone, “May I speak with you?”
She frowned. “Only if you send no more gifts to my room.”
The servants had brought her a mountain of them.
Cassiel’s mouth hitched on one end as his silver eyes swept over her. “At least you liked one of them.”
Dyna blinked.Hehad sent her the dress. She had assumed Raiden had sent it because they had spoken of it, and the box it arrived in had stood out from the others. Wrapped in silk clothrather than paper.
“As you can see, I am already having a conversation with Lady Dyna.” Raiden leaned his arm across the back of her chair.
Cassiel’s jaw clenched. “No, you’re having a conversation with my queen, and it may be the last one you will ever have.” He took the arm of her chair and slid her to him.
The sudden movement caused Dyna to knock her fork to the floor. She glowered at him and bent to retrieve it.
“Mind yourself, Soaraway. We are in the presence of the King.”
As she straightened up, Dyna noticed Cassiel’s hand covering the corner of the table. Done to protect her head. It inexplicably made her pulse thrum in time with the next song that began to play on a harp.
“It seems I need to remind you, Raiden. You are already in the presence of one.” Taking her hand, Cassiel pulled her to stand. “Pardon us, King Leif,” he announced to the rest of the table, drawing all attention. “We thank you for inviting us to your joyous occasion and may the God of Urn bless the next Heir of Greenwood. Forgive us for not staying longer, but my wife and I must retire early.” He met Raiden’s stare and added, “The journey to Avandia was quite trying.”
“Of course, King Cassiel.” Leif lifted his goblet. “Have a goodnight.”
Drawing Leif’s attention forced Raiden not to interfere as she was led away from the table. Cassiel made his way for the doors. Dyna held her skirts, nearly running to keep up with his quick pace. Her face heated beneath everyone’s stares.
“Cassiel, what are you doing?” she hissed as they entered the hallway. “Where are we going?”
He pulled her into an empty library. The last of the evening light streamed in through the large glass doors that led to a garden. A light drizzle fell outside.
Cassiel stopped a few feet away from her. She could practically see the waves of heat hovering on his silhouette. His fire pressed beneath the surface, warming the room.
“I despise feeling this way…” he said quietly.
